If I didn’t have the gear I’m using now, I’d still get the Harbor Freight disc sander, but I’d get the Ridgid table type belt sander that will also work as a spindle sander. For not much more money than the little disc/belt sander combo’s I’d recommend a 12″ disc sander. If you buy a cheap combination belt disc sander from Harbor Freight take a good look at the disc.
One of our favorite belt disc sanders was the Wen 6502 disc sander. The Powertec belt sander has a size of 22″ x 11″ x 13″, a 4 x 36-inch belt, an adjustable belt platform, a 4.3-amp induction motor, a quick-release belt lever, and a 6-inch sanding disc. With a size of 21″ x 10″ x 11″, this belt sander combo has a steel construction, a heavy-duty base for vibration-free work, a 4 x 16-inch belt, an adjustable belt table, a belt speed of 1900 SFPM, a 6-inch disc and a disc speed of 3450 RPM. Overall, this is an efficient belt sander, but it has some shortcomings.
I have replaced a few air tools this year, but the main tools I work with each day are my files, punches, stones and my Foredom. You know what that means don’t you, you better have the best you can afford if you plan to make money instead of spend money on replacing old worn out tools. I had most of the tools I needed long before I ever took up gunsmithing, but it took me years to build up the list of tools I have now.
best belt sander for gunsmithing Related Question:
Which items should never be used on a belt sander?
Clothing and Jewelry. Do not wear loose clothes while using a belt sander. Any type of clothing that can potentially come in contact with a belt sander must be secured. If you are wearing loose, long-sleeve shirts, roll up the sleeves.
What type of sanding is the belt sander good for?
They are commonly used for trimming to a scribed line (photo), sanding very rough surfaces, leveling surfaces (like a replacement board in a hardwood floor) and freehand rounding and shaping. Because they have a lot of power and can handle coarse grits, they excel at the rapid removal of wood.
Which is better belt sander or orbital sander?
A belt sander is more effective for large materials, while the orbital sander is ideal for small spaces and pieces of furniture. A belt sander works effectively on flat surfaces, while an orbital sander can work with various angles.
What is the quietest belt sander?
Best Overall: Makita 9403 4-Inch x 24-Inch Belt Sander It’s powerful enough to be described as a “beast,” though it keeps its roar down, boasting the title of quietest belt sander in its class with noise levels limited to 84 dB.
Should you push down on a belt sander?
You do not have to push down on the sander. Pull the sander backward letting the weight and sharpness of the belt cut the surface. Don’t pull back and then tip the sander off the edge or you’ll cut off too much wood and need to build it back up with putty.
What is a palm sander used for?
More about palm sanders A palm sander is a great finishing tool for any woodworking project. You could use innumerable materials depending on the type of sandpaper that you choose. These are meant for fine sanding to work on materials that you want to get a subtle finish.
When should I use a belt sander?
Belt sanders are highly effective tools for removing roughness and preparing woodwork for less aggressive tools in the process like random orbit and finishing sanders. It is crucial to belt-sand with the wood grain rather than across it. Otherwise, the belt sander’s lateral action can ruin the work.
What are the 3 most important sander safety rules?
Safety Rules Dust mask advised. Don’t wear loose clothing or gloves, keep long hair tied back. Never adjust Sander or setup while Sander is running. Never remove guard unless authorized by Technician or WRL Manager • Setups requiring anything other than the standard sander equipment must be approved by supervisor.
How much weight should you apply to the belt sander while sanding?
No need to lean on the sander. Just let the weight of the machine do the work. When you get to the end of the board make sure the platen doesn’t cantilever too far past the edge. Allow 1/3 or less of the platen length to project over the edge.
What size sanding belts do I need?
dimensions listed width/length) Wrap it around the belt sander the same way you would put a belt on it. Cut the string so the ends meet up and then measure the string from end to end. To determine the width of the belt, you can measure the width of the roller or contact wheel the belt will run against.
What grit sizes are commonly used on a belt sander and why?
Choosing the Right Sanding Belt Grit The heavier the job, the coarser the sanding belt you’ll need. 40 to 60 grit is best suited for the heaviest work. When you’re performing tasks such as smoothing surfaces or removing minor blemishes, you’re better off using sandpaper with 80 to 120 grit.
Are Bosch belt sanders good?
As with most bosch products this sander is well built and good quality. It sands down almost anything, i’ve used it over and over and its still preforming well. The grip in comfortable, item is also very easy to use and clean. Defiantly recommend.
What is the fastest belt sander?
Here’s a photo of the foundation of our racer: A Makita 9403, which I snagged on Amazon for a great price. My research uncovered that this sander is the fastest stock sander, with 1650fpm (feet per minute).
What belt sanders are made in the USA?
Ickler Belt Sanders – Made in the USA Ickler has been manufacturing high-quality belt sanders since the mid-1930’s. Generations of professionals and do-it-your-selfers have put these rugged, Made in the USA tools to use.