Technical Best Mini Belt Type Sander/Grinder for Sheet Metal

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https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40064992/

Game changer right here...spotwelds, seamsealer, deburring weld finishing...

 

Interesting that they are 220 volt, especially at just 0.65 HP.

 

Probably linked a European ad; normal juice is 220 over there.

 

I bought one of Harbor Freights 3/8"x13" belt sanders; which works okay. I usually use a 4.5" grinder with a grinding wheel to knock down the proud, then maybe the belt sander or Roloc disc. Are you grinding MIG welds? If you are, what wire are you using?

 

No problem here, I took it as a well meaning suggestion.......but "No" I don't cover the ways. When I clean the metal shavings out I wipe the ways off. I think its gonna outlast me. We both could use a little "freshening up" though.

 

Something else to consider is that you can buy these small belt sanders in different widths ......3/8....1/2....3/4 and need to get belts to fit not only length but width. I just ordered a new one thats 3/8 off Amazon so I can use it for porting some square exhaust ports and wanted the narrow one for that. General work/bodywork probably the 3/4.
Again, I ordered the Astro Pneumatic because I'm happy with it and its price is reasonable.

 

I bought the same one you have a couple months back and been using it quite a bit and it’s performed flawlessly. I also bought a spare belt kit with it. 120 to 60 grit, I think there were 18 belts in total.

 

My new "mini" version of the Astro arrived yesterday. Here are some pictures so you can see the difference in size if anyone wants to buy one. They make 3/8...1/2...3/4. The 3/4 serves me well for most things and feels comfortable in my hand. Not too bulky. The 3/8 is a lot smaller and have not tried it yet, but plan to try it on porting some heads to get in some of the tighter spots. Anyway, you can see the differences between them.


View attachment 5898065

 

I have the Astro 3/8” x 13” and like it overall, it seems to be decent and the price was reasonable compared to the 3M, Ingersoll , or Dynabrade.
I haven’t been impressed with the Harbor Freight lineup.
Belt life is poor, so I ordered a variety to see if the 3M belts are better, as reported on the web. They’re more expensive than generic imports, but if they last longer, will be worth it.

I think I will pick up either the 1/2” or 3/4” big brother version, although the 3/8” grinder i have is probably best for grinding out spot welds. Probably go with Astro again.

 

I've thought about picking up a harbor freight version to see if I'd like it.

I bought their big belt/disc sander about 7 or so months ago, used the **** out of it and I love it. The belts last OK, the disc's wear out quick.

On big flat surfaces I've been known to use my big wood hand belt sander, it works amazing too... 5 bucks at salvation army store.

Now if they'd design something for doing final wet sanding before paint besides my hands !!

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I ordered some generic ones off Amazon and have been satisfied with most of them. Last ones I ordered had 3 different grits. The fine grit ones broke after little.....make that very little use......but the medium ones seem to hold up just fine..........no pun intended.

 

red label abrasives off of amazon have been really good for the money for me

 

I worked in a metal fab/blacksmith company for 9 years. the company supplied the grinders and the belt sanders,, a grinder for everyone, but only two Makita belt sanders between six guys. They were abused like heck, lasted really well, so well, that when I went solo, I bought one. Another 9 years and all I've done is replace brushes once, it gets used just about every day in my blacksmithing and fab business, highly recommended

 

I have the larger Milwaukee 12v and it works great.

 

Just seen a price drop on these, at this price it could be worth a try.
https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-belt-air-sander-60627.html

 

I bought that one just to get the feel of what a mini is capable of, if I can't live without this type of tool I will buy a better brand probably in a 1/2" version.

 

I picked up this Princess Auto PowerFist brand up last year. Works great. Don’t know how I lived without one of these things. Worked great finishing off the welds for this patch panel in my OT vehicle.

 

No good deed goes unpunished !