Recommendation? Cheap belt sander that's actually worth it?

S

smoke and fire

Joined
Sep 29, 2022
Messages
4
Hi.
I'm a beginner. Made about 15 blades so far, most by stock removal but 2 by forging.
I really enjoy this, but plan to keep it as a hobby only.
Up to now I only used a drill with a drill press mount, Dremel, angle grinder and hand tools.
I want to upgrade my shop a bit but I'm limited by 2 things:
1. Money. I only have about 100$ to spend right now and if I'll try to save more my wife would just take it 😱
2. Space. My shop is small and packed so can't fit large items.
I was thinking about getting a belt sander as I keep hearing that it's one of the most essential tools.
Opinions?
I see some cheap ones like the wen at1305. Anyone have any experience with it?
Thanks 🙏
 
I used that sander for a little while between hand filing bevels and getting a 2x72. It was not bad for the price and it certainly sped up putting in bevels. That's all I used it for. Of course, it does not really compare to a real 2x72, but the price doesn't either. I don't regret having it when I did.
 
Thanks for the reply.
Do you know of any other models at that price range that might be better?
What are some key aspects to look for? I hear that motor strength (HP) is important but when browsing options I see specs range from less than 1 to more than 100.
 
I don't think there are a whole lot of critical specs with an inexpensive 1x30. What you see seems to be what you get. I got mine for literally one job knowing it would not be a versatile machine. I've seen a grizzly one that has variable speed, which is a very worthwhile feature in a real 2x72. I have not used that in a 1x30, so I can't say how much of a quality of life improvement it is.
 
What about a 4"X36" belt sander? This one looks a bit better on Amazon B08S6RGDRC for about the same price.
 
Lee Valley has a small, cheap belt sander option as well.

I don't remember the size, but I've heard things about it
 
I like my Rikon variable speed 1x30 with a 6" disc. Its not a 2x72 or a real disc grinder, but good for sharpening and quick fixes. The variable speed does not slow all the way down, but does help a bit vs something like the Harbor Freight 1x30 that is full blast all the time.
 
I have the HF 1x30’’s and the Grizzly 1x30 variable. Like Case Peanut said, the Grizzly does not go all the way down to stop. It is better than the HF in that respect but that’s the only real difference between them, imo.
I learned from each grinder, but had enough in smaller cheaper grinders to have sprung for one of the 2 wheel 2x72’s.
 
Guys, all good suggestions on lower cost grinders, but the OP said he had $100 to spend.
That will only allow an HF or similar 1X30 with a side disc, a used 2X36, or some other cheap woodworking grinder. A 4X36 will also work, but the belts for metal working are probably out of his budget. Whatever he gets will require proper metal working belts to use it for knives. He can use cheaper wood belts for the wood handle work.
 
Found what I was talking about before.....

Lee Valley.
1x42 no motor
$115

Borderline Real grinder
 
Smoke and fire - fill out your profile so we know where you live.

Someone might have an old grinder to give you if they knew where you were. I have many motors and one might fit that Lee grinder. If you lived close to VA, I have an old 2X72 that belonged to Ron Frazier that I would give you (haven't run it in years, but it probably still works).
 
smoke and fire said:
Hi.
I'm a beginner. Made about 15 blades so far, most by stock removal but 2 by forging.
I really enjoy this, but plan to keep it as a hobby only.
Up to now I only used a drill with a drill press mount, Dremel, angle grinder and hand tools.
I want to upgrade my shop a bit but I'm limited by 2 things:
1. Money. I only have about 100$ to spend right now and if I'll try to save more my wife would just take it 😱
2. Space. My shop is small and packed so can't fit large items.
I was thinking about getting a belt sander as I keep hearing that it's one of the most essential tools.
Opinions?
I see some cheap ones like the wen at1305. Anyone have any experience with it?
Thanks 🙏
Click to expand...
I am using a Wen right now and I've found that it does ok as long as you have decent abrasives. I use Red Label and have had pretty good results. You have to be patient, especially when you're doing finish grinding since it's single speed.

I did find that as it broke in it started to have some problems with belt tension and tracking. I had to adjust the position of the tension adjustment assembly to get it to behave.

The shop at the Indianapolis Art Center finally got a 2x72 and obviously it's a much better tool! I just could not afford one right now, so the plan is to use the Wen until I can save up for one.
 
Ahhh... That would make shipping difficult.

If you have access to free steel or aluminum, you can probably put it together for less than 100$...

But given your budget, I'd start searching the local used market to see what you can find!
 
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