Belt Sanders

[mpierich]

OK, it's time I finally got a stationary belt sander to speed up my production.

I haven't seen one I like (that's in my price range) so I will probably have to build one.

Anybody have any suggestions? If you have one, which one and what do you like/not like about it?

I'm visioning an "upright" one with three rollers.

For mine, I feel I need:
- 3" - 4" width
- foam rubber front roller for primary work area
- a flat table under part of it for flat sanding
- a slack belt area for light contour sanding

Any ideas for what to use for rollers? I'm thinking of turning them out of glued-up wood blanks, but rubber rollers with bushings or bearings would be nice.

Comments appreciated.

[jrow]

mpierich,

I just got one! It is a Sears model 351.215140, on sale for $99.00! It has a 6" disk and a 4" X 36" belt. The reason I chose this one is for the 6" disk, I can get fine grit paper for it. Same size as a DA. Works good for me!

John

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by jrow

mpierich,

I just got one! It is a Sears model 351.215140, on sale for $99.00! It has a 6" disk and a 4" X 36" belt. The reason I chose this one is for the 6" disk, I can get fine grit paper for it. Same size as a DA. Works good for me!
John

Kewl, thanks for the info. Not a bad price - who'da thunk Sears would have a good deal for a change?

Can you use either roller to work on, or just the flat area?

I want a foam or inflatable roller/drum so I can do cylindrical objects without gouging. I'm beyond using greaseless for that. And I want to combine that with the belt function to save shop space. I'll come up with something...

BTW, I know you can get at least up to 700 grit in the belts for expander wheels - so somebody has the material to do that and might make your size belts as well.

ALSO...does anybody have any idea where to get the tape they use to put belts together? It's a clear plastic and must be super-sticky, tough, and heat-resistant.