Each power tool has specific purposes that the other cannot do. Just in case you cannot decide, we are going to explore both the bench grinder and belt sander competition. You can use the following information to help you decide which tool is best for you.
To continue our bench grinder vs. belt sander discussion, we now come to which tool should be used best on all your intended sharpening and smoothing projects. The belt sander can be utilized as a lightweight belt grinder by buying belts that are meant to be used on metal; however, belt sanders are limited when it comes to sharpening efficiency on steel materials and can lead to heat buildup faster due to the sander’s higher speeds. To finish our talk about the bench grinder vs. belt sander debate, just go for the equipment that you are going to use the most often.
Belt grinder with fine belt is nice for de- burring. I started with a 4×24 belt grinder and bench grinder many tears ago. The nice thing about belt grinder/sander/whatever is you can swap out platens,or go without(slack belt linishing).
Below is a head to head comparison between the bench grinder and the belt sander and we’re positive that by the time you’re finished reading the post, you will know with certainty which one to get. Bench grinders don’t build up heat as quickly as belt sanders do when used for sharpening metal. As there are different types and models, you will find bench sanders that are designed for smoothing or sharpening wood, and belt grinders that are used for sharpening or leveling metal.
02-12-2012, 01:02 AM #1 Bench grinder vs. Belt/disk sander I’ve found myself needing to grind steel a lot lately, but I can’t keep turning the hand-held belt sander upside down and using it as a flat surface. Save your money and buy good quality grinding wheels for your bench grinder instead of a low speed grinder. Id chose an angle grinder over a pedstal for anything but tools at any time…. 02-12-2012, 01:50 PM #9. there seem to be people grinding their lathe tools on a belt grinder.
belt sander vs bench grinder Related Question:
Can you use a bench grinder as a sander?
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a bench grinder as a belt sander. First, make sure that the grinder is turned off before changing attachments. Secondly, use caution when sanding near edges or corners as the belt can catch and pull your hand in.
What is the difference between a belt sander and a bench grinder?
The belt grinder belt speed typically runs double from what the belt speed of the belt of a belt sander is running at. Belts grinders you generally have multiple grinding points such as the platen and the second grinding point is the contact wheel.
When would a sander be used instead of a grinder?
Sanders are only used to sand, but grinders can be used for multiple things. They can cut through metal, strip metal, and polish surfaces. Be aware of what your project entails before choosing which of these to rent. Maybe you need both or one.