Wide belt sander

[woodnovice]

hi everyone, has anyone any experience with wide belt sanders, I'm toying with purchasing one and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on sizes and makes ?
Thanks in advance
Mick

 

[doctor Bob]

I have one, a Casadei 970 style speed sander.

If you have the room get a speed sander not a drum sander, much more effective both on removal and finish quality plus easy belt change.
Mines 970mm wide, fine for most items, the odd wardrobe frame need sanding before assembly.
Every thing goes through the speed sander, my most used machine, needs good extraction.
They do take up a lot of room, need 3m of clear space in front and behind.
Belts are about £13 each.
I make a kitchen every couple of weeks, we have 6 guys in the shop, size is fine.

Go for a reasonable brand, not Chinese cheapos.

 

[woodnovice]

I took the plunge and bought a clean SCM UNO/CS 900mm anyone any ideas where to purchase the belts and how they measure them, there's no manual with it.. ?
Regards
Mick

 

[RobinBHM]

I would think an SCM manual might be available for that machine. You would need the tension on to measure the circumference. Where ever I have bought belts there is always a minimum of 10 belts per grit size.

I have bought from finishing components in Worthing.

I think the main brands are Hermes, Mirka and Klingspor.

Wide belt sanders need careful setting up and calibrating for a good finish and consistent feeding. I have found some useful tips on the American woodweb site and sandingsystemsinc

 

[woodnovice]

ok thanks for the info robin..

 

[doctor Bob]

I buy from Hafele or Adkwik or Hallmark freudo.
Size is circumference x width.
Good extraction is a must

 

[woodnovice]

ok thanks for that, just downloaded the manual from scott sergeant..although the pictures aren't much cop...lol

 

[woodnovice]

Bob, we deal with hafele quite a bit...there is the jupuflex plus and the Sica...being a wide belt sanding virgin..the descriptions read exactly the same..have you any experience on the difference between these belts ?
Thanks for the help

 

[doctor Bob]

I use MDF and hardwoods, no softwood (resins) I use Mirka jupflex from hafele good alround belt, however I find the sia1919 the best quality belts but a bit more pricey.
Once you know your size keep an eye out on ebay and just buy anything your size which comes up. I had a stock of about 100 belts doing this and never paid over £4 a belt. Often people sell half boxes if they have got a knew machine or clearing out stock.

 

[woodnovice]

ok thanks for the info Bob..appreciate it.
Mick