Air Belt sanders

[KimB]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the market for an air belt sander. I'm not entirely sure which to buy. Had a look on Stakseys, they've got these: https://www.stakesys.co.uk/air-tools/belt-sanders. Look quite good. But does anyone have any recommendations before I go order some. Would like it before the weekend so Ideally I need to order tomorrow morning. Thanks

 

[brightspark]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the market for an air belt sander. I'm not entirely sure which to buy. Had a look on Stakseys, they've got these: https://www.stakesys.co.uk/air-tools/belt-sanders. Look quite good. But does anyone have any recommendations before I go order some. Would like it before the weekend so Ideally I need to order tomorrow morning. Thanks

View attachment 122828

there taking the pee on price u can get the same ones for 45 quid without the name stuck on . there all from china badged up

 

[julianf]

what's the advantage of one over a £40 black and decker finger sander?

ive got an air random orbit one, which is nice and light to use, but it uses way more electricity to run the compressor than an electric one would. the bonus is that its light. but so is an electric b&d finger sander?

 

[WorkshopChris]

Cant remember where it came from i went for the cheapest 10mm wide one from china was around £20, treated it like a kit of bits. Pulled it apart ,de burred, cleaned, filed the slot for the tension spring out. Doesnt get used much but when it does works fine, good for tight access.
You will need a good air supply.

 

[Shox Dr]

As BS says you can buy them for 35quid, must all be made in the same factory.
They dont like been dropped. Either knocks the finger out of adjustment, sometimes so much so the belt nevers says on, for if you’re lucky it just breaks off
All break in the same place, it’s cast and very granular welds ok, but can break again in the HAZ



These are all cast offs from a Co I sub to, they throw them out.

 

[brightspark]

an air belt sander is more versatile than an electric one with more controllable speed even though it costs more to run than the electric ones compressed air is slower to use till tank fills up . price of electric doesn't come in to it with me versatility does

 

[GW8IZR]

my electric belt file is variable speed and runs from almost stopped to the same speed as an air one, its a lot more pleasant to use. I can use it anywhere there is electricity - I never bother with the air one after getting the Makita.

 

[daleyd]

my electric belt file is variable speed and runs from almost stopped to the same speed as an air one, its a lot more pleasant to use. I can use it anywhere there is electricity - I never bother with the air one after getting the Makita.

I’ve been using one of the Makita ones this week - a great bit of kit, (same as the one below but 110v).

I’d consider getting one for at home they are that good

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/makita-9031-240v-belt-sander-30mm/

 

[GW8IZR]

I’ve been using one of the Makita ones this week - a great bit of kit, (same as the one below but 110v).

I’d consider getting one for at home they are that good

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/makita-9031-240v-belt-sander-30mm/

Yep mine is the narrower belt than that one, its a good tool. Rips rusty nuts off as well ;-)

 

[daleyd]

Yep mine is the narrower belt than that one, its a good tool. Rips rusty nuts off as well ;-)

I’ve been chopping the insides out of some 1985 vintage electrical cabinets on an oil rig - that belts sander did a tidy job of cleaning up my incompetent hacking away with a slitting disc! I wasn’t expecting much, I’d rather have used some flap discs - but I ended up being very pleasantly surprised.

 

[postie jon]

used them in the body shop, but 3M belts didnt last long, that was just for cleaning up new panels for welding.

 

[julianf]

This is the one i have (from recommendation on this forum) -

They can be had for about £45 inc.
Light, variable speed, and surprisingly tough on metal. Ive used it to grind off old bolts in awkward places and all sorts.

If it broke, id buy it again.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

@KimB Why does it have to be air, Kim? So that you can use it 'out and about'? I have the electric one and it's one of the handiest tools I've got.

 

[500e]

Got an Evolution version a narrow belt but a good tool eats metal, eats belts as well any one have a preference for belt make that last the joints usually pop before media worn out

supposedly 400watts as well so plenty of power, had to fettle a little to get belt to run centrally it ran to one side with adjustment hard over.

 

[armalites]

Just be aware on some of the cheaper ones the arms can bend easily.

I previously had and SIP that worked well but I bought a 10mm Bluepoint one when they were on special. Much better in several ways, the exhaust is directed away from your hand, it doesn't get cold as the handle has a composite cover, it's quieter and smoother. The SIP one required a screwdriver to replace the belt.

I've also got a 20mm CP one, again a nice unit that I got cheap.

The other advice I would give is don't buy cheap belts, they don't last and make sure you keep them somewhere dry. As I bought a bulk batch I keep most in the house in a plastic box with a silica bag in.

 

[123hotchef]

Got an Evolution version a narrow belt but a good tool eats metal, eats belts as well any one have a preference for belt make that last the joints usually pop before media worn outView attachment 122845 supposedly 400watts as well so plenty of power, had to fettle a little to get belt to run centrally it ran to one side with adjustment hard over.

I have the evo one too as well as a cheap £20 belt sander they both do fine the evo leccie one is easier and more powerful to use and it don't stall

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I have an original B&D one that's ancient now, it has interchangeable narrow or wide arms.
For belts I buy 3" wide belts of the correct length then split them to whatever width I need. Works out a lot cheaper and you have a better choice of belts.

 

[julianf]

Got an Evolution version a narrow belt but a good tool eats metal, eats belts as well any one have a preference for belt make that last the joints usually pop before media worn outView attachment 122845 supposedly 400watts as well so plenty of power, had to fettle a little to get belt to run centrally it ran to one side with adjustment hard over.

I have purchased these the past couple of times (check the size, as my sander is not the same make as yours, but im sure is the same)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13-x-457m...hash=item2334485a1d:m:mJeQIjNph1ncWV_OQIrbQTQ

I buy 40 grit, and they last a good while. The may break, but only at their end of life (ie theyre well used before they break!)

 

[500e]

Had the original B&D one worked well, lasted well to, the newer ones are bulkier

 

[slim_boy_fat]

...For belts I buy 3" wide belts of the correct length then split them to whatever width I need. Works out a lot cheaper and you have a better choice of belts.

I have the Evo one too, and I do the same with belts after seeing the tip on here [might even have been you, @Wendelspanswick ?]