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I have a 1 x 30 , and a 12" disk sander,plus a 1 x 42 that is shop made for metal work.I rarely use the disk sander, for me the 1 x 30 belt sander is used a lot for wood.Changing belts is lot easier than removing disks.
mike
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I also have a Shopsmith and use both the 6" x 48" belt sander and the 12" disc sander. I use them both often, depending on the project. I make a round bases for custom lamps, which I rough cut on my SS bandsaw or my Delta scroll saw depending on the diameter. Then I true them to the line with the 12" disc, while rotating by hand on the table.
Brian
Shop power by Powermatic, Shopsmith, Delta & Bosch.
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Edge sander is the one tool missing from my perfect shop. I turned my Craftsman belt sander vertical--poor substitute but better than disc.
Carolyn
Trip Blog for Twelve Countries: [url=http://www.woodworkingtraveler.wordpress.com[/url]
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That sounds like the perfect use for the 12" disk sander.
I have the 1" SS belt sander as well. Making a platform for it on the offside of the power station is on my ToDo list so that I can set the 1" belt up in sharpening mode. I've had the sharpening attachment for a long time now.
"the most important safety feature on any tool is the one between your ears." - Ken Vick
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In most instances a disk sander is a roughing machine, perfect when making jigs and templates. For finish work it excels at trimming miters. It isn't a machine that leaves a finish ready surface.
You can do quite a bit of finish sanding with a belt after practice. The limiting factor is the platen size but even that can be overcome (within reason).
The indispensability of an edge sander puts it in a third category. The edge sander is usually the last machine added to a shop but it becomes one of the last machines someone would get rid of.
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(12-25-2015, 04:21 PM)jgourlay Wrote: 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?
I can't think of the last time I used my 12" disk sander. OTOH, I use the 6" belt sander side of that machine all the time. But for trimming keys I use a Japanese flush trim saw and then sand as usual with my ROS. Much less chance of unwanted drama.
John
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Jet 6"x89" edge sander is the cats meow.
Steve
Mo.
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WaterlooMark 02/9/2020
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(12-10-2017, 07:04 PM)Stwood_ Wrote: Jet 6"x89" edge sander is the cats meow.
+1. I bought the Jet Oscillating Edge Sander this spring and kick myself for not buying it five years ago when I first wanted one. There is no comparison between an oscillating edge sander and a disc sander.
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(12-27-2015, 05:23 PM)Unisaw A100 Wrote: The indispensability of an edge sander puts it in a third category. The edge sander is usually the last machine added to a shop but it becomes one of the last machines someone would get rid of.
+1
You never realize how much it gets used until its gone.
