Hi Joe
I used the Grizzly one below because it was a Enclosed type and it would be working in dust cabinet so to speak,the dust box is just about a 1 1/2 " from the motor,and I rate motors by the amps. they pull that tells me a lot about the motor.
I have a had good luck with Grizzly motors in the pass.
I'm not sure about HF motors I have not used one >.
* Type: Enclosed
* Size: 1/2 HP
* RPM: 1725
* AMPS @ 110V / 220V: 8.8 / 4.4
Full 1 Year Warranty!
http://www.grizzly.com/products/G2528
The sander is working great
, I was going to fire up the joint and the planer and I said OK lets see what this thing can do , Works great for both jobs.
I need to spend more time with it to keep out the snipe out on the end when I come off of it, like most tools, time,time,time with the tool.
JOE just a note ,,, the kit will come with 2 pulleys both are 1/2" I.D. so you will need to get a 5/8" I.D. one for the motor you should get a 2" OD one.
Bj