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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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Originally Posted by Heespharm

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

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Whoops forgot pic Attachment 149480

Now that's a good idea! I've taped my fingers and attached the scale to them that way - not so much of a good idea. Seems that would work better, thanks.

And if u are afraid of de laminating the scales with the tape I just tried something called a bench cookie by bench dog... It worked really well and it's just a rubber bottom... It's like 12 bucks on amazon... Also good for holding blades or scales while sanding and as a base for hones while honing

Attachment 149481

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Originally Posted by Heespharm

Maybe a pic? Pls

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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.

For years I had a Wilton 2" x 42" belt sander/Disc sander that served me extremely well for making scales and wedges. It was a workhorse. Comes with a platen. Eventually the motor burned out on me and the tracking wheels needed replacement but it took probably 4 years of daily use and abuse. I still miss it and the only reason I never replaced it is because I have my variable 2" x 72" speed belt grinders with all the accessories.

They are still being made by Jet. It's the J-41002. Worth saving up for. Buy once but buy wisely.

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Originally Posted by Maximilian

...Buy once but buy wisely.

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Thanks Max - just the input I needed from everyone! I decided to go with the Wilton/Jet 2". The reason is I really like the ability to twist and turn the scale material and I think this will also allow a little metal finessing as well. The 8" disk may be more useful than the 6" on the one I use now (won't be less useful!). ...and I figure if Maximilian like it, then it must be proven with scales. It doesn't rule out more toys though....

Get your belts at supergrit or trugrit.com.

Here is one for under $200

Triton Oscillating Spindle Sander (TSPS450) - Rockler Woodworking Tools



but I am drooling over this one myself!

RIDGID Oscillating Edge/Belt Spindle Sander-EB4424 at The Home Depot

I use a 1" belt sander to sharpen my knives. I have an 80/600/800/1000 grit belts and a leather belt with crox on it. It will get any knife hair popping sharp in 2 minutes. I can sharpen every knife in my house in less time than it takes for most folks to sharpen one...and remove far less metal in the process.

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Originally Posted by Heespharm

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

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1 gallon paint stir stick. Every time I go to Home Depot they give me a couple... well ok, at least they don't stop me at the door.

Heespharm, sorry for being late on the pictures. Like I said nothing fancy at all. I use Rock Maple with 5/32" dado. I use 5/32" so it still gives me 1/32" for final sanding with 220 & 400 grit so I finish at 1/8" scale

Attachment 149711

2 small pieces of Dbl sided tape to hold the piece of scale that needs to be thinned. You don't need much just enough to keep it from falling off the jig when you set it down or pick it up. the tape can be removed from the Jig by rubbing with your thumb

Attachment 149712

Scale attached and add color chalk to each end of holder. Color will show if you get to close. If you check when you get close to even with holder you will not even need a color tattle tail.

Attachment 149713


Attachment 149714


I hope this helps to explain it

I dunno why I never thought of something like that.... Oh yeah because that's genius

Not genius at all, you may just need a little more Redneck outlook

Ill concur with Max, you pay for what you get, and also go with the suppliers for belts he mentioned. Very good deals.

I also use a 2x72, mine is homemade but serves it purpose quite well. Works for scales and blades alike.

Thanks Hides! Outstanding idea! My fingertips thank you as well... Sometimes sanding is the best way to reduce scale blanks and your jig assures an accurate thickness every time. It'll save me from seeing more than a few blanks go too thin (my mind wanders sometimes).