I’m in the market for a small benchtop combination disc/belt sander (I have neither the budget, space or scale of usage to warrant buying separates). It seems as though there are two distinct types of these machines; that is:
Models where the sanding belt is fairly narrow and operates a little like a bandsaw - travelling through free space and then vertically down through an aperture in a flat table - like this example:
Clearly these two types have differing intended uses (because there are examples of each found within the same brand, so they don’t seem to be in direct competition). I’ve see the free-belt type used to sharpen and finish metal objects such as knives and other forged and cast tools - the slight ‘wrap’ of the belt looks like it is better for finishng items with a rounded surface, without creating flat spots.
But is that the key difference? My intended use for this device is small hobby work in wood, plastics and metal. Which type would I be better choosing, and why?
The smaller strip sander may come with a small platen also. They are mainly used for curved surfaces and small pieces. The larger horizontal type (some of them flip up vertically also) have a big enough platen that you can sand pieces flat or put a consistent radius across a corner. The problem with both of the units you linked is the small size of the disk sander. You’ll wear out and clog up disks rapidly with larger pieces. If your doing all smaller size stuff it should be fine though. And they should work well enough for sharpening chisels and the like. A drum sander may be more useful than the belt sander, but they are all pretty big and fairly expensive machines that I know of.
I prefer the narrow belt sanders for both professional and hobby use as a machinist. They are better for small pieces IMHO. They will have a section with a platen. The section that doesn’t have a platen is useful for more free form sanding and curves because the belt will give. I have had a Harbor Fright 1x30 sander for years and love it especially for the price. I do have one of the other style of sander but don’t use it much. I also don’t use the disc sander on either very often but that’s just me. I would love to have one of the 2x72 sanders.
Thanks. I’m thinking that for small craft projects (typically items small enough to hold with one hand), my needs would be better served by the narrow belt type - and maybe later I should invest in a handheld belt sander for small cabinet work etc. (I have an orbital sander and that’s nearly as hard work as sanding by hand)
Maybe more useful if you’re making furniture, but I’ve gotten some good mileage out of mine, especially after I slapped an Incra guide on it so that I could get repeatable angles. The oscillation feature does make wood go away quickly.
I think I actually had one of the thin belt sanders at one point, but never used it much and have no idea where it got to. Probably sitting in the cellar somewhere.
I’ve got both the small vertical sander shown and it’s good for small projects. I believe it’s a 1" wide belt. I also have a similar design (Craftsmen) that uses a 2" by 42" belt. It can really remove material quickly with a course belt. What do I use it for? Mostly sharpening mower blades.