On 28/07/2025 22:36, David Paste wrote:
I have lately been doing woodworking projects and have been using a
hand-held mains powered belt sander mounted in a Workmate, an old B&D
one with a now uncommon belt size for the sanding. It worked OK but I
only have 80 grit belts and they snap quite easily.
That might be a reflection of your old belts rather than belts in
general. I have a few machines that use sanding belts and have never had
one snap - I usually find them very robust.
I went to Machine Mart today and there is a combination belt and disc
sander, 4 inch wide belt and 6 inch disc sander which looked tempting
however it might be a bit small in the long run.
I have something similar, and yes it can be very useful fore some jobs.
Most will also allow the belt section to be rotated into a vertical
position which is handy for many sanding an grinding operations.
However much will depend on the work you are doing.
But after having a think this evening, I am not sure if having both is necessary. A 12 inch disc sander would probably do me, and the disc
doesn't have the issue of a join as a belt does, which knowing my luck
will be the thing that necessitates belt changes way before the belt is
worn out otherwise.
A belt will tend to have a long path round the belt than most parts of
the disc. With either you need to take care not to wear just one section
of the media.
However, a wide belt sander (6 inches wide) would also probably be
enough in terms of sanding capcity, especially if it could be adjusted
to run vertically downwards.
I have more experience with disc sanders so am leaning that way, but
what would I be missing from a belt sander?
Belt sander had consistent speed across the width of the belt. It also
tends to give you a longer flat surface to sand on - so better for
longer stock.
All thoughts appreciated, Thanks.
Handy machines - larger is usually better - I am sure I would love a big industrial 12 or 16" disc sander (if I had the space for it), but in
reality I use my handheld Random Orbit Sander more than any other, so
the fixed machine is more of a luxury for me.
--
Cheers,
John.
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