Looking for some feed back on sanders for metal work. I’m not a knife maker, not really planning on ever being one. I would being using it to clean up guests and parts for general fabrication and metal “art work”. What’s everyone exsperience with around the 6 inch belt sanders? I’ve seen some nice looking old 24 inch disc sanders on eBay for around 1,000$ to 1,500$, and I do love the old iron. I have phase converter for three phase power, what HP should I be looking for? Thanks for everyone’s input.
I personally prefer a belt grinder to a disc sander. The higher metal removal rates and longer abrasive change out intervals. 1 hp per inch of belt width is minimum.
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We have a Jet belt/disk combo sander. Bought it 7-8 years ago, it’s a work horse. We never use the sanding disk portion, mainly because good disc are very expensive. For the price point, it removes a substantial amount of material with a good zirconia 36 grit belt. Taiwan made, fit and finish are good, about what you’d expect.
Chose the 1ph 230v option. No phase converter needed.
I don’t have a 2x72 yet. Plan to build one with a VFD over the winter, following the House Made design.
Belt is more versatile for me.
I don’t think your guests will like being sanded.
The first shop I worked in had an ancient 6x48 belt with a 9” disc. That got used so much for so many tasks. I made sure to get one for my shop. I have two at the moment.
The large discs are great for wood, but the huge surface speed difference between the center and the rim make them not perform as well with metal.
I think the two-in-ones are the best of both worlds and don’t take up much room.
I do lust after Jason’s go kart grinder, but can’t really justify it.