Thread: 1" Belt Sander?

I've been using a 4x36 belt sander and decided that it's just plain overkill. Is a 1" belt sander a bit more appropriate for what we do? I hate to buy yet another bench tool on a whim so thought I'd ask here first. What are you guys using for scale sanding and shaping? If it's a 1" what brand? I'd like to keep it below $200 or so but ultimately I know that's probably just wishful thinking.

My list of machines to buy is growing at a rapid pace so I need to consult with you guys before I buy any more machines. Also I'm running out of room so I need to buy smarter. ...though I think I said that about razors 300 or so ago...

Originally Posted by AirColorado

I've been using a 4x36 belt sander and decided that it's just plain overkill. Is a 1" belt sander a bit more appropriate for what we do? I hate to buy yet another bench tool on a whim so thought I'd ask here first. What are you guys using for scale sanding and shaping? If it's a 1" what brand? I'd like to keep it below $200 or so but ultimately I know that's probably just wishful thinking.

My list of machines to buy is growing at a rapid pace so I need to consult with you guys before I buy any more machines. Also I'm running out of room so I need to buy smarter. ...though I think I said that about razors 300 or so ago...

I inch belt sander IMO is a useless tool.get an Oscillating spindle sander for scale work,grizzley sells a great one

Yeah 1" is useless... If they had a 2 inch then I'd be happy with that... My 4x36 I stripped down to just belt no guards... The disk was useless to me and no guards allows me to use both sides... Now if they made a quiet 4x36 I would be happier

Pixel I went to the grizzly site - ooooooh bench tool porn!!!! Which one is best for scales and why? My eye caught on 3 of them but I think I'm past the idea that more expensive and more powerful is better.

Hees I know - loud sucker and I've removed about all I can on mine as well. Almost put the belt in a horizontal position but decided I'd had enough.

Originally Posted by AirColorado

Pixel I went to the grizzly site - ooooooh bench tool porn!!!! Which one is best for scales and why? My eye caught on 3 of them but I think I'm past the idea that more expensive and more powerful is better.

Hees I know - loud sucker and I've removed about all I can on mine as well. Almost put the belt in a horizontal position but decided I'd had enough.

What convinced me to buy the 4" over the 1" was the thought of trying to thin out scales on that 1" and how uneven it would be

Originally Posted by Heespharm

What convinced me to buy the 4" over the 1" was the thought of trying to thin out scales on that 1" and how uneven it would be

Same here - but I've found that I can't hold a scale flat on it anyway without sanding my fingertips! So I wind up just moving it along the belt and around the top - and have learned how to keep it from sanding dips. It's about the same technique I'll use grinding blades so I guess it's a good technique to get used to. Dunno, maybe I'm doing something wrong but I'm kinda tired of the thing anyway - at least for scales.

And wouldn't you know someone did a comparison of them all: http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodwork...anders/?page=1
Just when I thought it would be an easy choice. Dunno, looks like Craftsman is best of the group? Sort of like the idea of a smaller cylinder - but I haven't used one so will have to rely on you guys' experience with them if I go that way.

Talking about the Craftsman the reviewer states: "The Craftsman 21500 has a 3"-diameter spindle, something Ridgid and General International don't offer." I don't know if that's a valid benefit or not.

Originally Posted by AirColorado

Same here - but I've found that I can't hold a scale flat on it anyway without sanding my fingertips! So I wind up just moving it along the belt and around the top - and have learned how to keep it from sanding dips. It's about the same technique I'll use grinding blades so I guess it's a good technique to get used to. Dunno, maybe I'm doing something wrong but I'm kinda tired of the thing anyway - at least for scales.

I have something like this and Sometimes I put double sided tape on the bottom and attach the scales to that and use it to save my fingers

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.