Belt/Disk Sanders

[Bham_Mike]

I've been shopping around for a belt/disk sander suitable for metal removal. Most of the ones I've looked at appear to be for woodworking. The disk speeds are typically around 1700 rpm. I'm most interested in something like a 12" disk and a 1" belt (can be separate machines). My question is, what disk and belt speed should I be looking for? What do you guys use? Also, Burr King and Ellis are out of my price range.

thanks
Mike

[murphco]

enco,delta,woodco,to name a few.110?

[punkassslacker]

At work I have a 12" Delta Disc sander, it works great. I haven't tried the other brands and I don't know any of the specs other than it's a 1/2 Hp

[Ryno]

Delta machines are relatively inexpensive, and with a good 3M belt and disc...they work quite well. I have a 3" belt, and a 6" disc, and it works great for smoothing out just about anything.

As far as speed, I'd be more concerned with the Amps. Higher the amps, more power it has to keep the speed up. Spend the extra $$ for the larger motor, you'll thank yourself.

[ACID_RAIN28]

HF has a 20" disk sander for like $500

[hoeker]

not sure on the HF one but it's pretty hard to beat a 20" disk sander for metal removal. mine is a used american made job that's older than me but with a 2hp motor it really chews. personally i'd avoid the combo jobs and start with a 12" disk if that's all you can afford, then add a small belt sander later.

www.rosshoek.com (http://www.rosshoek.com)

[geoff]

i have a few enco belt sanders in my shop that have been modified with larger pulleys, they really haul ass now.

burrkings are sooooooooooo nice tho =)

[redline]

i use ACRA machines and havent had a real problem with them. they are imports but built nice and affordable. i think i paid like 575 for my belt/disc sander

[Mintychip]

Call Davis and Wells in Lynwood, CA and ask for Dan. They have tons of machines from entry level to extremely high end stuff.

Davis and Wells (http://www.davisandwells.com/)

323-636-0621

[murphco]

the dual 12 inch disc that we use is a 1 hp and has plenty of power to hog off plenty of material.just make sure to get 3m discs as the others seem to burn when using them with metal.it is made buy excalibur woodworking and sells from enco for $199.we have been using it for two years six or seven days a week and have not had a problem or loss of performance.

[BradM]

We have had both the imported deltas and the good old American made equipment in the shop. The American made equipment is hard to beat, even the ones that are 30+ years olds. The import stuff looks good and is fairly decent but there are many small things about them that aren't quite right and tend to irritate me when I use them. As far as disc vs. belt argument, I think a good disc sander is worth 5X a good belt sander for clean up work on brackets and general fab work. If you get just a disc sander, find one that is at least 12" in diameter.

More than anything, I agree that the quality of your belts and discs is the key. Spend the extra money on them and buy Klingspor or equivalent and they will last longer and cut better. But expect to pay for them.