A belt sander is a machine used to down wood and other materials for finishing purposes. It consists of an electrical motor that turns a pair of drums on which a seamless loop of sandpaper is mounted. Belt sanders can be either hand-held, where the sander is moved over the material or stationary or fixed, where the material is moved to the sanding belt. The most popular type is a 1 inch belt sander. Stationary belt sanders are sometimes mounted on a work bench in which case they are called bench sanders. Stationary belt sanders are often combined with a disc sander.
Belt sanders can have very aggressive action on wood and are normally used only for the beginning states of the sanding process or used to rapidly remove material. Sometimes they are also used for removing paints or finishes from wood. Fitted with fine grit sand paper, a belt sander can be used to assure a completely smooth surface.
A wide belt sander is a large sander that is similar in concept to a planer, but is much larger, uses a large sanding belt head instead of a knife cutter head, and requires air from separate source to tension the belt. For rough sanding large surfaces or finishing wide belt sanders are found mainly in furniture shops or cabinet production factories.
A favorite size sander is the 1 inch belt sander and among the favorite makes is the Porter Cable belt sander.
A disc sander is most commonly known as a stationary machine that consists of replaceable circular shaped sandpaper attached to a wheel being electrically spun around. The usually wooden work, although other materials can be shaped and worked on such as plastics and other soft materials or even aluminum, is sat on a front bench that can be adjusted to various angles. It can be used for rough or fine sanding depending on the sanding grit used.
There are several manufacturers of belt sanders. There is the Bosch belt sander, the Delta belt disc sander, the Skil belt sander, the Ryobi porter cable belt sander and the Craftsman one inch belt sander. Visit your local retail or hardware store for purchasing information. If you visit the manufacturer website, you can also find deals and discounts not offered on many a belt and disc sander at the retail stores.
Have some woodworking projects that need to get done? A belt sander may be just what you need.
