1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
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1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
I'm in the process of equipping my shop and thought I would drop a note to you folks a bit more experienced than me.
I'm looking for a bench mounted sander - something like the [link=http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11470]Delta SA180[/link]. The 4" models seem more like just a stationary belt sander, which may be a bit too wide for working with airplane components. I'm looking for a sander that has both the disc and belt. Anyone use one of these regularly in their builds?
I'm looking for a bench mounted sander - something like the [link=http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11470]Delta SA180[/link]. The 4" models seem more like just a stationary belt sander, which may be a bit too wide for working with airplane components. I'm looking for a sander that has both the disc and belt. Anyone use one of these regularly in their builds?
#2
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
I have a Dremel model with a vertical 1" belt and 4" disc which I use almost daily. I also have a rectangular palm sander which I use a lot.
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
I use a Craftsman with the 6" disc and a 4" belt. I previously had the 1" belt, but much prefer the 4" belt. And get one you can hook a shop vac to. You will be glad you did.
Here is one very similar to what I use: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&sName=Sanders
Here is one very similar to what I use: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&sName=Sanders
#7
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
I happen to have both in my shop, a 1" dremel with a 4" disk and a Craftmans 4" with a 6" disk. I perfer the big belt for working with plywood and for surfacing large parts. I perfer the 1" for balsa and smaller harder to reach areas. Both have adavatages and disadavatages and for this reason I keep both. Its like table saws I also have a 4" Dremel and a 8"
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
I have an old Dremel 5" disc / 1" belt sander. I have found that I hardly ever use the belt sander. The disc sander I use all the time. In fact I removed the belt because without it, the Dremel is very quiet. Recently I bought a 12" disc sander and I consider it one of my best workshop investments. Because I mainly build from plans or from scratch it is in almost constant use during building sessions.
#9
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
I have a 12" disc but just haven't set it up yet. Haven't needed it. I also have a 3" x 21" belt sander I can clamp to the top of my workbench for really BIG jobs.
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
ORIGINAL: TLH101
I use a Craftsman with the 6" disc and a 4" belt. I previously had the 1" belt, but much prefer the 4" belt. And get one you can hook a shop vac to. You will be glad you did.
Here is one very similar to what I use: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&sName=Sanders
I use a Craftsman with the 6" disc and a 4" belt. I previously had the 1" belt, but much prefer the 4" belt. And get one you can hook a shop vac to. You will be glad you did.
Here is one very similar to what I use: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&sName=Sanders
#11
RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
I had both the 4" belt, and the 1" belt sanders. I found that I never used the 4" version, so I got rid of it, and now use the 1" vertical belt and 8" disk sander. The 1" belt lets you do a lot more detail work than you can do with the 4" version, and for really eating up the wood, the 8" disk can't be beat.
Bill, AMA 4720
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Bill, AMA 4720
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
The Delta Shopmaster Model SA180 has a 1" belt and 8" disk on the side. It is all cast iron construction. Very sturdy and heavy enough that you can really bear down against the belt/disk without much fear of moving the unit. Cost the last time I checked was about $100. I think we got it at Home Depot. Delta also makes a similar model with aluminum construction. Not as sturdy, but definitely lighter. I have access to a 4" belt sander, but seldom use it. It's too big.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
#13
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
A heavy tool is good, it doesn't shift around on an unsecured mount. However, you shouldn't have to "really bear down" on a piece of work. You sould pick your tool and grit to let the sandpaper do the work.
Dr.1
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
Great input - thanks everyone for your posts. I really appreciate everyone offering their views and experiences. I'm leaning towards the 1" Delta, as several folks have mentioned, it is in the $100 range at Lowes/Home Depot. I believe that unit also has a dust collection port.
2nd question - how often do you find yourself changing your belts / discs? Is this a monthly maintenance thing, or do you find that a new belt/disc will last for a full build?
2nd question - how often do you find yourself changing your belts / discs? Is this a monthly maintenance thing, or do you find that a new belt/disc will last for a full build?
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
I have used this one from Harbor Freight Tools for several years. It works well.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34951
They also have another version, a little cheaper, without the disk sander. I had that one, first, but it died from a bad switch after about 6-7 mos. Don't buy that one. These things get switched on and off a lot.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34951
They also have another version, a little cheaper, without the disk sander. I had that one, first, but it died from a bad switch after about 6-7 mos. Don't buy that one. These things get switched on and off a lot.
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
ORIGINAL: Appfan
2nd question - how often do you find yourself changing your belts / discs? Is this a monthly maintenance thing, or do you find that a new belt/disc will last for a full build?
2nd question - how often do you find yourself changing your belts / discs? Is this a monthly maintenance thing, or do you find that a new belt/disc will last for a full build?
#18
RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
ORIGINAL: Appfan
Great input - thanks everyone for your posts. I really appreciate everyone offering their views and experiences. I'm leaning towards the 1" Delta, as several folks have mentioned, it is in the $100 range at Lowes/Home Depot. I believe that unit also has a dust collection port.
2nd question - how often do you find yourself changing your belts / discs? Is this a monthly maintenance thing, or do you find that a new belt/disc will last for a full build?
Great input - thanks everyone for your posts. I really appreciate everyone offering their views and experiences. I'm leaning towards the 1" Delta, as several folks have mentioned, it is in the $100 range at Lowes/Home Depot. I believe that unit also has a dust collection port.
2nd question - how often do you find yourself changing your belts / discs? Is this a monthly maintenance thing, or do you find that a new belt/disc will last for a full build?
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
Thanks again for all the responses. Now I just need a good Christmas sale at either the "Blue" or "Orange" home improvement stores.....
Cheers!
Cheers!
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RE: 1" or 4" belt/disc sander?
ORIGINAL: Appfan
I'm in the process of equipping my shop and thought I would drop a note to you folks a bit more experienced than me.
I'm looking for a bench mounted sander - something like the [link=http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11470]Delta SA180[/link]. The 4" models seem more like just a stationary belt sander, which may be a bit too wide for working with airplane components. I'm looking for a sander that has both the disc and belt. Anyone use one of these regularly in their builds?
I'm in the process of equipping my shop and thought I would drop a note to you folks a bit more experienced than me.
I'm looking for a bench mounted sander - something like the [link=http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11470]Delta SA180[/link]. The 4" models seem more like just a stationary belt sander, which may be a bit too wide for working with airplane components. I'm looking for a sander that has both the disc and belt. Anyone use one of these regularly in their builds?
#21
Sander 'hoarder'
As the title says, sander hoarder, I've got 3 and working on a 4th.
Purchased the first one, a Sears 4"x21" belt sander with a 8" disc. You can either have the belt vertical or horizontal, 1 horse, belt driven, cast iron table construction. Great for sanding bevels on ailerons or removing stock on large items and the sand disc table can pivot 0 to 45 degrees. Bought it around 1980 still going strong. Around $ 150.00 1980 dollars.
2 nd one, Harbor Freight 1" x 5" table top sander. Works ok, I use baby socks on the discharge chutes to collect sanding dust. Have had it around 5 years or so, still running ok. Good for small parts, Around $60.00
3rd one, Purchased used, (barely) are a very GOOD price this spindle and small belt machine. Check the link. It has a large table, that tilts from 0 to 45 degrees. The large table I really like, in that your not 'running off the edge' of table as you move your part around on table. Plus it has 'spindle sanding' capability to. It has a vac port in which I bought a $25.00 1 gallon shop vac that turns on the same time the sander does, really works well. Link to sander: https://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-EB4424.../dp/B0015B9G0S Total investment for sander and vac: $125.00
Now all the above sanders are one speed, so you need to be careful and not 'burn' your wood while sanding. It's a big pain. So, the next step I wanted a variable speed sander, but, the Proxon brand is really expensive, good tool though, but to rich for my blood. So, I got on the bay' and found a new variable speed, reversing craft rock tumbling motor ($30.00) NOS and I secured a 6" disc (the 'zon for 15.00) to mate to the motor shaft and will build up a frame,(most likely 3/8" birch and a metal aluminum table with angle adjustment. So, then I can slow down the disc and sand away without burning the wood and not take 'too much' when I sand at slower speeds. Total price $45.00 plus my labor to build frame/table aspect.
That's it, this is what I did and it works for me. A learning process it is.
Mike
Purchased the first one, a Sears 4"x21" belt sander with a 8" disc. You can either have the belt vertical or horizontal, 1 horse, belt driven, cast iron table construction. Great for sanding bevels on ailerons or removing stock on large items and the sand disc table can pivot 0 to 45 degrees. Bought it around 1980 still going strong. Around $ 150.00 1980 dollars.
2 nd one, Harbor Freight 1" x 5" table top sander. Works ok, I use baby socks on the discharge chutes to collect sanding dust. Have had it around 5 years or so, still running ok. Good for small parts, Around $60.00
3rd one, Purchased used, (barely) are a very GOOD price this spindle and small belt machine. Check the link. It has a large table, that tilts from 0 to 45 degrees. The large table I really like, in that your not 'running off the edge' of table as you move your part around on table. Plus it has 'spindle sanding' capability to. It has a vac port in which I bought a $25.00 1 gallon shop vac that turns on the same time the sander does, really works well. Link to sander: https://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-EB4424.../dp/B0015B9G0S Total investment for sander and vac: $125.00
Now all the above sanders are one speed, so you need to be careful and not 'burn' your wood while sanding. It's a big pain. So, the next step I wanted a variable speed sander, but, the Proxon brand is really expensive, good tool though, but to rich for my blood. So, I got on the bay' and found a new variable speed, reversing craft rock tumbling motor ($30.00) NOS and I secured a 6" disc (the 'zon for 15.00) to mate to the motor shaft and will build up a frame,(most likely 3/8" birch and a metal aluminum table with angle adjustment. So, then I can slow down the disc and sand away without burning the wood and not take 'too much' when I sand at slower speeds. Total price $45.00 plus my labor to build frame/table aspect.
That's it, this is what I did and it works for me. A learning process it is.
Mike
#22
At the moment I have a delta 4" belt with 6" disc that I use constantly. There are times I wish I had a 1" belt as well. Sometimes with the big sander I kinda feel like Im trying to do brain surgery with a machete lol. I always run the finest grit I can get so even a light touch doesnt eat an inch of balsa.
You should also check your local hardware store for a rubber cleaning block. Just a block of soft rubber that cleans the belt or disc when it gets clogged. Really extends the life of a belt or disc. Just fire up the sander and give the clogged grit a quick touch with the block. I tend to leave my belts on for a while. A fine grit belt thats a touch dull is a little less agressive. When its dull enough it starts to make more heat than sawdust I swap it out.
Good luck
You should also check your local hardware store for a rubber cleaning block. Just a block of soft rubber that cleans the belt or disc when it gets clogged. Really extends the life of a belt or disc. Just fire up the sander and give the clogged grit a quick touch with the block. I tend to leave my belts on for a while. A fine grit belt thats a touch dull is a little less agressive. When its dull enough it starts to make more heat than sawdust I swap it out.
Good luck
#23
I was going to recommend the cleaning block as well. I've been able to use my abrasives for years without a problem doing so. Here's a link to my source:
Abrasive Cleaning Sticks | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Abrasive Cleaning Sticks | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
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I have used the 1 inch sander from Harbor Freight for some time now. I have the one without the disc, as I have a larger craftsman with one.
This site carries the 1 x 30 belts in much finer grades than you will find in most places https://www.woodworkingshop.com/
This site carries the 1 x 30 belts in much finer grades than you will find in most places https://www.woodworkingshop.com/