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Bench sanders-what a mine field

silver

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As funds have been released from the bank manager :banana: I have been looking recently for a new bench top sander.

What a minefield.. Do I go for a belt or just a disc? or both on one machine ?

I know the disc is mainly used for end grain sanding and the belts used for long grain usually but I currently have an old disk sander that was home made but I have now had enough of the Elf and safety risks associated with every switch on of the bl***dy thing. doesn't start on its own and needs a bit of assistance but once it up and running is just about bearable

So your thoughts and suggestions if anyone has got a bit of kit they can recommend the fire away.

Looked at most of what is available on tinternet but gave up with memory overload..
 

bellringer

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I am waiting till the show at the end of the month so i can have a look at some of them
 

Terry

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I have just recently bought a Record disc and belt sander with the disc being 6 in diameter.I used to have a 10 in homemade sander fitted to my lathe and now I prefer the bigger disc so if I had the option again I would have bought a 10in Record disc sander.
I hope that helps Eamonn !!!
 

Lons

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I bought the Axi 610 about 15 months ago and have been happy with it so far.
It has 10" disk and 6" wide belt, reasonable tables and flat sanding areas. I think I would have regretted buying the smaller model I first considered.

Bob
 
Last edited:

Jimjam66

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I don't use the belt much any more, but that's probably because I had too coarse a grit (80) and it left score marks on anything I used it on. I I got a cheap nasty SIP - wholeheartedly would NOT recommend it.

:down:
 

Grump

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Hi Eamonn I have a cheapo Screwifix or similar belt and disc sander had it for years, never let me down, still working well.
From what I have seen of the more expensive models they look the same with a different name or colour.
Maybe they do have better bearings and more power in the motor. I wanna rub down wood not ride it round the M25.
I also have two or five other disc sanders all of which get used dependant upon my mood init?
 

Woody

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nimrod

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I've had a Clarke belt & disc sander for well over 10 years, it was relatively cheap but it has done everything I have ever needed and I have not had any problems with it, maybe I have just been lucky.

Robin
 

Jim

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every switch on of the bl***dy thing. doesn't start on its own and needs a bit of assistance but once it up and running is just about bearable

Eamonn, i have a Sealey Bench Belt & Wheel Sander about 3 years old that does exactly as above, started after about 18 months .. But it does me a good job .. :thumbs:
 

Neil Lawton

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Eamonn, i have a Sealey Bench Belt & Wheel Sander about 3 years old that does exactly as above, started after about 18 months .. But it does me a good job .. :thumbs:

If these are 240V models, they probably need a new start up capacitor. They are normally mounted on the motor, sometimes under a cover.
They are not too expensive 16µF 440V Motor Run Capacitor | Maplin
Fit a new one, and it should be as good as new:up:
 

paulm

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I've got a AWEBDS610 Belt & Disc Sander. I don't use it a lot, probably because I too have 80 grit and perhaps should get something a bit finer... but also I don't do a lot of other work than turn pens... at the moment...
 

Penpal

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I prefer the 12 inch gave away an 18 inch to a mate in my downsizing but a tip if you do fit a quick change hook and eye Velcro to the unit saves heaps of time and you can change grits so easily as well still have 4 more disk sanders \plus a vertical bobbin sander, prefer a separate belt sander far more accessable. Also again remember only half the disk sander is useful so a quarter of a six inch is mingy.

Peter.
 

Kardav

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I don't use the belt much any more, but that's probably because I had too coarse a grit (80) and it left score marks on anything I used it on. I I got a cheap nasty SIP - wholeheartedly would NOT recommend it.

:down:

I concur entirely, biggest pile of c**p I've ever bought! Only bought it because of the 8" disc, wish I'd never bothered.
 

silver

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Eamonn, i have a Sealey Bench Belt & Wheel Sander about 3 years old that does exactly as above, started after about 18 months .. But it does me a good job .. :thumbs:

My home made one has reverse as well, but it doesn't need help in reverse..:down:

If these are 240V models, they probably need a new start up capacitor. They are normally mounted on the motor, sometimes under a cover.
They are not too expensive 16µF 440V Motor Run Capacitor | Maplin
Fit a new one, and it should be as good as new:up:
Don't think I can be bothered about putting a new capacitor on it thanks Neil. It's an old one that my dad changed the motor from a reverse tumble dryer motor. i remember it was what he got his hands on at the time..

Thanks for the info guys, not sure if its worth getting two separate units or get a belt and disc combined..

Looked at the 610, nice machine but a bit pricey, will have to speak to bank manager again if I need to step up to that..
 

Walter

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Eamonn

I have an old Axminster AS408 bought second hand off ebay. It does the job but has a few issues such as rattling like a bag of hammers and the alignment of the disk changing whenever you re-position the belt. If I was to replace it I would go for something better. The 610 is definitely one option I would consider.
 

Penpal

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Just a thought a fairly close down to the belt sander end stop is an essential SWMBO had one with a gap under and had a finger altered somewhat for quite a time when it caught under. She had her own workshop gear when she was making cats hanging from, peeping around etc with her four scroll saws as a grandmother making things for the family, with herself a genuine artist she painted very realistic cut outs. I went to a working with wood show bought her a Hegner Saw 1200.00 dollars
she never used it too much fuss she said and mainly used the Dremel hand squeezed pin blade unit she preferred for ease of use. After a few years she went back to intensive quilting knitting I was bequeathed saws etc and another workshop.

A belt sander then a larger disk sander is invaluable when making pen rests boxes etc, the bobbin sander for internal circle finishing. Horses for courses.

Peter.
 
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