I am looking to buy a small belt/disc sander for my shop.It would be nice to build my own bit I no longer have the shop size, space or tools to do that. I have looked at a couple 1" x 30" belt size machines but would like some insight on real use from the folks on here that may have some experience with them. I also (typical) don't want to spend a fortune. Thanks for any input.
-
Welcome back Guest! Did you know you can mentor other members here at H-M? If not, please check out our Relaunch of Hobby Machinist Mentoring Program!
Small belt/disc sanders
- Thread starter RWanke
- Start date
I would take a look at this one. It is a 2 X 42, not a 1", but I KNOW this grinder will do well as a light duty all around shop belt sander if you use ceramic belts on it. I've ground lathe tools, chisels for SDS guns, a few knives, wood and mild steel for fabrication and it works well. It is a bit wimpy with its 1/3HP motor but the ceramic belts turn it into a useful tool.
The good thing about this thing is that you can replace the junk mild steel platen with a piece on angle iron overlaid with a flat steel platen, then epoxy on a Pyroceram platen liner on it. THAT platen will stay dead flat for a decade or more of hard use. What is even better is that the platen will be rock solid and will not move; this is important for tool grinding or when doing general work that requires some precision. Every 1" belt sander I've seen has a flexible platen that just won't do for any serious grinding. My suggestion is that you avoid them.
The other good thing about this grinder is that it is simple to make a good tool rest, provided you can weld. If you intend to grind tools on this thing then a good rest is essential. If you just need to do general shop grinding then the stock table will do but know that it made from cast aluminum and will drag and catch when you grind steel. It is fine for wood, though. You are far better off making a good table from steel and make sure it is adjustable for angles and you'll be good to go.
Lots of other options that all cost more money. Heck, this grinder used to sell at Sears in a 1/2HP version for just $100 but they are no longer available. You might find one used on CL if you're lucky.
The good thing about this thing is that you can replace the junk mild steel platen with a piece on angle iron overlaid with a flat steel platen, then epoxy on a Pyroceram platen liner on it. THAT platen will stay dead flat for a decade or more of hard use. What is even better is that the platen will be rock solid and will not move; this is important for tool grinding or when doing general work that requires some precision. Every 1" belt sander I've seen has a flexible platen that just won't do for any serious grinding. My suggestion is that you avoid them.
The other good thing about this grinder is that it is simple to make a good tool rest, provided you can weld. If you intend to grind tools on this thing then a good rest is essential. If you just need to do general shop grinding then the stock table will do but know that it made from cast aluminum and will drag and catch when you grind steel. It is fine for wood, though. You are far better off making a good table from steel and make sure it is adjustable for angles and you'll be good to go.
Lots of other options that all cost more money. Heck, this grinder used to sell at Sears in a 1/2HP version for just $100 but they are no longer available. You might find one used on CL if you're lucky.
My first 1x30 belt/5" disk sander was a Delta that I bought used. Never really got to like disk sanders, so I turned a hub for a 6x1x1 Scotchbrite wheel.
Since then, I've gone for the 1x42 belt size. Back when I had two shops, I had the Craftsman in Oregon and the Delta in Arizona. Now I have both in my one large shop. As with the 1x30, I replaced the disks with a Scotchbrite wheels. Of the two sanders, the Craftsman has a better platen, but the more open nature of the belt on the Delta makes it easier to get into small features like slots, etc.
The Scotchbrite wheels may well be the most used tools in my shop - just about every mill, lathe or bandsawed part gets its edges smoothed on the wheel.
Since then, I've gone for the 1x42 belt size. Back when I had two shops, I had the Craftsman in Oregon and the Delta in Arizona. Now I have both in my one large shop. As with the 1x30, I replaced the disks with a Scotchbrite wheels. Of the two sanders, the Craftsman has a better platen, but the more open nature of the belt on the Delta makes it easier to get into small features like slots, etc.
The Scotchbrite wheels may well be the most used tools in my shop - just about every mill, lathe or bandsawed part gets its edges smoothed on the wheel.
I suppose it depends on what uses you need it for.
I had this HF belt/disc sander. Typical HF quality but served me well (after I recrowned the rollers) & was decent for how much I paid for it (on sale + 20% coupon). I ended up giving it to my brother.
www.harborfreight.com
These are my current 2 belt/disc sanders, use them for different things. I use the disc on the Jet more than the Rikon but I do use the disc on the Rikon too for really small stuff, it's just the table is not that good. The Jet has cast iron tables, the Rikon table is just rough cast aluminum. But that's fine, keeps the weight down as I store it away when not needed.
I had this HF belt/disc sander. Typical HF quality but served me well (after I recrowned the rollers) & was decent for how much I paid for it (on sale + 20% coupon). I ended up giving it to my brother.
Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977
Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!
These are my current 2 belt/disc sanders, use them for different things. I use the disc on the Jet more than the Rikon but I do use the disc on the Rikon too for really small stuff, it's just the table is not that good. The Jet has cast iron tables, the Rikon table is just rough cast aluminum. But that's fine, keeps the weight down as I store it away when not needed.
Thanks! They're ABS drain pipe fittings. Love working with that stuff! It's easy to cut.
Yes. Both "tables" are actually hollow boxes, with various passages and/or homemade dust gates, eventually leading to a shop vac underneath. I use DPDT switches to turn on the sander (or grinder) and the shop vac at the same time. Concerned that sparks, especially from the grinder sharing the wood top table, could cause a fire, I've lined the plenum there with used (thin aluminum) printing plates. The Delta is on a metal cart.
Took a gamble on the Palmgren you recommended. So far so good. I believe it is going to work out for what I want. I used it today to grind my first HSS threading tool and a RH turning tool, then proceeded to cut a plug gauge to build my next project, a ER-40 collet chuck for my South Bend lathe. The motor did seem to get pretty warm while grinding these 5/16" bits. Hopefully it will hold up. Had no problems with tracking, etc. Adjusted the table angle and fired it up right out of the box.
Thanks for the suggestion.