Which belt sander?

J

joshyotter

Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
11
I've been looking at cheap belt sanders and wanted to hear what you guys thought would be a good one for someone whos just starting out. The three that I have narrowed it down to are
Grizzly H3140 Belt Sander 1" x 30"
http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/products/Belt-Sander-1-x-30-/H3140

Delta SA180 Shopmaster 1-Inch/8-Inch 1/3 Horsepower Belt/Disc Sander
http://www.amazon.com/Delta-SA180-Shopmaster-1-Inch-Horsepower/dp/B00006JZZZ

TD Industrial Combination 1" X 5" Belt & Disc Sander "C-UL"
http://www.amazon.com/TD-Industrial...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1222572075&sr=1-1

Thanks for the input
 
if your in arizona i have a couple 1x30 belt sanders for sale...one is a dremel and the other is a delta
 
between those 3 the delta for sure(its a 1x42). It runs slower than the rest of them, you might actualy be able to use the disk part too.
 
I live in California but thanks for the offer. I'll check out some reviews on the craftsman, thanks for the advice guys
 
I have the Delta 1x42", it works just fine. Tried a 1x30 type and wouldn't recommend it. They generally have really crappy dust collection systems and not enough juice to do any real metal grinding on. The Delta draws 6 Amps which is pretty good for a 1/3hp motor I think. Takes a fair bit of pressure to bog it down unlike the 1/30".
 
When I started out I had a 1x30 delta a friend gave me... but I made all the knives up until I bought my coote grinder with files. I used it to sharpen some knives (still do), but it just wasn't made for knife grinding. Good files and some practice will produce better results than any 1x30 I'd wager.
 
+1 for the craftsman 2X42, I am a newby and it works just fine. I modified the platen and installed a ceramic platen liner on mine. I also cut the bottom guard off so I could use scotchbrite and leather belts. It is not a cadillac but it will get the job done.
 
tholiver said:
Actually i'm looking at this one "CRAFTSMAN®/MD 6" Disc/4 x 36" Belt Sander"
http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B000...44?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=396542011
Click to expand...
Please keep in mind that mistakes will happen, a simple slip or mental lapse while grinding. The wider the belt, the more costly that mistake becomes. I started with the Craftsman 2x42. After upgrading to a KMG, I still use that grinder with a 1" belt. Works great for smaller, detailed areas.

R.C.Reichert said:
Why can't they sell those 2x42's in Canada dammit!
Click to expand...
RC, if there are no export/import laws forbidding grinders. Shoot me an email.
If you cover the cost and shipping, I'll pick one up and ship it to you. Worth the effort and expense as a first grinder.
 
tholiver said:
Any thoughts on this one from Lee Valley?
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=44884&cat=1,43072
Click to expand...

I've checked that machine out myself, but after thinking about it, decided to go with the Delta 1x42. Reason being the dust port can be hooked to a shop vac. I didn't want Bloodwood and Ebony dust all over my basement. But with a good high amp motor on the Lee Valley one, it would probably be really good for grinding steel.:cool::D

Thank you for you're offer Cliff Davis! That'll have to wait till I get some more fundage though.;)
 
There are some very generous people here at bladeforums for sure!
:thumbup:


Unfortunately i think the shipping from the states to you would hurt your pocket book.

I found a 1X30 at Canadian Tire-"Mastercraft 1-in. Belt/Disc Sander"
Its only 80$ and you can get it from your local store (no shipping).
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/p...d=1408474396672855&subctgrid=1408474396672970
For me i'm just getting into this so this is a relatively cheap way for me to try out a belt sander.
If i use it a lot i can always upgrade to a better model later.

For those who aren't living up north Mastercraft brand is to Canadian Tire as Craftsman is to Sears.
:D
 
Just found bosstoolsupply online they are in Canada and have free shipping for items over 149$.
They have the Delta 1X42 shopmaster.
 
One thing it doesn't look like anyone mention is that 1x30 belts will load and heat up faster. Also the little belts aren't much cheaper so bigger belts help you save money on the thing that costs more than your grinder... abrasives. Saving for the Grizzly 2x72 can save you on belts in the long run but if you don't want to spend that kind of scratch opt for the 2x42 or a 1x42.
 
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