Machine mart 6" x 4" machine is very good but the dust extraction system is useless, now mine is out of warranty I shall rebuild it so that there is a separate outlet for the disc and another for the belt, I use a flexible hoover cleaner hose to connect to the outlet in use at the time, this system worked admirably on my previous machine until it died and I had to get a new one.

Can't recommend the 4" belt & 6" disk type with the motor neatly enclosed in the base. As Richard says the dust extraction system isn't up to the job and eventually fine dust builds up sufficiently inside the motor to damage it. First sign is poor starting where the motor runs for a few moments then stops. Usually takes the RCD down at the same time. Will apparently run OK on second or third try but motor will already be damaged beyond repair. Progresses to the point of only running for a few minutes at time and, finally needs bit of help to get it going before it pops.

Went through 3 motors in maybe 15 years on my Draper version, same thing as Clarke but different badge and minor details, before giving up and getting a decent RHJ Morrisflex vertical 6" wide belt one on a proper vacuum base. Silly expensive even at the bargain price I got it for but lightyears better performance than the affordable imports. As is so often the case the affordable models are made a little too cheaply and simply don't work very well. Maybe £20 on the price to cover a bit more engineering would make for an adequate tool. In retrospect my lightly reworked Picador belt sander was three times the tool that the Draper belt and disk one was. The Picador was designed down to a dirt cheap price but solid, uber simple, basics left just enough room for improvement. But I thought I needed the disk. Yeah, like about 1 1/2 times a year.

If I were to get an import I'd go for one with an external sealed motor. Dust collection will be even more rubbish but the motor should survive. When you finally get fed up with lacklustre abrasive performance and the belt running off line at every opportunity, all the ones of that type I've seen are capable of being re-worked into something halfway decent.

Do get good belts and don't try the "12 for the price of 4" bargain multi pack offers unless you are going to go through lots of belts. Lower end ones don't seem to last more than a couple of years in store before becoming very prone to wear and easy tear.

Clive

I'd suggest the type of belt sander/disc sander that fits on a standard bench grinder.

Ian S C

If you decide to go for the belt only type then I can recommend this one:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-trade-series-bs648-belt-sander-501212

I have had one for several years and am happy with it. A modest amount of re-working was needed to get it running to my satisfaction.

I must say that at its present price it seems expensive, however.

Interesting to hear that other folk have had reliable long term results from the motor in an enclosed base type. Pity there is no way of finding out how my usage, which seriously impacted motor life, differed from theirs. I'm known for not abusing my tools but do expect them to do what it says on the tin.

Always felt that these are primarily designed as woodworkers machines so regular clean out when used with metal is probably a good idea. The spring loaded roller tensioner is great for rapid belt changes but I don't think it gives sufficient belt tension control for metalwork. The shading belt on my Morrisflex runs consistently flat over the platen, presumably due to the rigid screw adjustment system, whilst that on the Draper was prone to hump and lift under load. Especially with an ageing belt.

Clive.

Hi John, congratulations on a very well written and illustrated report on the Warco BDS460 belt and disc sander, well worth reading for anyone contemplating a purchase of such machine.

Emgee

I don’t think I’ve seen any well designed belt and disc sanders. I’ve got the Record BDS250 (10” disc, 6” belt) and I’ve had to replace a number of parts that broke due to poor material choice by Record. It’s working fine now though and it’s been heavily modified for tool sharpening. They had a similar sized Axminster belt and disc sander where I used to work and changing belts on it was a nightmare with over a dozen bolts needing to be removed.

The best belts to use on these machines are the butt joined ones, they don’t “jump” like the scarfed joint ones.

I also found out by accident (eBay purchase) that the best discs to use are the plastic backed ones. These are much easier to remove and leave little or no residue like the paper backed ones.