Bench grinder or belt sander?

[davidUK]

For a project, I've had 1,243 stainless steel discs between 13-51mm laser cut out of 0.5mm thick sheet.

They are held in the sheet by a small tag approx. 0.5mm wide and each disc is then twisted out of the sheet.

The separated discs have a tiny tag "stump" to one edge which I've been hand filing off in prototype stage (maybe 22 discs for one instrument) but for this larger quantity I need to remove the stumps more quickly.

What would be best... a bench grinder or a bench belt sander? I could buy a small machine which has both but I may be going down the wrong pat with either!

What would you suggest? If you have a type of machine in mind please post a link. Many thanks.

Something like this?...

 

[ChazzC]

I would use a Belt Sander ("Belt Grinder), with a decent sized table. I would not buy a grinder/sander as pictured: combo machines are always a compromise (and on that one something is probably not going to be running at the correct speed).

 

[davidUK]

Could you link to an example please?

I've also seen disc sanders where half the disc shows above the table.

 

[Vietti]

I agree with Chazz, I have a belt sander, a rotary stone grinder, and a disc sander. I find the 1 inch wide belt sander is used far more than the other two combined. The ability to quickly change cutting grits is very handy.

 

[davidUK]

Will a belt sander be OK coping with stainless steel, albeit a very small amount to remove?

Something like this?:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/VonHaus-Be...hvtargid=pla-1036030158160&psc=1&gad_source=1

 

[Scott_M]

Hi David
I use a similar Harbor Freight sander for a specific finishing operation. This is the unit I have Link to Harbor Freight it is just the belt sander, no disc. I have always felt that a disc sander is almost useless unless it is a large diameter. They eat up discs really quick ( limited surface feet and speed )
The job I use it for is on 1018 Steel ( not S.S. ) the job is a large corner bevel on 2 sides of part that is about about 10mm long on a 3mm thick part. I have been using this cheap 1x 30 belt sander for this operation for more than 10 years. And it works good ! The first thing to do when you get the sander is throw the cheap belts it came with away. Get some quality belts from a know good source ( like 3M ) The difference in performance is amazing. The worst thing about the cheap belts is the splice. ( like going over a really bad set of RR tracks ) A good belt you won't even notice the splice.
The next thing to do is make a nice fixture to position your parts so you can just pop one into the fixture turn it by hand and grind the nub off.
If you like I could take pics of my old setup t show the fixturing I used for my job.

Yes I think the belt sander will do nicely for your tabs on S.S. parts.

Scott

 

[timo_gross]

Using SiC belts. ( not sure if that is the best choice )
I agree with the belt sander crowd. Cleaning and deburring laser cut parts is much better with the belt sander than with a bench grinder.

I personally would go for one of those monsters, if I only could get belts for it here locally

I did not find a source for the belts, so I abandoned the project.
These are expensive, because everything is big and heavy duty.



I built one for the belts that I can easily get in the hardware shop. 2nd hand motor and other materials were approx. ( minimum ) half as much as the store bought item. (time and fiddling on top) Was it worth doing? I am not so sure With the 1hp industrial motor I can run that thing as long as I want without any issues. The angle between belt and work rest is quite spot on, belt changes are easy and the dust box is a good add on. (Works better than it looks!)


The box for the grid was not the worst idea. (the things make a mess)


Making the work rest and the belt angle adjustable turned out to be unnecessary. Did not use it once, would change the entire setup If i were to built another one. The machine is used frequently.

The curvy thing was a random shape, cut off that fitted by coincidence. It allows to release belt tension and keeps the spring compressed when I pull the lever out. (makes belt change easy)


I made a stepped pulley, which I never used. I usually use the VFD between 20 Hz and 90 Hz. (slow down is nice for plastic, for metal it is always full speed)


Store bought machine lives on the bench, because a friend found it too messy for the workbench at his place. (missing work rest)


Conclusion:

• Belt sander is underrated equipment; I use mine all the time.
• check what consumables the machine needs and what you can get locally
• do not buy a too small machine 1hp motor is not overkill. (1/2 hp is usable, I would not go lower)
• DIY was not horribly difficult. Mild steel rollers without any rubber or specialty work fine. Crown wheel just two straight tapers made with lathe compound.

Greetings Timo

 

[davidUK]

How about this type? Are quality belts available in this size?

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/tools-and-machining/belt-sanders/belt-and-disc-sander-370w/p/ZT1028161X