16 replies to this topic

[muzzy]

About to buy a belt powerfile sander and would like some advice on what make and type to buy and what views people have thats already got one.many thanks.

[nicklouse]

What you want to use it for?

[muzzy]

just general bits on car ie bodywork,welds etc

[slidehammer]

I have an air belt sander that I got off ebay. A cheap unbranded one and it is fine, works well. The only thing is the belts don't last very long and if you are grinding back welds etc then I think an angle grinder with a flap disk if you have access or a die grinder with Rolco discs is a better alternative.

[Homersimpson]

I have a Black and Decker KA900E electric belt sander and don't know how I managed without it, its just so handy for getting into corners and hard to reach areas.

 

I use the Zirconium belts from e-bay but just be careful what size you get as there a few and I used the wrong one once which caused the rubber wheel at the end of the sander to wear down.

[Daz1968]

I bought the sealer electric one as it can take two different belts, although I mainly used the 13mm, was worth it though saved loads of awkward grinding

[mini13]

These are dandy for getting In tight spots, but also I love the flap wheels for grinders, really good as you can pull a lot if metal off if you lean on them, but if you back off you can pretty much Polish the surface

[RustyAutoCityE]

I brought the cheapy Silverline power file, does the job it is meant to do and seems to be decent quality for the price.

 

The only issue I have is that I have to be mindful not to block the air vents for the motor, always go to hold it there which covers them up.

[muzzy]

thank you very much for your replies its given me plenty to think about.ive got grinders,sanders etc just thought a belt sander would be good addition for those ticklish type of jobs.

[Bradchap]

I've got the evolution one from Screwfix, brilliant bit of of kit, used it on 2 full shell rebuilds, no issues highly recommend it

[I hate Brian]

The Evolution Power file is the same as the Clarke one which I have would recommend

[wilsonch]

Is there any prefered make (or ebay supplier) of the zirconium belts?
I bought a pack of 40 various grit off an amazon supplier and they are VERY poor. They snap on the join after 15 minutes use cleaning the crud off brackets. So some good quality belts would be a help

On topic i have just purchased the b&d ka900 seems ok for now, makes short work of rust removal....when the belts are ok.

[Homersimpson]

These are the belts I use, I haven't had any problems with them snapping until they are totally worn out.

 

https://www.ebay.co....tm/183666839256

[T5FAU]

Ill too have the Evolution electric finger sander and its invaluable, been fantastic. I only use 3M belts though as many others wear so fast. I get the belts from cromwell, £10 for 10, 60 grit and 120grit. 

[wilsonch]

Thanks for that homer.
By comparison, the 40 belts i got only cost me 9quid....no wonder there rubbish.