Belt Sander - 3"x18" (1001111) In Stock Now

About:

Belt sanders are the rough guys in a woodworking shop. Belt sander design allows them to remove large amounts of material in a very short time. However, in controlled and capable hands, these tools don't run amok.

Belt sanders work on a continuous loop principle. They use a fully looped sanding belt instead of static abrasive sheets such as in disc, orbital or finishing sanders. Sanding belts fit within the tool housing and surround the motor’s driving wheel at the rear and a free-wheeling guide wheel at the front. Tension controls and alignment guides keep the belt in place while the electric motor spins the sanding belt in a forward motion. 

They are commonly used for sanding very rough surfaces, leveling surfaces (like a replacement board in a hardwood floor) and freehand rounding and shaping. Because they have a lot of power and can handle coarse grits, they excel at the rapid removal of wood. 

Belt sanders are highly effective tools for removing roughness and preparing woodwork for less aggressive tools in the process like random orbit and finishing sanders. It is crucial to belt-sand with the wood grain rather than across it. Otherwise, the belt sander’s lateral action can ruin the work.

This Unit:

The RIDGID 3 in. x 18 in. Belt Sander is powered by a robust 6.5 Amp motor to tackle a range of tough jobs. It has a variable-speed dial with electronic feedback to match the speed to the desired removal rate and maintain speed under load for consistent results. Its onboard vacuum adaptor fits a standard 1-1/4 in. hose for a cleaner, virtually dust-free work environment.

Overall weight of 8 lbs makes for secure contact to material and maneuverability.

AirGuard dust collection for collection of 90% of the dust

Hex grip micro texture for a secure grip and maximum user comfort

Tool-free belt release to make changing belts quick and easy

Automatic belt tracking to automatically adjust the belt to the center platen for alignment

Flat face that allows for flush sanding against vertical surfaces[]

01-14-23 dust collector doesn't work very well

Operation:

Tip 1: Keep the belt sander moving (13:50)

This prevents the sander from digging in. Related to this tip is to keep the sander flat (see below). Tilting the sander to the side or front will cause the sandpaper to dig in and make a divot. If the belt sander is moving, it won't dig as much of a hole.

Tip 2: Orient the belt sander from a flat surface (14:20)

Begin on a flat surface and move the sander toward the uneven surfaces. 

Tip 3: Use sideways diagonal strokes rather than straight back and forth (15:00)

Moving diagonally front to back and side to side will help average out the amount of cut that the belt is making.

Tip 4: Let the sander do the work (15:18)

You do, however, have to actually set the sander on the workpiece, hold the handle, and pull the trigger. You do not have to push down on the sander. Pull the sander backward letting the weight and sharpness of the belt cut the surface. 

Tip 5: Make sure the belt sander stays flat (16:25)

Don't pull back and then tip the sander off the edge or you'll cut off too much wood and need to build it back up with putty.

Safety:

Use a Dust Collection System if available

Wear dust mask and/or Impact-Resistant Eyewear

Sand with Belt Motion Away from Your Body

Inspect Belts and Discs Prior to Use.

Use Two Hands

Keeps Hands Away from the Belt

Loan Notes: