Air belt sanders

[richweld]

I'm thinking of getting an air belt sander for DIY use, most likely for car restoration project for derusting hard to get at areas. I have 3HP compressor and other air tools (Clarke).

Anyone have any advice to offer on the suitability/quality of these products:-

Clarke CAT40B 10mm air belt sander
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p...-speed-belt-sander/path/air-sanders-polishers

From RDG Tools 10mm air belt sander AT-480
http://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/AIR_SANDERS.html

From ebay sellers:-
Bergen, Pro, and Neilsen
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/_W0QQ_nkwZairQ20beltQ20sanderQ2010mmQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40

 

[Shox Dr]

We use the 10MM AIR BELT SANDER (AT-480) version at work, I was surprised when I first used it as I thought it would be useless. Very good, so long as you use zirco' belts (the blue ones)

 

[ger]

I bought a B&D electric version for 3 quid at the boot sale......BRILLIANT tool. I'll buy a proper one when this breaks

 

[richweld]

Well I bought the Clarke CAT40B. Went to connect it up to air hose and noticed that there is no filter at the air inlet. Surely this cannot be right?

Shouldn't all air tools have a filter at the air inlet?

 

[Robotstar5]

It probably depends on the make, we use a few different ones at work, some have a mesh on the inlet, others have nothing - as long as you have filter / regulator it shouldn't matter.