[Man of Steel]

I want to get a bench sander to finish sand any parts cut with my plasma cutter. The ones I see are primarily for woodworking. Are there any of you guys who can lead me in the right direction? What do you use? Thanks, Gary

[1ownerT]

I bought one of these for the shop I used to run: http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/...ng-tasks-21625
I don't recall the price though. Seems they had one that would attach to an existing bench grinder motor.

[oldred]

There has been a lot of talk about buying machinery at Harbor Freight lately about what's good and what's not and that's one machine they have that definitely falls into the NOT good category. I was looking at some just a few days ago here,

www.use-enco.com


Since you are looking for metal working tools this is an excellent place to check out. Right now they even have some of these sanders on sale at real discounted prices. These really are reduced prices and not "standard" sale items like some outfits use to make you think you are getting a deal. Just search- SANDER BELT DRUM -and it should find what you are looking for.

[Keeper]

A 1HP 12 inch disc works well.

I started out with the little bench top 8 inch disc 4x36 belt sander. While it did okay, it was slow and stalled with little pressure.

What size metal are you working with? Anything under 3/16 would be okay with the little 4x36 belt. Keep an eye on the local classifieds they come up pretty often for $20-$40. Oh yeah, be warned that these are not made for metal work, the plastic pieces will melt rather nicely when you are throwing sparks all over the place.

Once you are tired of fighting with the small machines, step up to a 2x72 belt grinder, they are a treat While not exactly a bench top sander, they are well worth the shop floor space.

[Pantaz]

How much are you willing to spend? The top of my list (in performance AND price) is the Wilton Square Wheel Belt Grinder ($$$$).
Being more realistic... there are plenty of options under $300. I like 1" belts for odd-shaped work. Wider (3"+) belts are obviously better for keeping straight lines. I would also check used machinery dealers.

[Old Fool]

You can never go wrong with Burr King bench sanders.

http://www.burrking.com/catalog/p-10...l-belt-grinder

[Gabbyp]

I have a Jet JSG-6 belt sander that I purchased about 25 years ago for $500.00. Today they are about $1100.00. I used it to smooth ¼ inch brackets that I cut using a torch. Even tough it is used for wood working, if you use metal cutting belts from Norton or Klingspor you will have no problems with this sander.

[matts37chev]

one of these is on my want list
but i dont have the room for half the stuff i already have

[Silverback]

Originally Posted by oldred

There has been a lot of talk about buying machinery at Harbor Freight lately about what's good and what's not and that's one machine they have that definitely falls into the NOT good category. I was looking at some just a few days ago here,

www.use-enco.com


Since you are looking for metal working tools this is an excellent place to check out. Right now they even have some of these sanders on sale at real discounted prices. These really are reduced prices and not "standard" sale items like some outfits use to make you think you are getting a deal. Just search- SANDER BELT DRUM -and it should find what you are looking for.

I can't find it, can you give us a better hint? Or has anyone else figured out what sanders he's talking about?

[Keeper]

Keep an eye out on the classifieds, with a lot of the machine work going....over seas. Its a sad fact that machine shops have to sell off gear. I picked this up for $180, its a 2x72 belt grinder that still retails new for $1500.





Buying brand new is nice, but you can get the same machines for 1/4 the price.