I do not own any bench sander. I need one for a small project - both the
project and the pieces are small. I think that a disk sander will do the
job, but having seen the number of combo disk-belt bench sanders, it got me
wondering which of the two is better for what.
The disk is better for small stuff and the belt for larger stuff needing
flat surface sanding, but what can I do on a 6" belt sander that I cannot
do on a 9" disk? Or 4" versus 5"?
At Grizzly for example, I noticed that they sell disk sanders, combo
sanders, but I did not see any $75 - $200 belt sanders. Don't know why
that is. I'm looking at the Grizzly 12" disk sander for $125 or biting the
bullet and getting the Jet combo for 6"/9" for $380 -- but I need to
justify the 6" belt.
Comments appreciated. -- Igor
"igor" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I do not own any bench sander. I need one for a small project - both the
> project and the pieces are small. I think that a disk sander will do the
> job, but having seen the number of combo disk-belt bench sanders, it got
> me
> wondering which of the two is better for what.
>
> The disk is better for small stuff and the belt for larger stuff needing
> flat surface sanding, but what can I do on a 6" belt sander that I cannot
> do on a 9" disk? Or 4" versus 5"?
>
> At Grizzly for example, I noticed that they sell disk sanders, combo
> sanders, but I did not see any $75 - $200 belt sanders. Don't know why
> that is. I'm looking at the Grizzly 12" disk sander for $125 or biting
> the
> bullet and getting the Jet combo for 6"/9" for $380 -- but I need to
> justify the 6" belt.
>
> Comments appreciated. -- Igor
Since I got the Jet 12" disk sander, I almost never use the 6"x48" belt
sander. If I could only have one, I get the disk only again.
Dave
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> Teamcasa wrote:
>> Since I got the Jet 12" disk sander, I almost never use the 6"x48" belt
>> sander. If I could only have one, I get the disk only again.
>> Dave
>
>Barry: I have a 12" disk as well, and have yet to want to a belt. This
>sander will sand ends, touch up miters and lengths, smooth outside curves,
>you name it. In my opinion, a better combo is a 12" disk and a spindle
>sander. Most things I would do with a stationary belt sander are easily
>done with a thickness planer, hand planes, or a hand held belt sander.
>
> A good disk sander is awesome for fine tuning fits. Mine is located next
> to my assembly area. I can touch a part up, test fit, touch up, etc...
> during a dry fit. The sander always has 80 grit on it, I don't even
> bother to change the disk. A rubber "sandpaper cleaning stick" is a must
> have.
>
> I'd love a Powermatic 20" disk! <G>
I agree. See.
http://www.teamcasa.org/workshop/images/shop_16.jpg
Dave
igor wrote:
> I do not own any bench sander. I need one for a small project - both the
> project and the pieces are small. I think that a disk sander will do the
> job, but having seen the number of combo disk-belt bench sanders, it got me
> wondering which of the two is better for what.
>
> The disk is better for small stuff and the belt for larger stuff needing
> flat surface sanding, but what can I do on a 6" belt sander that I cannot
> do on a 9" disk? Or 4" versus 5"?
>
> At Grizzly for example, I noticed that they sell disk sanders, combo
> sanders, but I did not see any $75 - $200 belt sanders. Don't know why
> that is. I'm looking at the Grizzly 12" disk sander for $125 or biting the
> bullet and getting the Jet combo for 6"/9" for $380 -- but I need to
> justify the 6" belt.
>
> Comments appreciated. -- Igor
G'day Igor,
I have a 9" disk and a 6" x 48" belt sanding combo. If it buggered up
I'd be lost.
The disk is very handy for sanding curves, chamfering dowels and a stack
of other uses including sharpening pencils ;)
The belt sander is the go for sanding long lengths, knocking off sharp
edges and generally sanding with the grain. I removed the stop the day I
got it, so any length of board can be sanded.
To justify the 6" belt.
Boards up to that width can be sanded.
Belts last a lot longer than narrow ones as you are continually using a
different surface.
The machine has a lot more grunt
etc, etc
Hope this helps
Regards
John
"igor" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I do not own any bench sander. I need one for a small project - both the
> project and the pieces are small. I think that a disk sander will do the
> job, but having seen the number of combo disk-belt bench sanders, it got
> me
> wondering which of the two is better for what.
>
> The disk is better for small stuff and the belt for larger stuff needing
> flat surface sanding, but what can I do on a 6" belt sander that I cannot
> do on a 9" disk? Or 4" versus 5"?
>
> At Grizzly for example, I noticed that they sell disk sanders, combo
> sanders, but I did not see any $75 - $200 belt sanders. Don't know why
> that is. I'm looking at the Grizzly 12" disk sander for $125 or biting
> the
> bullet and getting the Jet combo for 6"/9" for $380 -- but I need to
> justify the 6" belt.
>
Trouble with the disk sanders on the grade of machine you're contemplating
is their tables aren't rigid enough to ensure an angle. That's where good
disk sanders excel, perfect 90/30/45, etc or a combination using a sled and
the tilt. Great on the lawnmower blades, too.
Trouble with the belt sanders is they stretch and have to be re-tracked, you
have to keep things moving or they burn. That's where Ed's oscillating
variety come in.
BTW, taking the stop off leaves you vulnerable to a manicure or a shot into
the opposite wall. Not worth it.
I have the JET 6x48 with 12" disk, and the belt is so seldom used that it
might as well not be there. I own a vise and hand planes, though. You
might not.
They make some good iron-tabled cast-trunnioned 12" disk sanders for ~200.
That's what I'd get. Of course, that's only hindsight.
"John B" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:s%[email protected]...
I made up a table with a groove to
> take a sliding adjustable fence.
> It was handy for all sorts of things. One thing I did do a lot of with it
> was making wooden wheels. By placing a screw in the table the distance
> away from the disk as the radius of the wheel then cutting the head of.
> I'd rough cut the wheel, drill a hole in the centre, place it over the
> screw and turn it against the disk. Presto!! a perfect circle.
> regards
My circle-cutting jig for the bandsaw has pairs of pin holes, one for
cutting on the saw, the other for rounding at the disk. You can even
chamfer with it.
"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> igor wrote:
>
>>
>> The disk is better for small stuff and the belt for larger stuff
>> needing flat surface sanding, but what can I do on a 6" belt sander
>> that I cannot do on a 9" disk? Or 4" versus 5"?
>
> I have very limited esposure tothe disk sanders. I do have a combination
> belt and spindle sander though. Just to add to your confusion, take a
> look at the Ridgid unit at Home Depot.
> http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@1569855232.1130293062@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfaddgdfgddldcgelceffdfgidgki.0&MID=9876
>
> --
That link got me large generators.
If it was supposed to be the Rigid oscillating belt sander, then I second
it. I love mine. The dust collection is almost useless, but you can't have
everything. One of these days I will make a hood of some kind for it.
I don't know what the point of disk sanders is; maybe that they're cheap?
I have a the Rigid Oscilating Belt/Spindle sander as well, and, like
everyone else, I love it.
I did run into one instance where I wish I had a disk sander though --
I was making a backgamon board, and after a lot of trial and error, I
figured out the only way to make the wedges was to use a sander. The
problem with the belt sander is that the belt portion is not perfectly
flat -- the wheels are a tad wider than the runner, and if you press
and hold a piece of wood in one place (like say when you have a jig),
the piece isn't perfectly straight. I did get it to work after a bit,
but a disk sander would probably have done a better job.
Having said that, I think the oscelating belt sander is a much more
versitile tool than a disk sander would be.
BTW, I use my belt sander to do curves as well, you just have to have
a firm grip.
John
On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 16:26:01 GMT, "Toller" <[email protected]> wrote:
>Why is the disk sander better on curved?
>
>I bought a used RAS that came with a 10" disk that takes PSA sandpaper. (I
>got rid of the RAS, but figure the disk would work better on a TS anyhow).
>I haven't tried it out because my Rigid belt sander does everything I need
>it for. (well, everything it is big enough for...)
>If the disk sander is better, I can give it a try.
>
It could just be that I sort of learned woodworking on a Shopsmith, so I had the
12" disk and no belt sander... you tend to favor what you're familiar with..
For me, it seems that the disk takes corners off much faster and is easier to
control than a belt...
OTOH, if the belt sander had the same table/fence arrangement as the disk, that
might be different...
I use the belt at both "0" and 90 degrees, but mostly for straight stuff...
seems logical, since it's about 16" long... (a guess, based on 36' belt).. I
haven't mastered things like round disks on the belt, but can do them easily on
the disk...
My guess is that if I didn't have the disk, I'd learn to use the belt for most
things...
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
Just a little extra to throw into the discussion:
Some years ago, I had the need for a disk sander (making three sets of
children's blocks) but no extra $$ or room. I cut a 9 inch diameter disk
out of 3/4" plywood, drilled a 5/8" hole in the center and mounted it on my
table saw (insert removed). Initially, I would contact cement sandpaper to
the plywood, but of course, it was a hassle changing paper. I then tried it
using just loose paper (cut in a 9 " diameter with 5/8" hole) held in place
with the arbor nut and washer. Worked fine!! I still use it from time to
time when I have the need for a lot of that kind of sanding.
I made the disk 9" in diameter because that is the size of a standard sheet
of sandpaper . I initially couldn't get the disk on my saw because of the
clearance through the insert hole. I fixed that with a 5/8" wide by 3/8"
deep dado on the back side of the disk.
This doesn't answer the question of the OP, but it may be food for thought
for some.
Bill Leonhardt
Teamcasa wrote:
>
> Since I got the Jet 12" disk sander, I almost never use the 6"x48" belt
> sander. If I could only have one, I get the disk only again.
>
> Dave
I have a 12" disk as well, and have yet to want to a belt. This sander
will sand ends, touch up miters and lengths, smooth outside curves, you
name it. In my opinion, a better combo is a 12" disk and a spindle
sander. Most things I would do with a stationary belt sander are easily
done with a thickness planer, hand planes, or a hand held belt sander.
A good disk sander is awesome for fine tuning fits. Mine is located next
to my assembly area. I can touch a part up, test fit, touch up, etc...
during a dry fit. The sander always has 80 grit on it, I don't even
bother to change the disk. A rubber "sandpaper cleaning stick" is a
must have.
I'd love a Powermatic 20" disk! <G>
igor wrote:
>
> The disk is better for small stuff and the belt for larger stuff
> needing flat surface sanding, but what can I do on a 6" belt sander
> that I cannot do on a 9" disk? Or 4" versus 5"?
I have very limited esposure tothe disk sanders. I do have a combination
belt and spindle sander though. Just to add to your confusion, take a look
at the Ridgid unit at Home Depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@1569855232.1130293062@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfaddgdfgddldcgelceffdfgidgki.0&MID=9876
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/
On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 01:59:03 GMT, igor <[email protected]> wrote:
>I do not own any bench sander. I need one for a small project - both the
>project and the pieces are small. I think that a disk sander will do the
>job, but having seen the number of combo disk-belt bench sanders, it got me
>wondering which of the two is better for what.
>
>The disk is better for small stuff and the belt for larger stuff needing
>flat surface sanding, but what can I do on a 6" belt sander that I cannot
>do on a 9" disk? Or 4" versus 5"?
>
>At Grizzly for example, I noticed that they sell disk sanders, combo
>sanders, but I did not see any $75 - $200 belt sanders. Don't know why
>that is. I'm looking at the Grizzly 12" disk sander for $125 or biting the
>bullet and getting the Jet combo for 6"/9" for $380 -- but I need to
>justify the 6" belt.
>
>Comments appreciated. -- Igor
Igor.. I have a belt/disk combo and also a 12" disk on the shopsmith...
For my work, the belt is for fast, rough sanding before I use a palm sander..
mostly on flat surfaces and larger pieces..
The disk is great for curves, as John said, (listen to John, he knows jack) but
I use the disk a lot for touching up round stuff like disks or dowels, also for
things like rounding corners of things before I run them through the router
table..
Maybe my whole post should just be "belt=flat, disk=curved" except that I've
used the belt sander with a shop made fence to round the edges of shelves and
used the disk to square up an edge or to sand to thickness..
Just buy the one for $90 at Harbor freight and do your project... I bought it
(6" x 36"belt / 9" disk) about 3 years ago to see if I needed one enough to buy
a quality one... it's been such a work horse that I never felt the need to
"upgrade"
DON'T buy extra belts or disks from HF.. their abrasives suck...
You don't use a lot of belts and disks unless you either abuse the paper or want
to change grits... buy quality abrasives and you'll love the sander.... YMMV
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
On Thu, 27 Oct 2005 11:18:35 GMT, B a r r y
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>A good disk sander is awesome for fine tuning fits. Mine is located next
>to my assembly area. I can touch a part up, test fit, touch up, etc...
>during a dry fit. The sander always has 80 grit on it, I don't even
>bother to change the disk. A rubber "sandpaper cleaning stick" is a
>must have.
>
All very true....
A perk for me is that the 12" disk is on my Shopsmith, where the combination of
adjustable speed, the table and the fence are nice and the fact that the disk is
mounted to the drill press spindle is really nice for little touch ups or
sanding several pieces to the same length..
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
Bill Leonhardt wrote:
> Just a little extra to throw into the discussion:
>
> Some years ago, I had the need for a disk sander (making three sets of
> children's blocks) but no extra $$ or room. I cut a 9 inch diameter disk
> out of 3/4" plywood, drilled a 5/8" hole in the center and mounted it on my
> table saw (insert removed). Initially, I would contact cement sandpaper to
> the plywood, but of course, it was a hassle changing paper. I then tried it
> using just loose paper (cut in a 9 " diameter with 5/8" hole) held in place
> with the arbor nut and washer. Worked fine!! I still use it from time to
> time when I have the need for a lot of that kind of sanding.
>
> I made the disk 9" in diameter because that is the size of a standard sheet
> of sandpaper . I initially couldn't get the disk on my saw because of the
> clearance through the insert hole. I fixed that with a 5/8" wide by 3/8"
> deep dado on the back side of the disk.
>
> This doesn't answer the question of the OP, but it may be food for thought
> for some.
>
> Bill Leonhardt
>
>
I also made my 1st disk sander, and it still sits in the shed, however
rarely used since I got the Belt/Disk combo.
I cut a disk from 19mm chippy, and mounted it on a rather large pulley.
I then used shearer's paper which is 12"D. It lasts forever as it is
what Shearers use to sharpen their clippers. The pulley was mounted on
the shaft of a washing machine motor. I made up a table with a groove to
take a sliding adjustable fence.
It was handy for all sorts of things. One thing I did do a lot of with
it was making wooden wheels. By placing a screw in the table the
distance away from the disk as the radius of the wheel then cutting the
head of. I'd rough cut the wheel, drill a hole in the centre, place it
over the screw and turn it against the disk. Presto!! a perfect circle.
regards
John
"mac davis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 01:59:03 GMT, igor <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I do not own any bench sander. I need one for a small project - both the
>>project and the pieces are small. I think that a disk sander will do the
>>job, but having seen the number of combo disk-belt bench sanders, it got
>>me
>>wondering which of the two is better for what.
>>
>>The disk is better for small stuff and the belt for larger stuff needing
>>flat surface sanding, but what can I do on a 6" belt sander that I cannot
>>do on a 9" disk? Or 4" versus 5"?
>>
>>At Grizzly for example, I noticed that they sell disk sanders, combo
>>sanders, but I did not see any $75 - $200 belt sanders. Don't know why
>>that is. I'm looking at the Grizzly 12" disk sander for $125 or biting
>>the
>>bullet and getting the Jet combo for 6"/9" for $380 -- but I need to
>>justify the 6" belt.
>>
>>Comments appreciated. -- Igor
>
> Igor.. I have a belt/disk combo and also a 12" disk on the shopsmith...
> For my work, the belt is for fast, rough sanding before I use a palm
> sander..
> mostly on flat surfaces and larger pieces..
> The disk is great for curves, as John said, (listen to John, he knows
> jack) but
> I use the disk a lot for touching up round stuff like disks or dowels,
> also for
> things like rounding corners of things before I run them through the
> router
> table..
>
> Maybe my whole post should just be "belt=flat, disk=curved" except that
> I've
> used the belt sander with a shop made fence to round the edges of shelves
> and
> used the disk to square up an edge or to sand to thickness..
>
Why is the disk sander better on curved?
I bought a used RAS that came with a 10" disk that takes PSA sandpaper. (I
got rid of the RAS, but figure the disk would work better on a TS anyhow).
I haven't tried it out because my Rigid belt sander does everything I need
it for. (well, everything it is big enough for...)
If the disk sander is better, I can give it a try.