I started using a Skil 3×18. Then I went to the Ryobi 3×21. I went through two Ryobi sanders and now have a Bosch 3×21 and a Porter Cable 4×24. The Ryobi and Bosch are designed the same way, having a flat top, which I highly recommend. I built a ‘cradle’ out of scrap and can flip the sander on it’s back and use it for sanding small pieces and use it that way all the time. A big belt sanding job was starting at 36 with the 4×24 down to 80, down to 120 with a 3×21 and finish with a random orbit.
I have three Makita’s , two 3×24 and one 3×18 , these are good , affordable sanders , I have a 3×18 Skill wich is a sad thing to call a belt sander , I have a 3×24 Craftsman , so so and last is the 3×18 Back and Decker …. wich is a notch above the Skill but not very far ahead of it. The Makita also has a graffit pad on the plate on wwich the back of the sanding belt rides on, I have not worn through a sanding belt with these , I have with some other models with out the pad. A man does not always grow wise as he grows old , but he always grows old as he grows wise. The only reason I do not have more experience with Makita belt sanders, is because the old sanders I’ve had have worked fine.
Here are three things to consider before adding a belt sander to your home workshop. The standard belt sander operates with a 3-inch wide belt, but there are different size classes to choose from: 3×18-inch sanders, 3×21-inch sanders, and the largest, 3×24-inch sanders. Clamp the belt sander upside-down to a sturdy work bench and press the tool you’re sharpening lightly to the belt.
belt sander 3×18 vs 3×21 Related Question:
What size belt sander should I get?
SIZE. The size of a belt sander is measured by the width and length of the belt. Belts range in size from small, detail-type sanders with belts that are only an inch or two wide to heavy-duty 4″ x 24″ machines. A common size for home shop use is a 3″ x 21″ sander.
What is the most common belt size for a belt sander?
Hand Powered Belt Sander The most common sized belts used on Hand Sanders are 3” x 21”, 3” x 18” and 4” x 24″ sanding belts.
Is a belt sander worth it?
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.
How do you measure a belt sander for a belt?
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 is a 1 inch belt sander used for?
The H3140 1″ x 30″ Belt Sander provides a moving abrasive surface that can be used to shape and contour small workpieces. By tilting the adjustable table, sanding operations can be performed on miter-cut, or other angled workpieces.
How much wood can a belt sander remove?
As mentioned earlier, abrasive belts can only remove a certain amount of stock dependent on grit size. With a three-head sander you can run a grit sequence of 100-150-180 and remove approximately 1/32 inch in one pass.
What kind of sanding belts are best for metal?
As high-performance belts, both zirconia and ceramic sanding belts will last longer and remove metal faster than aluminum oxide or silicon carbide sanding belts. Both belts have the ability to resharpen as they wear and both are primarily used on metal applications. In the end, both types of belts are excellent belts.
How do I choose a belt grinder?
Motor Size To effectively grind steel, you need high belt speed with the ability to exert high pressure on the belt. You won’t be able to accomplish grinding very well if you don’t have a large enough motor. As a general rule of thumb, you need 1 horsepower of motor power for every inch of belt width at 72” in length.
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.
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.
Are belt sanders better than orbitals?
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 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.
What is a spindle sander used for?
The spindle sander is a tool created and designed to help you achieve a smooth, flat finish to wood pieces, mostly those that are detailed or have curved edges. Gone are the days of rubbing away at your handmade banister or chair with a piece of worn sandpaper.