Wide Belt Sander

How to choose a wide belt sander

It is not always easy to choose a sander.  Disc sanders, belt sanders,wide belt sander and combination sander all have very different features and benefits.  There are even electric drywall sanders.  They come with their own duct collectors.  Do not be confused by the wide range of types of sanders.  With the advice here, the choice will be much easier.

A belt sander is most often used in a 3×21 inch size.  The size is based on the size of the belt itself.  The sizes can vary from 1” to 37” wide.  They can be small enough to be operated by a single finger.  They can also be machines that have 15 hp motors and stand several feet tall.  Look for the following features while seeking to purchase a belt-type sander:  What is the dB of the motor output?  Will there be too much noise?  Is the machine balanced?  Where are the handle grips located?  Are they close to the speed control switch?  What type of platen is there for sanding a flat surface?  How well is dust collected?

The “disk-and-belt” sander is a combination mechanism.  In general, they are useful for wood, plastic, and non-ferrous metal.  Check these things when purchasing a disc-and-belt model sander:  What size are the sanding discs?  What size belts are required?  How does the table tilting operate?  What horsepower motor does it have?  Can the belts be changed without difficulty?  Does the sander have belt tracking?

Choose the right size disc sander that suits the job.  Sanders that can be held in the hand begin at 5 inches in size.  Sanders that are used in a workshop tend to be freestanding.  These can be up to 20 inches large, with 3HP 3-phase motors.  Look for some of the following things when buying a disc sander:  Is it easy to change the disc?  Is the motor the correct size to do the job?  Are the belts aligned easily?  Is there storage for wrenches?  How is dust collected?  Consider other kinds of sanders, too: palm, finish, random orbit, spindle, and even drywall sanders are all useful tools.