Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Engineering Techniques and Materials. => Topic started by: Tug Fanatic on January 10, 2016, 03:24:25 pm
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I am going to be visiting tool shops to look at/ purchase a dust mask & whilst I am there I wanty to look at bench sanders - but which sort?
I have the usual collection of various handheld electric sanders (1/3 sheet, 3" belt, palm) and a Black & Decker drum sander that I use in a pillar drill as well as numerous hand sanding blocks but in total they are less than I want.
I want a bench sander suitable for modelling/ light diy. I want to sand thick & thin wood, ideally metal (although I appreciate that this might be impossible), & plastic/acrylic etc . I want it for detail work & to be both suitable for finishing and bulk removal back to a finish line from a cut line and I want it to be able to do the inside of curves as well as outsides & straight lines. Not much to ask for then.
I have considered belt, disk, and oscilating drum sanders and all of various sizes but I am not convinced which is the best. The small 1" belt/ 5inch disk sanders would appear the only possible compromise although I am sceptical of their power for some jobs & of the high belt speed which I can see causing all sort of problems. They also seem to have a limited range of available abrasives.
Which bench sanders do others find the most useful & versatile.
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Not something I would bother with - the other tools all do part of its job. For heavy-duty, put the belt sander upside down in a vice or you can stick a drill in the vice with a disc on it
Angle grinders or bench grinders will sort the metal.
A power-file may be useful.
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I have a large heavy duty belt and disc sander and I don't ever envisage using it for modelling as it is too big and powerful. I use it for shaping sailing dinghy rudder and centreboards. I agree with Plastic the tools you already have will do most modelling jobs easier and probably just as well if not better.
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If I had the room I would get this one .
John
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cbs1-5-belt-disc-sander/
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I have one of them and find it most useful but would,nt go any bigger for my modelling.
Regards Howard.
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Mine takes up shelf space rather than bench space; handy tool and light.
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I agree with the couple of chaps above. I have a similar model from Axminster Tools, about 6-7 years old now. Don't worry about power, there's plenty of it! With a bit of practice small amounts can be sanded off and accurate lines achieved. I also have a Proxxon BS/E mini belt sander. Expensive but highly versatile with a 10mm x 330mm belt and adjustable speed. Great for cleaning up white metal fittings.
John
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I have 2 sanding machines, 1 with an 8" medium disc and 4" belt. The other is a 6"fine disc and
4" belt. The belts can be angled to sand curves etc.
The smaller one I would not be without as it saves lots of hand sanding and time they both
Also have dust extradition outlets. The 8" I Use for making boat stands and sanding rough
Sawn timber. The discs come in coarse,medium & fine.
If I were to buy a new one I would buy one with hook&loop disc fixing so I can swap discs
The discs on mine are self adhesieve so you only replace them when worn out.
Hope this helps.
John
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Heading for Machine Mart!
Thanks for the input.