HF 12" Disc Sander

[thr3squared]

Hey all,

Does anyone have any experience with this disc sander from Harbor Freight?
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-inch-direct-drive-bench-top-disc-sander-43468.html

I did a search here on the forum and couldn't find this one specifically. Videos on YouTube made it sound like a decent buy, but I was hoping for some more in-depth insight.

I would be using this mostly for metal- mild and stainless steel, to clean up edges and put a bevel on pieces before welding. Bear in mind I'm a weekend-warrior welder, so I have to pay attention to budget, but I refuse to buy a total piece of junk.

 

[All]

Harbor Freight has had several different versions of the 12" disc sander over the years.

I've had mine for 22 years (purchased in 1997), so whatever I say about mine may not apply to whatever HF is selling today.

At one point, I wanted to by two of them, with a different grit disc on each. However, I never got around to building a cart to stack them on, which was a self imposed pre condition to the indulgent desire to not have to ruin a self adhering disc just to have the option of a quick grit change.

A combo 6" belt 9" disc machine might be more space efficient, but the extra 1.5" (1/2 of the 3" diameter difference) of the 12" disc is certainly appreciated in use.

 

[stillnostrebor]

I have hammered on the previous generation for about 5 years or so. It just takes it. It's the green body one.

The table is sub-par, and the fence is super crappy. I've never come close to bogging the machine down. It has helped make a lot of parts.

 

[thr3squared]

I have hammered on the previous generation for about 5 years or so. It just takes it. It's the green body one.

I wonder how the newer model compares, or if the green/black one is still available?

Just out of curiosity- can you tell me the bolt pattern of the base?

The table is sub-par, and the fence is super crappy. I've never come close to bogging the machine down. It has helped make a lot of parts.

Ok, I heard similar comments about the miter gauge on YouTube. I figured I would either need to buy a better one, or clamp a piece of angle material as a guide when I need a miter. Is the table strong enough to clamp to? One video I saw said that the table needed some deburring and sanding.

Those points aside, you'd buy it again?

 

[thr3squared]

At one point, I wanted to by two of them, with a different grit disc on each. However, I never got around to building a cart to stack them on, which was a self imposed pre condition to the indulgent desire to not have to ruin a self adhering disc just to have the option of a quick grit change.

Hahaha i'm the same way!

A combo 6" belt 9" disc machine might be more space efficient, but the extra 1.5" (1/2 of the 3" diameter difference) of the 12" disc is certainly appreciated in use.

I thought about these units too, but got worried the smaller disk may be too limiting?

 

[dogdog]

Actually was lurking at that thing for a while, it really well build....the motor is very beefy... definitely stronger than the Craftsman 4x48 with 9" sanding disc.... but couldn't pull the trigger, still haven't used the 9" disc on the craftsman at all so... and the belt bogs down with that motor craftsman, I think it was a 1/2 or 3/4 HP only....... that HF unit come with an 1HP, Just go to the store and check it out, I did and it cut my finger once the disc started spinning...(I rotate it by hand, like a little kid in a toy store)... ?

 

[All]

I wonder how the newer model compares, or if the green/black one is still available?

Just out of curiosity- can you tell me the bolt pattern of the base?


Ok, I heard similar comments about the miter gauge on YouTube. I figured I would either need to buy a better one, or clamp a piece of angle material as a guide when I need a miter. Is the table strong enough to clamp to? One video I saw said that the table needed some deburring and sanding.

Those points aside, you'd buy it again?

Bolt pattern on mine is 8" on center foot to foot parallel with the rotation axis of the motor, and 10" on center foot to foot parallel with the miter slot groove.

The feet and base look entirely different on my Yellow colored unit than the Orange colored unit in your link.

I looked at the specs of the Orange colored unit in your link, which cites:

1-1/4 HP
5.7 amps
120 volts
Single phase


Sniff sniff... sniff sniff sniff. You smell that? Male bovine excrement is unmistakably distinct.

How can 1-1/4 hp be derived from just 5.7 amps on 120v single phase? Is that supposed to be "peak" hp? A la Sears shop vac?

By comparison, my HF 12" disc sander is only 1 HP. But it's 10 amps.

 

[Marctrees]

Poor Man's runout check...

Just a piece of school chalk in steady experienced hand and eyes will tell you if it's good enough.

In a pinch, just a plain old Pencil... not white high contrast like Chalk, but w eyes, ears, and fingertip feel will give the answer.

No need to play w mag bases, dial indicators, etc.

Not for this anyway.

Marc

 

[PoorOwner]

I needed something to prep my metal for welding as well.
I am getting one of these once I get my jet grinder.

https://www.trick-tools.com/Multitool_2_x_36_inch_Belt_Grinder_Attachment_MT362_305

 

[Marctrees]

Actually, for typical beveling the disk sander is not practical due to limited abrasive life.

Use an angle driver handheld for the bulk of removal.

Then, if needed, appropriate, use the disk sander for cleanup.

Point is that the bulk removal is by far most practical w a handheld grinder.

I find that I constantly go to my old arn Craftsman 6x48 9" way more often than one would think... for both wood and metal.

Could not have an efficient shop w/o it.

Obviously be VERY aware of fire hazards w mixed media.

Marc

 

[BroncoAZ]

Harbor Freight has had several different versions of the 12" disc sander over the years.

I've had mine for 22 years (purchased in 1997), so whatever I say about mine may not apply to whatever HF is selling today.

At one point, I wanted to by two of them, with a different grit disc on each. However, I never got around to building a cart to stack them on, which was a self imposed pre condition to the indulgent desire to not have to ruin a self adhering disc just to have the option of a quick grit change.

A combo 6" belt 9" disc machine might be more space efficient, but the extra 1.5" (1/2 of the 3" diameter difference) of the 12" disc is certainly appreciated in use.

Same boat here, I’ve had one of these since about 2002. I have stalled mine and bogged it down, but it works fine. I probably paid $80 back in the day.

It looks like there are non HF units for not much more money.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-1...ViKDsCh1Qjgb9EAQYAyABEgLzM_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

More expensive.

https://www.maxtool.com/shop-fox-w1...MIgarch6Xq4QIViKDsCh1Qjgb9EAQYCiABEgJ3XfD_BwE

 

[Marctrees]

Pretty sure this is what is in like Jay Leno's shop, and in Heaven.

Marc

http://www.statemfg.com/disc.html

 

[thr3squared]

I needed something to prep my metal for welding as well.
I am getting one of these once I get my jet grinder.

https://www.trick-tools.com/Multitool_2_x_36_inch_Belt_Grinder_Attachment_MT362_305

I’ve looked at these as well. I have a 1/2 HP craftsman block grinder and it’s not an easy bolt on attachment from what I’ve read hear on the forum. Otherwise I may go that route.




Sent from the depths of the sea

 

[Farmall450]

My high school had a cheap pos import, but it did the job. I can't imagine this one is too distantly related, albeit newer.

HF reviews look pretty good too.

 

[thr3squared]

Thanks for all the input! I think I'll go check one out at the store, and probably make a purchase.

 

[240sxguy]

I had one years ago and it had massive runout on the sanding face, it was all but unusable. I returned it and checked several other units. Quite disappointing as I needed it for a project at the time. Otherwise quality seemed just fine. This was 8 years ago now I bet.

 

[seber]

5.4 amps at 120 is just over 1/2 hp. That's pretty twinky on a 12" disk. Is it just the picture or is that thing made out of plastic?

 

[All]

Pretty sure this is what is in like Jay Leno's shop, and in Heaven.

Marc

http://www.statemfg.com/disc.html

Nice. Thanks for that link to a USA tool manufacturer.

I'm pretty sure I couldn't even afford the electricity it would take to run the 24", nevermind the interest payment on the purchase.

There is compromise in all things. I have found my 22 year old HF 12" disc sander useful over the years. I never used the miter gauge much. I never expected the disc to produce a flat finish within a wavelength of light. But I've made custom parts with it, out of aluminum, steel, and wood... so I've appreciated having it for the times when what I want or need isn't available commercially, and am therefore forced to make it myself. I can recall several such instances when having the 12" disc was useful in those endeavors.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I also have a green one that's about 5 years old. Never bogged the motor on this thing as it has gobs of power. I use it on wood, metals, and plastic. It's good for light grinding on metal. My table seems solid enough for what I use it for. Wish I would have bought one years earlier. Runout is not perfect, but is fine for what I'm using it for.
It's great for dressing punches and chisels and sharpening them. I don't have much from Harbor Freight, but this is a good one.

 

[bluesboy]

5.4 amps at 120 is just over 1/2 hp. That's pretty twinky on a 12" disk. Is it just the picture or is that thing made out of plastic?

The green version I bought about 2 years ago is cast iron not plastic and weights 85lbs. This machine is great for my lite fab work, nothing super precise. The multitool I've had about 2 weeks and its not a simple install on a craftsman block grinder. I no time on it yet so not sure of my install job {homemade spacer} I' see what its like in the future. I recommend the HF disc sander highly at the price. Good luck.

 

[thr3squared]

5.4 amps at 120 is just over 1/2 hp. That's pretty twinky on a 12" disk. Is it just the picture or is that thing made out of plastic?

Is this how you are calculating the horsepower?

HP= (watts)/746

Watts (actual) = current*voltage*power factor*efficiency
efficiency = 0.75 (approx)
power factor = 0.81 (average value)

so...
HP = (120*5.4*0.81*0.75)/746
= 0.53

 

[dogdog]

5.4 amps at 120 is just over 1/2 hp. That's pretty twinky on a 12" disk. Is it just the picture or is that thing made out of plastic?

Just go check it out.... it definitely is not a dinky motor compare to most of the sanders there or even the craftsman combo sander....It is similar size to the 1HP smith something farm duty motor they "USE TO" sell there, but more industrial look to it......... Not sure how they calculate maybe peak horse power vs running HP?

Or using RMS instead of average 120 AC?

((120xsqrt(2)) x 5.7 ) / 746 = 1.2966783869479852726278218329215 HP

****1HP 746Watt not 764Watt...***** holyshinit I flunk math or engineering or maybe it was old age.....


...... Wait, are you one of those koolaid gang ?

and a little math correction....

 

[All]

Substituting 10 amps in the equation dogdog typed yields 2.2 HP.

 

[stillnostrebor]

I wonder how the newer model compares, or if the green/black one is still available?

Just out of curiosity- can you tell me the bolt pattern of the base?


Ok, I heard similar comments about the miter gauge on YouTube. I figured I would either need to buy a better one, or clamp a piece of angle material as a guide when I need a miter. Is the table strong enough to clamp to? One video I saw said that the table needed some deburring and sanding.

Those points aside, you'd buy it again?

I do not know the bolt pattern, and I would not plan to do much clamping to the supplied table with mine. It is aluminum, and really just gets the job done at best. The grinder is a beast otherwise, and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. I have considered a cast table, and would retrofit if the right table happened along.

 

[goblue1998]

I had one years ago and it had massive runout on the sanding face, it was all but unusable. I returned it and checked several other units. Quite disappointing as I needed it for a project at the time. Otherwise quality seemed just fine. This was 8 years ago now I bet.

Same for me. Too much runout to be useful. I had to return it.

 

[stillnostrebor]

Same for me. Too much runout to be useful. I had to return it.

I'm guessing luck of the draw there, like most things HF. Mine is no precision instrument, but has very little runout. I checked it before I hung a disk on it. I'm not above making the folks at HF bring me another one or two until I get a decent one.

 

[dkmc]

I've got one I've had for several years, green/black model.
I checked 3 at the store, and the display models at 3 different stores,
and all 6 machines had .030-.050 run out in the disk.

Still, I wanted to try one, and figured I'd address the problem at some point, maybe try to face off the disk in the lathe, or make a new disk from steel plate.
So I bought one on sale, $129 minus 20% was a pretty good deal I thought.
The table is pretty flimsy, right on the borderline of resisting building a better one from steel plate, but just doesn't seem worth the effort.

A couple months ago, I was using it with its .040 run out, the disk was getting worn unevenly where the high spot is. I got aggravated, and went at it with a dead blow hammer and indicator. I figured I'd try and see if it would move, and if it broke, so be it.


Well, turns out, it does move to a point. Took about 30 minutes of bashing it
around, with 'better' then 'worse' results, till I finally was able to get it to about .006 run out at best. I left it alone at that point, installed a new pad, and I'm impressed at how much better it works. You can't feel the .006, or hear the uneven sound, and the wear pattern is very even now.
Makes me think the machines get slammed around in shipping or during assembly, and thats why most all the disks are bent.
If I tapped it on one spot, it would go worse pretty easily, but it took several pretty hard whacks to move it in the correct direction to make the run out better. Then when it got to the .006 point, it seemed like it just would not move anymore to get it even better........so......like I said, I stopped.
I've used and abused it pretty hard for awhile after this 'tune up' and it seems to not gotten any worse, so I guess it's staying put. You wouldn't want to slam any heavy parts into the disk, I think it could get whacked out of true fairly easily with a good bump. If it gives anymore trouble, I make a new steel plate disk. Maybe a new table too while I'm at it.

 

[PoorOwner]

I found this one, claim to be precision... any good?

https://www.micromark.com/10-Inch-Variable-Speed-Disk-Sander

 

[thr3squared]

The green version I bought about 2 years ago is cast iron not plastic and weights 85lbs. This machine is great for my lite fab work, nothing super precise. The multitool I've had about 2 weeks and its not a simple install on a craftsman block grinder. I no time on it yet so not sure of my install job {homemade spacer} I' see what its like in the future. I recommend the HF disc sander highly at the price. Good luck.

Thanks! I'm curious how you like the multitool. Did you post any pics of the spacer and install? Maybe down the road i'll go that route.

 

[thr3squared]

I do not know the bolt pattern, and I would not plan to do much clamping to the supplied table with mine. It is aluminum, and really just gets the job done at best. The grinder is a beast otherwise, and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. I have considered a cast table, and would retrofit if the right table happened along.

Good to know!

 

[thr3squared]

Just go check it out.... it definitely is not a dinky motor compare to most of the sanders there or even the craftsman combo sander....It is similar size to the 1HP smith something farm duty motor they "USE TO" sell there, but more industrial look to it......... Not sure how they calculate maybe peak horse power vs running HP?

Or using RMS instead of average 120 AC?

((120xsqrt(2)) x 5.7 ) / 746 = 1.2966783869479852726278218329215 HP

****1HP 746Watt not 764Watt...***** holyshinit I flunk math or engineering or maybe it was old age.....


...... Wait, are you one of those koolaid gang ?

and a little math correction....

hahha I'm a bit of nerd and love knowing the math

makes sense that they would use the nominal values for advertising

 

[thr3squared]

I've got one I've had for several years, green/black model.
I checked 3 at the store, and the display models at 3 different stores,
and all 6 machines had .030-.050 run out in the disk.

Still, I wanted to try one, and figured I'd address the problem at some point, maybe try to face off the disk in the lathe, or make a new disk from steel plate.
So I bought one on sale, $129 minus 20% was a pretty good deal I thought.
The table is pretty flimsy, right on the borderline of resisting building a better one from steel plate, but just doesn't seem worth the effort.

A couple months ago, I was using it with its .040 run out, the disk was getting worn unevenly where the high spot is. I got aggravated, and went at it with a dead blow hammer and indicator. I figured I'd try and see if it would move, and if it broke, so be it.


Well, turns out, it does move to a point. Took about 30 minutes of bashing it
around, with 'better' then 'worse' results, till I finally was able to get it to about .006 run out at best. I left it alone at that point, installed a new pad, and I'm impressed at how much better it works. You can't feel the .006, or hear the uneven sound, and the wear pattern is very even now.
Makes me think the machines get slammed around in shipping or during assembly, and thats why most all the disks are bent.
If I tapped it on one spot, it would go worse pretty easily, but it took several pretty hard whacks to move it in the correct direction to make the run out better. Then when it got to the .006 point, it seemed like it just would not move anymore to get it even better........so......like I said, I stopped.
I've used and abused it pretty hard for awhile after this 'tune up' and it seems to not gotten any worse, so I guess it's staying put. You wouldn't want to slam any heavy parts into the disk, I think it could get whacked out of true fairly easily with a good bump. If it gives anymore trouble, I make a new steel plate disk. Maybe a new table too while I'm at it.

Wow! Ok, so i think i need to be prepared that it make a take a few tries to get a good one. The work I'm doing isn't precision, but like a lot of people here I appreciate good tools and hate wasting money