1990 Delta 6x48 12" Disk Sander

[lafester]

1990 Delta 6x48 12" Disk Sander

Picked this up on Sunday and just got it running. I converted it it single phase so I swapped in a 3/4 hp motor and a new switch.

The frame is broken at the lower guard mount so I'll probably swap in another one eventually. Only missing the side guard and top knob which are on the way hopefully.

I've been wanting one for awhile so I probably over paid for the condition, but they simply do not come up for sale very often. This was $280 but the parts are pricey. I should get a decent amount for the 3 phase starter to offset some of that.

This is a few steps up from the craftsman I've been using.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[LeeG]

I have a similar one by Jet. I mostly use the belt for metal and the disc for wood. I use the heck out of mine.

 

[lafester]

Yeah, I plan on doing the same thing. The Jet version sure does look similar...
Not that I wouldn't have bought one if it came along first, but I am happy to have a US made machine.

I just noticed they have the phase wrong on the base tag. The model number matches up to other 3 phase units I found while searching. I might put it back to 3 phase some day if I decide I want variable speed.

 

[lafester]

I decided to take the belt sander apart today since I have a replacement frame coming. The process is very simple and it all came apart without any issues.
All the parts seem to be high quality even though it is a later model.

Not sure how the damage occurred but the bottom cover was also bent and the side cover is missing. Probably damage during transport after it left it's home in Arizona. I was able to fix the bend in the bottom cover, thankfully.

The new frame should be here in a few days. Not sure about the other parts as Renovo is silent. I'll see if they answer the phone tomorrow for an update.

 

[nadogail]

I have a similar one by Jet. I mostly use the belt for metal and the disc for wood. I use the heck out of mine.

IMHO, The JET is a "knock off"

 

[lafester]

Yeah, they are a big reason why we do not have very many us made machines anymore.
Then they raise the price up and act like a premium brand.

Grizzly is just as bad.

 

[lafester]

I have done a few things to the sander since last July.

The 6x48 portion has been completely replaced with older (but better in every way) parts. I really wanted to keep the older one on its open stand, but ultimately I like this setup better. I actually still have the parts to put it back if I change my mind.

Anyway, all the parts have very little belt wear and I like the chrome knobs over the black. I installed a cutler hammer switch to replace the furnace switch which was really hard to press. I also just installed a Craftsman work light which is the perfect height for this machine. So... very little of this machine is from 1990 anymore.

I'll get a few more pics soon. Still need to figure out a dust collection setup for the disk sander.

 

[lafester]

I see there aren't many 'before' pics either. I'll see if I have some to add.

Found one pic...

 

[lafester]

Couple new pics...
I love the old delta badge on the guard and the CH switch works great.

 

[Speedbird]

I have the same machine and really like it. One issue I have is getting the belt tracking right. Very hard to use because I'm having to almost keep one hand on the adjustment knob. Lately it has seemed to be more steady though, not sure what I need to do about that.Did your replacement parts come from Delta or somewhere else?

 

[lafester]

I bought another sander and swapped all the parts in. Ebay generally has most parts available though. Mine tracks extremely well so there must be something wrong... have you taken it apart and cleaned / oiled up all the parts?

 

[Speedbird]

No. It's on my list to do but not made it to the top. Bearings are not making excessive noise yet. Maybe it's just really touchy on the tracking adjustment.

 

[macgee]

I have the same machine and really like it. One issue I have is getting the belt tracking right. Very hard to use because I'm having to almost keep one hand on the adjustment knob. Lately it has seemed to be more steady though, not sure what I need to do about that.Did your replacement parts come from Delta or somewhere else?

The crown on the top roller could have worn down flat making it walk/non track.

Sometimes using some tape in the center can help.

Google Delta belt sander tracking and you'll find a ton of info on it.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Macgee is correct, if the top roller crown is worn down the belt will never track right. As he said duct tape may solve the problem or I rebuilt a few by using bondo metal filler. Once you have some material I set up in my wood lathe and used a file to create a new crowned profile, worked great. I did the same with the platten and than used graphite on top. The graphite comes in 6" widths and really keeps the belt cool and protects the platten. I just rebuilt a pm30, kept it 3ph and it's a pleasure to have variable speed.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

When I worked in a machine shop a surprising amount of work was "machining" on the belt sander. As for tracking, sometimes a new belt cures the problem. I really like the nice solid big tables of the Deltas I have used. Mine is just a BusyBee (Grizzly in Canada). I like the open top roller, though. Paid a $100 and never done anything to it.

I joke about paying a dime on the dollar but a quarter in parts with used machines.

 

[lafester]

I might have to do this soon. When working with small items speed becomes a big factor with trying to hold on to the piece and not taking too much off.

I just rebuilt a pm30, kept it 3ph and it's a pleasure to have variable speed.