PNW Bachelor
Plastic
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2022
I have a common old Craftsman belt/disc sander which--although I do both woodworking and metalworking--I use almost exclusively for metalworking. Grinding welds, prepping parts, cleaning up bandsaw cuts to make a square face with brushed finish.
Recently, I've decided to seek higher performance machine (i.e. higher speed, primarily), but almost all the recommendations are towards the popular 2x72 3-wheel models, which seem good for knifemaking etc. I'm sure these are great for many uses; but I rely on having a larger, adjustable-angle support table against a semi-flat platen. Am I doing it wrong? Is this just not how others use their belt sander/grinders?
If I stick with the belt/disc form factor but want a higher speed, the only option I see in consumer models is the G1183 from Grizzly, with a belt-speed of 5000sfpm. This might be the best option, but I wish this model came with a cabinet.
I don't see any other options for moving a 6" belt at high speed until you step into commercial manufactures at well over $2k; everything just seems geared toward woodworking, at lower speeds; so I ask myself again--why am I the only one who seems to want a 6x48" sander for metalworking? (and, I'm probably doing it wrong!)
A used heavy-duty floor unit with 3-phase and a VFD would be ideal, but I probably can't wait for the right model to appear.
Thanks for the advice, forum!
Bonus round: I have a 20" variable speed Powermatic Bandsaw which turns at about 40 to 4000 RPM. Could I put a 1"x150" sanding belt on that for detail work (in the style of all the narrow belt sanders which seem so popular now). No contact wheel or platen, I guess.
Recently, I've decided to seek higher performance machine (i.e. higher speed, primarily), but almost all the recommendations are towards the popular 2x72 3-wheel models, which seem good for knifemaking etc. I'm sure these are great for many uses; but I rely on having a larger, adjustable-angle support table against a semi-flat platen. Am I doing it wrong? Is this just not how others use their belt sander/grinders?
If I stick with the belt/disc form factor but want a higher speed, the only option I see in consumer models is the G1183 from Grizzly, with a belt-speed of 5000sfpm. This might be the best option, but I wish this model came with a cabinet.
I don't see any other options for moving a 6" belt at high speed until you step into commercial manufactures at well over $2k; everything just seems geared toward woodworking, at lower speeds; so I ask myself again--why am I the only one who seems to want a 6x48" sander for metalworking? (and, I'm probably doing it wrong!)
A used heavy-duty floor unit with 3-phase and a VFD would be ideal, but I probably can't wait for the right model to appear.
Thanks for the advice, forum!
Bonus round: I have a 20" variable speed Powermatic Bandsaw which turns at about 40 to 4000 RPM. Could I put a 1"x150" sanding belt on that for detail work (in the style of all the narrow belt sanders which seem so popular now). No contact wheel or platen, I guess.