“The sander will need”something” to keep it centered in the 12″ wide track, and until I decide what method to use I choose to think of this as the body of the racer. The platen is a flat surface that backs-up the sanding belt and without a firm or semi-firm platen, the belt can’t create a flat surface. Each belt was mounted on the sander and run in mid-air under no load for ten seconds to allow the belt to flex and stretch a bit.
This is John Ellsworth’s “Loco,” a 1950s Porter Cable BB10 belt sander modified for Stock-class competition at the Fenwick Trustworthy Hardware store in Fenwick Island, Delaware. While they give Loco the appropriate freight-train look, everything was done to keep it between the rails in racing. Because of the obsolete belt size of this 1950s sander, Loco used a custom-length, 24-grit Carborundum belt.
Accuride founded the Belt Sander Racing Association, arguably the most prominent league in the field. Bertie’s Inn of Pennsylvania hosts a yearly belt sander racing competition. Bertie’s Inn, a charming award-winning restaurant in Reading, Pennsylvania, hosts an annual belt sander racing event.
“Sometimes we get serious but not too often,” explained Scott McNeill, Augusta, a member of CMPTRA, founded in 1991, which specializes in belt sander drag racing. “The idea began in a bar, where all good ideas come from. Some guy had the bright idea of racing power tools. They got in contact with the New England Belt Sander Association in Boston and decided to start their own club.” CMPTRA also races power grinders and circular saws. Stock belt sander drag racing involves adding a frame to a belt sander to fit it to the track.
best belt sander for racing Related Question:
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).
Can you get a good finish with 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.
How long is a belt sander race track?
Riders sit on and race hand-held belt sanders on a 40-foot-long plywood track.
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 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.
What’s better orbital or belt 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.
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 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.
What size sanding belt 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 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.