Author Topic: Couple More Tools To Buy (Read 4008 times)

Dick Pacini · « **on:** August 12, 2011, 02:28:49 PM »

Nearing completion in my shop, I need to buy a rotary tool and a small belt sander. I have looked at all the Dremel line and am sort of interested in the 8200 cordless. Any recommendations? Most belt sanders are pretty similar, made in China and priced about the same. A straight belt sander without the disc sander is cheaper. Not sure how often I would use the disc. I am looking for a 1 inch vertical belt machine. Again, any suggestions?

Marvin Denny · « **Reply #1 on:** August 12, 2011, 02:47:04 PM »

I have a craftsman 1"verticle belt with a 6" disk on it also and have NO complaints. Easy to adjust and easy to change belts. Sorry I do not know what it cost, as it was a gift from one of my sons. I use the dick more than the belt now that I have had it for a couple of years.

Bigiron
PS I would really like a 6" belt with a 10 or 12 inch disk--- hint hint for any of my sons who might read this forum.

Steven Kientz · « **Reply #2 on:** August 12, 2011, 02:47:56 PM »

I bought the Harbor Freight version, seems to work alright. Don't forget to use their coupon.

Steve

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #3 on:** August 12, 2011, 03:26:55 PM »

I have a Delta combination belt and disc sander. You will be amazed at often you use the disc. I use it as much or more than the belt.

Kelly Wilson · « **Reply #4 on:** August 12, 2011, 03:51:39 PM »

I have the Dremel cordless rotary tool for a couple of years and I have be very disappointed in it. The batteries are junk. I have replaced them twice and they last no time. After a few months of use you can get only about 5 minutes of use time after a 24 hr charge. I have reverted back to my 30 yr old Craftsman corded rotary tool.

Jeff Traxler · « **Reply #5 on:** August 12, 2011, 03:57:32 PM »

Hi Dick,
Try Grizzly .com.They have the best selection for belt sanders.The disc is a "Must have" and worth the extra money.Grizzly is kinda like going to the grocery store hungry,except your not buying Twinkies and Oreo's you don't need.Make sure you have had your fill of tools before you visit the site!!!
Jeff

Howard Rush · « **Reply #6 on:** August 12, 2011, 04:16:07 PM »

Quote from: Kelly Wilson on August 12, 2011, 03:51:39 PM

I have the Dremel cordless rotary tool for a couple of years and I have be very disappointed in it. The batteries are junk. I have replaced them twice and they last no time. After a few months of use you can get only about 5 minutes of use time after a 24 hr charge.

I've had the same experience.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2011, 05:30:27 PM »

Quote from: Jeff Traxler on August 12, 2011, 03:57:32 PM

Hi Dick,
Try Grizzly .com.They have the best selection for belt sanders.The disc is a "Must have" and worth the extra money.Grizzly is kinda like going to the grocery store hungry,except your not buying Twinkies and Oreo's you don't need.Make sure you have had your fill of tools before you visit the site!!!
Jeff

I have looked at Grizzly. I bought my lathe from there a couple of years ago. They do have good looking sanders. I just am on the fence about the disc.

John Miller · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2011, 05:33:38 PM »

I use the disc at least 10 to 1 over the small 1" belt. I loaned it to Gordan a few years ago, and after I picked it up, he missed it so much that he went out and bought himself one. Be sure and get the disc. You won't be sorry.

Garf · « **Reply #9 on:** August 12, 2011, 06:33:23 PM »

The shop I worked at had the 1" belt sander and a full size 6" X 48" belt sander. The 1" job was never used. My shop didn't even have a disc sander. Everyone used the large belt sander.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2011, 07:13:08 PM »

I agree about the disc - best way to get true 90 degree sands. On the Dremel - I use the large 232 s with flex shaft, keep it hanging from the overhead, ready to use in a flash.
I also have a Fordham, but that's a lot of cash if you don't have the need for real muscle.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #11 on:** August 13, 2011, 09:07:23 AM »

Myself I have a "Shopsmith" that I use. The disc is used more than the belt sander.

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #12 on:** August 13, 2011, 10:17:52 AM »

I have a Craftsman combo belt/disc sander. I like Sears products because it's easy to get parts, in case they are needed.

Floyd

scott matthews · « **Reply #13 on:** August 13, 2011, 01:08:39 PM »

I have a Porter Cable belt and disc sander that I bought at Lowe,s. It was close to $300.00 but, I use this machine constantly when building a new plane.There is no better tool to use when finishing balsa parts, just rough cut them out on a scroll saw and belt sand to finish.You need to check out McMaster Carr,s web site to find really fine grit disc and belts because Lowes does not carry them.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2011, 02:29:00 PM »

Well, after researching many units, I keep coming back to this one by Grizzly for $89.95. Any comments?

John Miller · « **Reply #15 on:** August 13, 2011, 02:34:21 PM »

Looks a lot like the Delta I use.

Bob Reeves · « **Reply #16 on:** August 13, 2011, 02:47:36 PM »

One can never have enough Dremel tools.. I have four 110 volt Dremels and one battery. My oldest (bought in 73) always has a cut-off disk and stays plugged in, great for cutting music wire, brass tubing etc. Have one mounted on a Dremel router table, lots of uses. One is hanging above my bench with the flex cable, good for getting into tight places and the 4th is a floater, gets used with whatever bit I need at the time. The battery one only gets used when I'm polishing gun parts while watching television on the couch.

I too have a Craftsman belt/disk sander, don't remember ever using the belt but use the disk quite a bit.

Bill Little · « **Reply #17 on:** August 17, 2011, 10:37:05 PM »

Hi Dick,

The belt/disc sander you show looks like it would do the job. You really will find yourself using the disc a lot.

On the rotary tool question, I would definitely get a corded Dremel. The last one I got (first one lasted well over 30 years) is the multi speed version and I also got a flex cable for it. I have the cordless version also, but the batteries are holding less charge, it seems, every time I use it now. It IS handy for some jobs, but the corded one is the way to go. And the multi speed version comes in quite handy. Get the adjustable chuck for it, they are cheap and makes bit changing a breeze.

Big Bear

Bill Hodges · « **Reply #18 on:** August 18, 2011, 05:31:41 AM »

Dick:

I have a Dremel 8200 that I bought about nine months back. I love it. The battery in the 8200 is a vast improvement over their previous batteries. I use it a good bit and have had to recharge it only twice since I bought it and it recharges quickly. There are lights on the front that indicate how much battery life is left. It also has plenty of power.

My belt/disc sander came from Harbor Freight. It weighs a ton, but it works just fine. I would not hesitate to buy another one if I needed one.

Bill Hodges

Allan Perret · « **Reply #19 on:** August 18, 2011, 06:59:05 PM »

Ryobi has a nice combo unit, 4" belt and 6" disc. About $130 at Home Depot. I use the belt mostly, like it a lot.
I dont see the 1" belt sander as all that functional.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #20 on:** August 18, 2011, 07:53:16 PM »

Quote from: Allan Perret on August 18, 2011, 06:59:05 PM

Ryobi has a nice combo unit, 4" belt and 6" disc. About $130 at Home Depot. I use the belt mostly, like it a lot.
I dont see the 1" belt sander as all that functional.

The advantage of the 1" belt is that there is an unsupported area between the table backstop and the upper arm. That area is flexible to pressure and would allow for contour sanding of a rounded surface. The 4" sanding belt is hard backed the whole length.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #21 on:** August 18, 2011, 08:09:43 PM »

We had a 1" belt type at work that I thought was almost totally useless. I have a Delta 4" (belt) X 6" (disc) that I use, and apparently use both belt and disc. Also have a Delta #31-050 (1" belt) that I've never really used, and would be happy to see it go away for $10 plus shipping.

Steve

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #22 on:** August 18, 2011, 08:21:43 PM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on August 18, 2011, 08:09:43 PM

We had a 1" belt type at work that I thought was almost totally useless. I have a Delta 4" (belt) X 6" (disc) that I use, and apparently use both belt and disc. Also have a Delta #31-050 (1" belt) that I've never really used, and would be happy to see it go away for $10 plus shipping. Steve

Could you post a pic or two?

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #23 on:** August 18, 2011, 08:44:33 PM »

I could! You know those are 1x2x3 blocks, and may recognize the TF magnetic prop balancer I put in for "scale". The dust came from the bandsaw, which is mounted on the opposite end of the roll-around benchy sorta thing.

Steve

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #24 on:** August 20, 2011, 09:41:26 AM »

I've been using a Dremel #800 for a number of years now. Great machine. (Possibly te predecessor to the 8000?) Yes, way better than those earlier cordless machines that ate batteries! And replace the batteries! ha. They cost nearly as much as a new machine! The 800 boasts Lithium-Ion batteries and is way more powerful than the earlier machines. Batteries lasting great too. However, when they die, they 're done! no slow down, just STOP! Quick to charge though...But I always have a backup rebuit Craftsman corded plugged in!

Don't have a sanding machine...

W.