In general what are the strengths and weaknesses of stationary belt sanders vs stationary disk sanders?
I have been making boxes with dovetail keys. I am using chisels to flushtrim the keys, but am thinking I want a power method. Which do you think is better for this? Who makes a good tabletop version?
Belt would be easier to sand just the corners
In my experience, the belt is better for almost every operation.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-x-80-B...nder/G1531It's called an edge sander. Don't waste your time with a disc sander. You can do more with an edge sander. Plus it sands linear. A disc sander will sand curved lines which will more sanding.
The router that was linked would be a good start.
for trimming keys, plugs, dowels, etc. I use a flush trim saw. Use a playing card or something if needed to keep it from scratching parts you don't want scratched. Then sand as normal
For sanding sides of small boxes, I like the 12" disc sander. Especially if the whole side of the box fits on the disc.
I have a 12" disc sander as well as a stationary belt sander.
The belt sander is a Ridgid oss as well as belt.
I think the 12" disc gives a flatter surface.
The oss/belt sander, belts last a long time because of the oscillating feature.
We got one of these at work. I didn't expect much but when I used it I was pleasantly surprised. Plenty of power and the fit and finish were better than Harbor Freight. For the price and added dust collection port I am ready to upgrade my old one for this sturdier model.
Home Depot Also available through Sears.
I have a Shopsmith 6" belt sander on a power stand that I use a lot in the shop. It has a good, solid platen and work platform that is decent sized and absolutely holds its position once set. I use it to clean up the ends of spindle turning, squaring pen blanks to the end of the brass, breaking the edge of projects, and other things that escape me at the moment. It would be great for cleaning up finger joints if I did them. Belts last a long time as long as I keep de-clogging them with the cleaning sick (looks like an old art gum eraser).
I have used 14" and 16" disk sanders that did a good job on small work, but the swirl marks got nasty on larger work. Also, the faster sanding on the outer part versus the inner radius area was problematic.
I have the Shopsmith 12" disk and the 12" conical disk sanders, but do not recall ever even mounting either one when I had the 6" belt available.