6" x 48" combination belt and 12" disc sander options?

[danski0224]

I eventually plan to fabricate an exhaust system out of 3" 304SS tubing and will need something to face the cuts.

Looks like ~5,000 SFPM is needed for metal, which is a ~3400 rpm motor.

Only have single phase power and really do not want to or need to blow thousands of dollars on one of these tools, which I have really had no use for until now (or soon).

The Grizzly G1183 pops up and checks the boxes, with a mix of reviews.

The Jet JSG-6DC Seems similar, but has a higher cost and a higher weight.

Being able to check these out before purchase is not likely.

Variable speed would add some utility, but is not on the machines mentioned above.

Any opinions or suggestions?

 

[cvairwerks]

Keep your eye out for a Delta combo unit. Built like a tank and will last a long time for a lot less $. I picked up one a few years back in like new condition with the enclosed base for 300$, and the seller tossed in all the 12" discs he had.

 

[danski0224]

Point taken on the used equipment.

What is a good choice otherwise? Something may not show up on the used market by the time I might buy one.

 

[whateg01]

I eventually plan to fabricate an exhaust system out of 3" 304SS tubing and will need something to face the cuts.

Looks like ~5,000 SFPM is needed for metal, which is a ~3400 rpm motor.

I don't think that machine will do 5000 sfpm, but it'll still do the job. I used a 4x36 for a long time and it worked, but was slow. A 4 pole motor with a 6" drive wheel gets you closer to the sfpm you are looking for.

 

[danski0224]

That particular Grizzly model claims 5000 SFPM.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have a Powermatic that I paid $150 for but I see Delta and others on Marketplace occasionally in the $300 range. I know there were at least two sanders of that size in my area of NC the last few days.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Any opinions or suggestions?

If you are on a budget and willing to make some "improvements" on your, the Central Machinery (Harbor Freight) is a decent starting point.

The belt does not like to track straight. The free roller need to be turned down to have a small peak in the middle (or was it a small concave?). Might want to upgrade the bearings also. The table and miter gauge leave a lot to be desired.

There are several videos on YouTube about "improvements". Variable speed will cost $$$ ! Either DC motor or small 3 phase with an appropriate variable frequency drive.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Point taken on the used equipment.

Old Craftsman.

 

[macgyver37]

I've got a Powermatic PM30 I think is the model. Mine's 3 phase but I know they made them in single phase as well. It has a dust collector in the base cabinet too. Been a good machine for me. It's got factory green paint so it's older than I am, I don't remember the year.

I needed it immediately to complete a job so I paid a little more ($500) than if I had time to shop for one or build one.

If you end up getting an import machine, go through and check all the fasteners and adjustments and setup. A shop I work at has a bunch of Grizzly machinery they bought new and each one has had trouble from fasteners coming loose or poorly assembled. Some have only been minor and some have been costly.

 

[GeoBruin]

Those Grizzly/Jet benchtop units are pretty slick. Hard to beat for the footprint and price. They do sell two separate models, one for wood and one for metal, so make sure you get the higher SFM for metal as you noted. I see them for half or less than new all the time around me, but not always the faster motor.

I also see variations of the Kalamazoo 4 x 36 for sale from time to time. Even smaller footprint if you don't need the wheel (which I would not). The table is not as large/robust as the Grizzly however so you would need to make or buy something a little bigger to make a good jig.

Kalamazoo 4" x 36" Belt Sander Model S4S https://share.google/R7JEv3T8mPGuNofuO

 

[slowtwitch73]

I would try for just a belt sander, not a combo unit. The issues with discs is you have to go very big to have much usable surface area for sanding (1/2 the dia), also the closer you are to maxing out 1/2 the dia, you have very different removal rates from the center to the outside edge.

Having said that, I have one and love it but it's a large stand alone unit.

I had the Grizzly unit above and hated it. Loud, rough running, ****** platens. That was years ago when they were a fraction of the cost... no way I'd pay what they are asking now.

 

[danski0224]

Interesting. Something to consider. I realized the issue with the disc size because about half of it is blocked off.

 

[whateg01]

Interesting. Something to consider. I realized the issue with the disc size because about half of it is blocked off.

It's not that half is blocked off. It's that you only use the side where it pushes the work into the table. So 1/4 of the total disc area. And really, less than that because the sfpm at the center is zero and doesn't get to be usable until you get out near the edge. I use one occasionally. It does what it does. I use a belt grinder much more.

I would say a disc sander has its place, but I really can't think of anything I use it for that I couldn't use a belt.

 

[danski0224]

Quick search shows very limited number of belt sanders without a disc. At least in the consumer range.

 

[whateg01]

I would say the focus should be less on finding a belt sander without the disc and focus more on the belt itself and its capabilities. On my 4x36 belt sander with disc combo I just removed the disc portion all together and it's now just a belt sander. Point is I wouldn't buy one for the disc but I would not avoid buying one because it has a disc

 

[danski0224]

Any suggestions for a decent piece of equipment? I don't have to buy one today. The Grizzly above is one that meets the SFPM specs for metal, and it has bad and some good reviews.

Yes, there is the possibility of finding that cherry old one stuffed in a garage, but my brief searching shows old ones that mostly cost as much as new ones and of course, they aren't local. The ones I have seen have been mounted to a cabinet base, which I don't really have room for.

I have looked on Craigslist and ePay, do not have FarceBook.

 

[rsanter]

Look for a used jet, atlas, rockwell, delta, or craftsman.

you don’t need 5000 sfpm, but it will work faster a bit. If you are making one exhaust you do need to be ideal.
if you are going into buisness then that’s different

 

[tarbellb]

I own the old Delta 6" belt/12" disc combo

it is a nice unit, built well, great if you can find a deal on one, but.....

I would probably go separate units, the Delta and most others are geared towards wood

There are so many excellent belt units, and it's easier to find a used (big) disc

 

[ToolFanGeoff]

I also have an older Delta 6X48 belt and 12 inch disc sander. It has a 2 hp motor, 240 volt. It is a heavy duty great tool that I really enjoy using. A Garage Journal member shared a link to a business that got it from a school shop and re-sold it. Sorry I can't find the link...
On a similar note, another GJ member, Acourtjester, built a 2X72 belt sander for me. 240 volt with variable speed. It is another awesome tool from a great guy at GJ.
I just wanted to share that some of the members here share awesome advice and tool sources.

 

[rattle_snake]

I have a 2x72 with 1.5 hp 1P motor running a 36 grit at 4900 sfpm. I've have made many, many, many exhaust systems all more than 2" in diameter. No need for variable speed.

You don't NEED a 6" wide or even a 4" wide belt. If you want that and are willing to pay, you need 2+ hp (likely 3 phase) to do so.

 

[Garage Junkie]

I have a Delta 6x48 with a 12" disc that I would part with since I got the 2 x 60. It's in the Cleveland area, not sure OP wants to travel that far though.

 

[whateg01]

...

You don't NEED a 6" wide or even a 4" wide belt. If you want that and are willing to pay, you need 2+ hp (likely 3 phase) to do so.

I've read of the HP requirements for a belt grinder. I guess those are based on the assumption that you are going to use the full width at once. On my 4x36 I rarely did, but can see the desire.

Why is a 3 phase motor likely needed? 2 HP is 2 HP assuming the same rpm, is it not?

 

[RMERR]

I've got both Grizzly's, the G1276 and G1183. I like them. The belt end covers can be fussy, but a minor nusiance. The quick belt change levers are great, although you'll still futz with the tracking each time you change belts, but that's seems normal. The 1 1/2hp motors have been adequate for my needs. Half diameter of use on the disc feels like a big "duh" to me. I actually don't mind the the speed difference from the center to edge. I often use that to cut a little slower or faster as the job requires.

 

[rattle_snake]

Yes if you load the width of the belt you need more HP for larger contact. The larger industrial machines are typically 3 phase.

As far a power goes, running on 120 VAC your kinda limited to 20A. 120 * 20 A = 2400 W / 750 W per HP = roughly 3 hp at 100% efficiency. Real world is more like 2hp on 120 V. Stepping up to 220V you can run 5-6 hp like a air compressor on 30+ A service. So no you don't need 3P but likely 220V.

 

[macgyver37]

It's not that half is blocked off. It's that you only use the side where it pushes the work into the table.

While I agree with this most of the time, I have and will use more of the disc than that at times. I have a 30" disc/OSS combo and I have floated a part the full width of that disc even to the point of lowering the table to get more room. It's not something I would advise a newbie to do without being there in person to show but it is pretty nice to have the option.

As for a disc vs belt, I also agree most of the time I like a belt better, but there are instances that a disc makes it easier to get a flat plane.

To the OP, I bought plans for a bolt together kit to build a 2x72, that might be something worth looking into, the 2x72 belts seem to be the sweet spot for cost per square inch of abrasive and they really perform well.

If you are really only looking to use the tool vs build one, then I'd probably buy one and to be honest, if it's only the one exhaust system, then I'd probably buy the best condition machine regardless of which configuration I could get for a good price. Even a slower sfpm machine will still be better than a hand grinder..

 

[62civa]

I have owned the Jet model for at least ten years. I use it at my business nearly daily. It has been perfect for my use. i would say it’s very well built after ten years of use and zero issues.

 

[danski0224]

Looks like the price has gone up, off of the "holiday" sales.

Oh well, need more welding practice anyways at this point.

 

[tarbellb]

I have owned the Jet model for at least ten years. I use it at my business nearly daily. It has been perfect for my use. i would say it’s very well built after ten years of use and zero issues.

Does your JET combo have the plastic body?

I've looked at a few of those, I think they used a lot of plastic. Good to hear it's holding up in your shop

 

[Steve_P]

I have an old HF 6X48 w 12"? disc and 120V motor. The motor isn't big enough if you lean on the belt; otherwise, it works for light usage. The belt didn't track when it was new, drove me crazy, and I eventually broke it from F'ing with it so much. Put on a replacement belt and no issues- the original was obviously not glued correctly. The disc on mine wobbled a little and I eventually stopped using it and removed it. So, I guess that's not much positive about the HF, but I really only wanted it for the belt so it's fine for me. If I wanted to buy one now, I'd seriously consider a Jet. Yes, it's a lot more $ than HF.

 

[mbatarga]

I bought a used Jet JSG-96 Benchtop Disc/Belt Sander a few years back - but it's got a 9" disk rather than 12".