Thread: Belt & Disc Sander purchase

Welcome to the forum Bernadette. I have one of the Rikon 50-122 units and so far have found it a nice machine. When purchased, the assembly was very straight forward and the parts fitted together very well, unlike some machines that come from that part of the world. I was told that it came with one disc which was the self adhesive type, but when I got mine home found that there was a velcro pad on the aluminium disc and the matching hook & loop sanding disc which was great, so much easier to change. The disc is a bit different to a lot of other brands as it is 250mm whereas many are only 230 (9") so buying replacement discs is not quite as easy because the 230mm seems to be very common, but I got some from here. The dust collection on the disc is good, but not quite so good on the belt but that could possibly be improved if that was important where you are using it. The stand is adequate for what I use it for. Even though it is made from lighter gauge steel it is still quite solid.
I upgraded to this unit from a 100/150 sander which I had for years and it is a big improvement due to the surface area available to work on. I am happy with mine.
Rikon seem to be a fairly common brand in the US and more recently in Aus, and do make good quality machinery.

depending on what you actually want to use it specifically for, you can also get bench grinders that come with a smaller multi tool attachment.

the only benefit to this will be the fact you then get the use of all the bench grinding stuff like wire wheels, polishers/buffs etc as well as the linisher but obivously a 2" wide belt isn't as nice as a 6"

Abbott & Ashby PO362PLUS8 - 240V 600W 200mm Industrial Bench Grinder 506903

G'Day Bernadette,

Just a thought as I have the Hare & Forbes unit but only use the linisher as I have a 12" disc sander.

Have you considered a larger linisher and then a 12" disc sander as a different option for the bigger work on the boat?

Cheers, crowie

thanks for all the comments.

I'm just wanting to use the machine for the fit out of the yacht. It helps to have stationary sanding machinery for this purpose for a number of reasons. I didnt want a bench machine as I don't have the space and I want to be able to have access to the machine form all angles in the shed. This is especially so if I'm working with longer or bigger lengths of timber. Ive already got a bench grinder anyway and a 240 v hand held linisher which I clamp into a vice and run inset to do my metal polishing (mostly of cast bronze patterns).

I figured the larger disc size and wider belt would be more versatile than the smaller models. I had planned to beef up/stiffen the stand as necessary by facing two opposing sides with ply depending on which brand I buy.

I'll keep in mind the hook and loop system for the disc when purchasing.

Again, thanks for the tips and information.
all very much appreciated.

Bernadette

Rikon stuff is good, I’ve had a couple of their machines and couldn’t fault them, using them professionally not hobby use too. Seems good value for money.

Originally Posted by bmm

Im about to buy a Belt & Disc Sander and would like input from others regarding pros and cons of the following that I am currently looking at:


Hare and Forbes L69A

Carbatec BDS-1523H

Saber BDS6X9

Rikon 50-1222

All are within a similar price range (mid $400 to $600), belt (6") and disc (8 - 10") sizing.
The disc and belt sizing are my main requirement parameters.
Ive never heard of Rikon or Saber brands (excuse my ignorance).
Intended usage during fit out my 30' yacht. So limited light work only. I prefer a free standing machine and would probably strengthen the stand if I purchased either the Rikon or Hare & Forbes machine. Other than that, all the specs seem reasonably similar.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated (in advance!).
Thanks
Bernadette

Bernadette, I have had the Carbatec combo for about 20 years. It runs strongly with a 3/4 hp motor, but it can be stalled and I would prefer at least 1 hp. The 9" disk is a little on the small size, and 12" would be better. The 6" belt sander is decent, but (of course) bigger is better

This is how I use it ...



This is the larger Carbatec (12" disk), but 3x the price ...



Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Derek

just took a look at your link to your web page. You do great work. You've got greta flair for funky and retro furniture! And your pieces look fantastic.

anyhow thanks for the comments on the Carbotec belt and disc sander. Ive narrowed my choice down to the Hafco OR the carbotec. I'll probably go with the latter. Either way there is a wait to get the unit due to supply issues.