Belt and disc sander questions

[Ives]

I'm probably going to buy a small one from Axminster, and probably need to just try it myself and see what does what, but I'm curious, why there is both a belt and disc. What do you use them for differently?

Also, should I just buy replacement ones from Axminster when I buy the machine or are there better quality ones to buy somewhere else? (Like there are for scroll saw and bandsaw blades!)

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Belts are more aggressive.

You would use the belt when quicker more aggressive sanding is required or sanding of longer ends etc. You use a disc when finer sanding is required or curved work.

 

[RogerP]

I have one of the smaller ones , not Axminster but very similar just a different badge, but with hindsight I wish I'd bought the larger version. Just a thought