Bench sanders for metal

[fatoftheland]

Hello all,
I am looking at bench sanders like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TERRATEK-BELT-SANDER-Bench-Sander-4-Mitre-Belts-and-6-Disc-sand-sanding-375W/161586275932?_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140407115239%26meid%3D62be847427a04b3bb042e09d57dd2fdc%26pid%3D100204%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D400815446563
Are they any good on metal.
Thanks
Jon

[mechman48]

I have the Clarke version from Machine Mart ( usual disclaimer ) & I have used it on wood, Brass, Aluminium steel, with the belt as supplied, so in answer to your question.. yes.

George

[Arbalist]

I use a modified Record BDS250 for tool sharpening and stock removal. It takes six inch wide belts normally but I've fitted an easily removed Auxiliary platen to use 2" belts. I also fitted a table for using the belt. Poor old bench grinder doesn't get much use now!

[vtsteam]

Very nice mods Arbalist! 

[Davo J]

I tried to use one for steel but it was not up to the job and under powered for steel.
I ended up buying a proper linisher to do steel for around $500 from memory.

[Arbalist]

Very nice mods Arbalist! 

Thank you. One of the potential problems with these machines is that they are often fitted with a soft graphite coating on the platten. This can cause rounding over on steel parts like tools. It's easily peeled off the platten though so I replaced it with some 1/8" mild steel sheet.

[BaronJ]

Hello all,
I am looking at bench sanders like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TERRATEK-BELT-SANDER-Bench-Sander-4-Mitre-Belts-and-6-Disc-sand-sanding-375W/161586275932?_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140407115239%26meid%3D62be847427a04b3bb042e09d57dd2fdc%26pid%3D100204%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D400815446563
Are they any good on metal.
Thanks
Jon

I have one of those !  In my opinion they are rubbish and not worth buying.  The motor on mine is supposed to be 300W but the slightest pressure and it stops the motor.  Also all the rollers are made from plastic.  Save your brass and make one that will do what you want it to.