Thread: 1" Belt Sander?

I use a 4" x 36 I made a scale holder by ripping a 1/8" dado in a 1x8 and then cross cutting it into 1.25" pieces. I use orange chalk on the bottom side of the scale holder, as I thin the scale the holder moves closer to the belt. The moment I see color on the belt I the turn the machine off.

Is it high tech - No. Is it expensive - No Just a Redneck way of making what I have do the job I need it to.

If you are not able to cut a dado, glue a strip of wood as a stop to hold the scale piece

I have a 2X42 1 hp craftsman I loved using for scales. Picked it up for 50 used. But, I have just started using a 1X30 1/5 hp Delta (same thing, used 35 or so) until I rebuild the other to a 2X70 for grinding blades. They both have disks I don't use much but need to try higher grit paper on that end. If you want something just for scales see if you can find a 2X42. I do miss the bigger platen for thinning but getting used to the little guy. I found mine on craig's list. Just got to keep watching. Or, they are not THAT bad new.

Originally Posted by hidestoart

The moment I see color on the belt I the turn the machine off.

Is it high tech - No. Is it expensive - No Just a Redneck way of making what I have do the job I need it to.

Simple and inexpensive is good Hides! I think I'm picturing this right but how is the scale material held in the dado grove? Just pressure on the belt? Sounds like a great way to sand the scales to the same depth. If you were to look at the 1x8 from the side so it looked like a U, are you putting the chalk on the upper tips of the U? Just making sure I'm picturing this right before I head out to the shop to route out a piece to try.

If your 4x36 belt sander is the combination set-up with the 6" disc, then I would say the spindle sander would be handy for you as long as you are making scales. I know one of our razor makers on this forum used/uses 1" belt sanders for his razors. It's all about what tool you are using for what project. Be creative & use that noodle for other than a hat holder...

Sorry for the delay. Looking from the side of the U the scale material sits between the two points of the U apply the chalk to the two points of the U and pressure holds the scale in. You can use dbl sided tape in the U as well as long as you account for its thickness at the time you dado.

Originally Posted by hidestoart

Sorry for the delay. Looking from the side of the U the scale material sits between the two points of the U apply the chalk to the two points of the U and pressure holds the scale in. You can use dbl sided tape in the U as well as long as you account for its thickness at the time you dado.

Maybe a pic? Pls

2" seems to be standard around here. If you want 1" for some reason, just split a 2" belt.
Mine's a 2x78

Originally Posted by Heespharm

Maybe a pic? Pls

I will get a new set of batterys in the morning and post tomorrow night.

I would think that profiling scales would be ok on a 1/30, probably faster than a coping saw and rasps but I personally would not use one on steel.

I run a KMG clone that uses 2x72.