Belt sander recommendations

[David CambridgeParticipant @davidcambridge45658]

Belt sander recommendations

[David CambridgeParticipant @davidcambridge45658]

Afternoon All

My belt sanderlinisher, which is one of the small table top mounted wood working models is on its way out. I really like it, it’s not particularly aggressive but it suits my needs primarily because it’s compact and easy to stow away when I’m not using it (space is a premium). Unfortunately, when the manual says it’s not suitable for ferrous metal they mean it. The failure mode being a motor full of steel dust. For now I’ve been able to fix it but I doubt it will last much longer.

I’d like to replace it with something of similar size and weight, but something intended for steel. I’m not interested in modifying the machine as a major project, so I’m looking to replace it with something suitable for the job in hand. My use is occasional and relatively light work on mild steel.

I’d be really grateful if anyone has any recommendations.

David

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Give us a few more clues.

No profile, so no location.

‘Small table top’ can be rather subjective.

Width of belt you are looking for?

So what is the current size and weight?

New or second hand?

Might be other relevant specifications.

[Gordon AParticipant @gordona]

Have a look on Youtube for DIY belt sanders. There are some very resourceful people out there.

[Robin GrahamParticipant @robingraham42208]

I have a Sorby Pro Edge. These machines are designed primarily for sharpening woodworking tools, but mine also gets used for such things removing machining marks from small parts and grinding lathe tools as well as sharpening knives &c. Disadvantages are the small size (2" wide belt ) and price ( around 275 GBP – maybe a bit spendy for occasional use), but it's a very nice machine – build quality is in a different league from DIY type sanders and of course the belt speed is appropriate for steel.

Robin

 

Edited By Robin Graham on 16/06/2019 22:12:11

[David CambridgeParticipant @davidcambridge45658]

"Not done in yet" – good point. Belt size is 100 mm x 915 mm, motor power is about 400 W, machine weight is about 20 kg. I'd be looking to buy new in the UK. I chose not to mention the name of the machine because there is nothing wrong with it – the failure is my own fault so it's not fair to bad mouth it. (The machine is very common, and it looks like lots of people sell it rebadged to various brands)

Also a good point about a D.I.Y version, but I've enough projects on the go so I don't want to divert.

Thanks again,

David

[VicParticipant @vic]

Apart from the aforementioned Sorby Pro Edge most of the machines I've seen seem to be aimed at woodworkers. I’ve got a 150×1220 belt and disc sander from Record Power that I’ve managed to keep going but I can’t really recommend it. Lots of easy to break monkey metal parts and a truly dreadful rest for the belt sander side of it. Mine is quite heavily modified and works well enough though after replacing some of the zinc castings with proper metal parts. Wander over to the Axminster site and have a look, they have some interesting belt sanders over there.

[IanHParticipant @ianh]

I have a device currently marketed by Multitool Products which is a bolt-on to a conventional bench grinder. I have had this for donkey’s years and it continues to give excellent service. Have a look at Multitoolproducts.com

ian

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