I purchased both a B&D belt sander and a Bosch random 1/3 sheet sander at the first years of 1990s. FWIW – the last deck I sanded down, I went with my 5″ DeWalt ROS and my 6″ Ridgid ROS. They both worked as well as the belt sander. 08-28-2018, 10:04 AM #14 Given the age of Dave’s sander I’m guessing it’s the lightweight 7313 with a 3 x 18″ belt.
Funny, I had a used heavy duty one for years and when loading up the PODs, moving from NY to Virginia, I sold a bunch of tools thinking I would get some new ones when in Virginia. Big mistake, the belt sander was solid and I also got rid of a Hilti pistol hammer drill.
The very best finish you can get with a power sander is going to come from a random orbital sander. If you are using a random orbit sander and still getting scratches, it comes down to operator error, or a piss poor sander. Ryobi for instance is one of those sanders that always has stray scratches.
best belt sander forum Related Question:
When using a belt sander you should never?
1. Do Not use the belt & disc sander if you are too tired, hungry, sad, mad, or dehydrated. Never work while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication that creates drowsiness or impaired thinking.
What is better than a belt sander?
For fine sanding work or rounding edges, the orbital sander is the tool for the job. It has much more flexibility than a belt sander and works well around corners. It can fit into corners, too, although a random orbital sander might be the better choice.
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.
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 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.
In what different positions can a stationary belt sander be used?
For surface sanding using the stationary belt sander, place the table in a horizontal position. Curves can be sanded on the open end of a stationary belt sander when the table is in a horizontal position.
Which is better orbital or palm sander?
As compared to a palm sander, orbital sanders are more massive tools, which means that palm sanders are smaller and more lightweight. The motions of orbitals are Circular and orbiting, and palm sanders only have orbiting motion. If you want to work with larger pieces, orbital sanders are better than palm sander.
How effective is a belt sander?
Because they have a lot of power and can handle coarse grits, they excel at the rapid removal of wood. Also, unlike orbital and vibrating sanders, the sanding action is linear, so even with coarse grits you can sand with the grain and get a good-looking result.
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.
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.