Bandfile Sander

[zendriver]

Anybody use them, if so, for what and do you like them?

I was watching YouTube video where guy was using one on automotive panel repair. Looked pretty handy since it looked to work pretty tight areas and to minimize the amount of paint removal for joints.

I plan on doing a fair amount of welding for a repair job

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 0.5 in. W X 18 in. L Cordless Bandfile Sander Tool Only - Ace Hardware

The M12 Fuel 1/2" x 18" Bandfile is the first cordless bandfile that delivers pneumatic performance, size, and features for professional automotive, industrial, and metalworking users. This Milwakee bandfile delivers the Fastest Spot Weld Removal by leveraging Powerstate Brushless Motor...

www.acehardware.com

 

[GeoBruin]

One of my most used tools. I cobbled mine together before the M12 was available out of the M12 cut off tool and the wheels and platen from a harbor freight pneumatic band file. It works like a charm. I also have a half inch by 18 pneumatic version that works really well and takes off more material but isn't quite as compact. I would like the M12 for the variable speed. Dewalt also has some out now but the design of the platen and guard are not as low profile.

 

[Copymutt]

Had a cheap one years back. Very handy for access to tight spots. More so than any other tool except a Dremel or blasting. Great for shaping projects. Made a few sauna ladles w/ mine.

 

[SRU1436]

I have one and I love it.

 

[RTM]

I have an old B&D / Dynabrade one, which I’ve played with a little bit, then bought a HF one on sale.


Thread about them here.

I need a mini belt sander, recommendations please

I have several grinders but theres always that area that they wont fit. so do I buy attachment for a angle grinder or get one thats only a belt sander. Air would probably be the best but not sure of getting a $30 cheap HF one. size of belt is also a concern,3/8" or 1 CM seems pretty narrow but...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[finn]

I have an air version. I think it’s the Onyx. It’s pretty useful, but I don’t see myself ditching it for a battery version.

Pretty expensive to operate, as I go through belts pretty quickly. Even the good 3M belts.

 

[The Cobbler]

I have an air one that I use occasionally. would't upgrade to air but that's me .

 

[Steve_P]

I have an air Dynabrade and it's great for the occasional sanding of weirdly shaped objects. If you have a large enough compressor, check out the Astro Pneumatic version as it's a fraction of the price of a Dynabrade.

 

[RMERR]

I've got the air dynabrade too. I don't use it a lot, but when I need to get into narrow or tight areas it's the perfect tool. It's pricey for sure, but I like there's around 20 different contact arms available for it, for many different jobs. That Astro does look good, they've got straight and slack sanding tube welding versions which will probably cover most jobs for a good price.

 

[joshuamkogut]

Absolutely indispensable for fitting sheet metal patches.

 

[toolenthusiast]

Honestly I don’t remember the last time I saw someone drilling apart sheet metal; everybody has a file belt sander now. (Good luck drilling thru a boron tail panel or B-pillar.)

 

[Sweetcorn]

I have a pneumatic one. It gets a lot of use.

From deburring machined pieces to cutting out spot welds on auto panels, it's great to have.

I've never used a battery operated one, but they are intriguing. Wouldn't mind getting to play around with one, but I don't have any complaints about the one I have, either.

 

[danielbuck]

I use a pheumatic one as well. don't use it all that often, but it does really come in handy sometimes when other tools won't get the job done.

 

[plinker]

I have an penumatic one, Matco silver eagle. Useful for sheet metal work & spot welds, Grinding welds down too. I've also use it to clean rust scale build up on brake caliper brackets and driveshaft ears that are rusted.

 

[dnschmidt]

Primary use is for the removal of spot welds. Does this job better than any other method especially with the new boron steel panels that kill spot weld bits. Other than this specific job they have limited use as flap discs can do most other jobs. One thing they are great at is removing burrs from the inside of box tubing.

 

[bb29510]

harbor freight has some

 

[zendriver]

harbor freight has some

I just picked one up yesterday for $30.

It's corded, but seem pretty solid. will try it today. I don't have a large air compressor yet, so I have to juice the tools.

Thanks everyone, for the responses.