Miniature belt sander

S

Senile Old Fart

Does anyone have one of the mini belt sanders, either air powered or the electric version ?

I just ordered a Dynabrade 40611 kit from ZORO #
G7607223. $319.20 shipped.

It looks like a great way to grind welds and when bought in bulk the belts are around a dollar each.
 
I've seen those and seen the advertisments for them and just can't see a real need for it at all. I might be missing out on something but I really just don't see it being able to do much of anything and figure the belts won't last long. If I'm wrong let me know cause I don't know anyone who has one or used one.
 
My kid loves it. Makes short work of spot welds and it doesn't care how hard the steel is. I've been using cutoff wheels for years, but that little tool is slick, and there's not many places it won't fit into, think inside corners in jambs.
 
Cut-off wheels for me too sometimes I also use carbide bits with a die grinder they also work real good for removing spot welds.

I might have to look into one of those sanders to give it a whirl before I would throw my money down.
 
We had one to try out once from the 3m rep some time ago. Nobody used it, he took it back. He was saying it was good for the spot welds, I was skeptical.
 
I am thinking it might be a great way to grind down a butt spliced panel weld instead of using a abrasive disc.
 
Ive been looking at them for awhile. Price has me on hold. I think they would be awesome for grinding down welds and much easier to control than the cut off wheels or disks. I have read some reviews on them and guys who have them seem to really like them for body work (mostly grinding welds).
 
I bought one of the knockoff brands used from a coworker ten years ago for 100 bucks, and LOVED it . Belt size was 3/4 x 18, I think. Got a batch of belts from McMaster Carr, a bundle of 20, and they outlived the sander itself, and I LOVED it. The belts were coarse, but I could get a fine finish with it when I took my time. Didnt use it all the time, but was invaluable on spotwelds.

Marty
 
I was told they work awesome for spot welds.. I struggle believing that but I see more and more people using them lately..
 
I use mine for hard to reach spot welds but my tool of choice for spot welds and grinding welds is a 3M 01991 disc in a Snap On PT400 die grinder. Those discs are amazing, a real time saver.

Don
 
Don, those 3M are a lot better than the ones you get at home depot or lowes? I think those are Dewalt. They seem to cut real slow.
 
Outlaw;n80388 said:
Don, those 3M are a lot better than the ones you get at home depot or lowes? I think those are Dewalt. They seem to cut real slow.
They kick butt compared to anything I have ever used. They are called weld grinding discs. You can get them on eBay for $5 each but they last a long time and cut fast to keep heat down. 01991 are 3/16 thick. 01990 are 1/16 thick.
 
We use them a lot in the shop. The areas that can be reached are amazing. If you get the chance try one out, you will be impressed.
 
chevy_power427;n80357 said:
We had one to try out once from the 3m rep some time ago. Nobody used it, he took it back. He was saying it was good for the spot welds, I was skeptical.
Sometimes new stuff like that sucks, but this is not one of those times!
 
There is definitely a huge difference in cutting ability & lifespan between brands of cutting discs, grinding discs , flap wheels, etc. The better ones from a supplier might even be much cheaper than from the home stores.
For cutting discs, I prefer the quickie thin discs & usually use a 6" in a 4 1/2" grinder. This is NOT something someone without an excellent feel for a cutting tool should do as it is dangerous without proper precautions. The 6" diablo blades from home depot are about the best a homestore has to offer. A cgw stainless quickie disc is one of the best I've ever tried & has outlasted others about 3 to 1. Many of cgw's flap disc wheels are pretty good also, but I haven't used enough to have a favorite .I usually buy the coarsest flap discs [40] since you're into worn paper pretty quickly.
For a final grinding/sanding on metal, sometimes I use what they call a milk wheel.

I did get to try out someone's professional mini belt sander before. It is a pretty cool tool where you have an appropriate need for it, but aren't all tools? Someday I'll have one. Part of it's advantage is reduced heat from lower cutting speed.

Since the economy dropped, I have occasionally found nice tools for cheap between the junk a pawn shops, but it takes patience & luck.
 
Resurrecting an old thread...

Can anyone recommend a mini belt sander suitable in price and performance for the Non-PROs/hobbyists among us? I figure ~6 years after the last post some of you may have tried one and have an opinion or suggestion.

BTW, I have had good results from Benchmark Abrasives flap wheels and ro-lok discs in both cutting ability and longevity.

-----
Emil
 
I've had this one for awhile. Works good, easy belt change, and this is a very good price for it.
https://www.cpooutlets.com/astro-pn...4582214718035107&utm_content=All_other_brands
I have the same one, like it alot. I haven't used it for spot welds though. I still prefer a weld grinding wheel on a die grinder when I'm not saving the part, and when I have to save the part I like these spot weld bits alot. Best I have used.
 
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