Guys I want to get a combo disk belt sander for grinding recoil pads. What size do you recommend.

I use a belt sander

I think a 10 inch disk sander is the best for fitting pads if you use a jig. Mine is a Delta that you can get a Home Depot. The 6X48 stationary belt sanders are more versatile however. They can be used for lots more than pads. Buy the best quality you can afford, Wilton comes to mind.

i bought the HF 6x9 - ordered belts/pads from mcmaster -- while it was 100 years ago, when i got it, i think they go on sale for 169 from time to time now
https://www.harborfreight.com/...sc-sander-61750.html

think of all HF "machines" as kits, and you won't be far wrong, but this one just required a drive belt replacement ... all of 10 minutes at the auto parts store

get a belt disc combo

I haven't used a disk in years. I finally simply abandoned the one I had and gave it away because the belt sander did it all and I could change belts rapidly. After burning out a dozen cheap belt sanders I bought a Baldor 2x48 inch industrial belt grinder. I have run the piss out of it for 20 years now and it's needed nothing but one new switch. Hind sight being 20/20 I would have bought a Wilton Square Wheel or a Burr King. Not because they are better, but because the belts are longer. The belts are pretty close to the same price, but the 2x72 inch belts are twice as long so they last a LOT longer. Not only is there more surface area, but they cool better. There is also the little matter of the seam going over your work piece. With the 2x48 it's an annoying bap, bap, bap like a little jack hammer. With the 2x72 inch belts the seam is more of an interrupted bap ---- bap and it is a lot nicer to control. Also, you can get the burr king and Square Wheel with a rheostat controlled motor to vary the speed. With that you can alter finish weights just by cranking the speed up and down and you can turn the speed down for wood and plastic to keep from loading the belt and burning.

At the time, the Baldor was $1,300 and the Wilton was $3,000. I think that is what through me off at the time. Silly, cheap, BASTARD ! I see now that Jet is offering a clone of the Square Wheel for about $2,400 USD.

I used a 6x48 belt, 12" disc combo. Never used the disc on pads.

Dave

6x48 industrial Delta. Same as Dave, I never use the disc.

Thanks allot for the input guys.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
i bought the HF 6x9 - ordered belts/pads from mcmaster -- while it was 100 years ago, when i got it, i think they go on sale for 169 from time to time now
https://www.harborfreight.com/...sc-sander-61750.html



think of all HF "machines" as kits, and you won't be far wrong, but this one just required a drive belt replacement ... all of 10 minutes at the auto parts store

That looks like a good deal

quote:

Originally posted by speerchucker30x378:




At the time, the Baldor was $1,300 and the Wilton was $3,000. I think that is what through me off at the time. Silly, cheap, BASTARD ! I see now that Jet is offering a clone of the Square Wheel for about $2,400 USD.

Not sure I can afford that as a hobbyist but thank you. It looks great

quote:

Originally posted by Double BC:
[QUOTE]

Not sure I can afford that as a hobbyist but thank you. It looks great

I guess it all depends on how serious your hobby is and how many times you want to buy the cheap ones. LOL

There are a ton of plans out there on building a quality shopmade 2x48 or 2x72 belt grinder.

I have made several that work great.



http://www.instructables.com/id/2X72-Belt-Grinder/


https://duckduckgo.com/?q=shop...iax=images&ia=images

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
i bought the HF 6x9 - ordered belts/pads from mcmaster -- while it was 100 years ago, when i got it, i think they go on sale for 169 from time to time now
https://www.harborfreight.com/...sc-sander-61750.html

think of all HF "machines" as kits, and you won't be far wrong, but this one just required a drive belt replacement ... all of 10 minutes at the auto parts store

I like this one! I have a small bench top and use the disc and belt. The larger one would be awesome.

I've got a Rockwell combo, 12" disk and 6x48 belt. Got it used locally for $250. It's a beast and will move some material. I think I have 60 or 80 grit on the belt and 100 or 120 on the disk. Useful for much more than doing pads too.