Belt sander suggestions?

[JimCrawford]

Anyone have any suggestions for a bench mounted belt sander for a small workshop in my basement. Grizzly looks good, as do Kalamazoo, but I've no idea which is a better bargain for quality.

-Jim

[Don A]

Jim,

What is going to be the primary purpose for your sander?

If it's just for de-burring and routine shaping and clean-up on steel and wood, one of the $99 Delta 4"x36" with the 6" disk on the side is mighty handy.

However, if you are looking for a good blade grinder, price is going to be your determining factor. On a budget, I have heard good things about the Grizzly, but it is a budget alternative.

If you can afford the price, you can't go wrong with a KMG built by Rob Frink at Beaumont Metal Works:

Beaumont Metal Works, Manufacturer of Industrial belt grinders and finishing equipment

I can't afford one yet, but I have seen them demo'd many times at Ron Claiborne's hammer-in, and they are awesome machines.

Don

p.s. Rob has 2 Youtube demos on his main page. They are well worth the time to watch.

[JimCrawford]

I have the delta already, but the aluminum disc backer seems to be fused to the shaft. I can't get it off in order to replace the belt that broke, so I'm thinking that replacement might be in order.

Life is grand sometimes.

-J

[Don A]

Jim,

Please don't think I'm being a smart@@@, but have you found the set screw that holds the disk on the shaft?

It's a little allen-head screw... hard to get at.

Also, there might be a couple threaded holes on the face of the disc on either side of the shaft hole. If you can find some bolts or all-thread to fit these, you can rig up some sort of wheel puller. A squirt of Breaker or W-D probably won't hurt either.

Ask me how I know all of this

Don

[Rich Hale]

I use my belt sanders for blades, I have two. One is the grizzley that you mentioned and I use it a lot. however I do not use it to hollow grind blades. Sich the wheel is mounted on the end of the motors shaft the motor itself gets in the way of a blade that has the handle to the left of the wheel. My other is a high priced machine made by Hard Core. I do all of my blade grinding on it. Here are some things I like: 2"x 72" belts are easier to shop for price and a wide selection. I like access to both sides of the wheel. A variable speed is a must for me. Mine has a dc motor and dial control. A changeable pully set up would be fine also. Some things you need slower speeds and some faster. A nice flat platen set up is really useful for a lot of things. Belt grinder are a great additon to a shop and also a big investment. I think you can find some on-line how to plans if you feel like taking on another project.. have fun.

[ApprenticeMan]

I would HIGLY HIGHLY suggest getting a B3 from the Bader company, it's the most versatile grinder on the market, they make a bunch of different attachments for it, it tilts up or down, and is just overall a great powerful machine. It is such a simple machine, with a metal cutting saw, a torch and a drill press you can make alot of different custom attachments for it yourself. I have used both the B3 and the space saver(larger machine), and would recommend no other machine higher than a Bader, I guarentee you will be satisfied.



Stephen Bader & Co., Inc. - Manufacturer of quality belt grinders, polishing and finishing equipment

[ThomasPowers]

I learned from a swordmaker who used a Bader; so I bought one as soon as I was able to. A joy to use.

Thomas

[Jacob]

I've also heard good reviews of Burr King. I bought a Grizzly and it works well enough. I may tinker with it one day to make it a 3-wheel setup or make some attachments. Otherwise I might just build a second one. Building one shouldn't be that hard IF you have a complete fabrication shop already.

[clark-kentski]

I looked at that Bader website and i see he has a portable belt grinder that can attach to a metal lathe,does this sound like a good idea?anybody have one?seems like it would spew alot of grit all over a sensitive machine

[Rich Hale]

A good point abouit the dirt and grit, espcially on days that I rough grind blades before heat treat I make a LOT of dirt and grit...I have alathe and it is on the other end of the shop covered up...