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  #11  
Old 11-22-2012, 07:26 AM
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tkatc tkatc is offline
 
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It's for fabricating small alum parts or modifying others. I would say that's the MAIN reason RVers have them, but there are numerous reasons to have such a handy tool.
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  #12  
Old 11-22-2012, 08:54 AM
diamond diamond is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tkatc View Post
It's for fabricating small alum parts or modifying others. I would say that's the MAIN reason RVers have them, but there are numerous reasons to have such a handy tool.
and how often is this done on the average RV7 or 9 slow build?
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  #13  
Old 11-22-2012, 09:39 AM
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REHughes REHughes is offline
 
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Default Keep One For Steel

I have always maintained a dedicated 1" belt sander with a blue Oxide 80 or 120 grit belt for shaping and dressing steel fittings and steel tubing only. This will prevent the aluminum pieces from potential cross-contamination with steel particles.
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  #14  
Old 11-22-2012, 09:49 AM
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tkatc tkatc is offline
 
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I am just through the emp and starting he fuse so I can't say how often but I did use it a lot when I made stiffeners and such. You COULD just use a good hand file but I think you can create a higher quality part with better tools avail.
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  #15  
Old 11-22-2012, 11:23 AM
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ColoRv ColoRv is offline
 
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I use (alot) one of the 1" belt with 5" wheel that looks like this:



I can't imagine building an airplane without one, and can't think of a time when a larger one would have helped much.
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  #16  
Old 11-23-2012, 10:10 AM
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dave4754 dave4754 is offline
 
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Default Belt Sander use

I am into the wings at the moment and use my 8 inch/ 4 inch Mastercraft Sander ALL the time on just about everything. The T 410 are plates that need to be finely matched to the skin of the tank and this was SOOO much easier when i used this. Also large pieces like the angle on th inboard portion of the wing were cut to close specs then sanded(ground) to fine specs with the bench sander. Had it before the RV7 for wood and will likely be buried with me....LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by diamond View Post
I'm considering buying a belt sander. Can you guys elaborate more on exactly what you use your belt sanders for? If you didn't have it, is there something else in your shop that would accomplish the same thing?
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  #17  
Old 11-23-2012, 10:22 AM
diamond diamond is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave4754 View Post
I am into the wings at the moment and use my 8 inch/ 4 inch Mastercraft Sander ALL the time on just about everything. The T 410 are plates that need to be finely matched to the skin of the tank and this was SOOO much easier when i used this. Also large pieces like the angle on th inboard portion of the wing were cut to close specs then sanded(ground) to fine specs with the bench sander. Had it before the RV7 for wood and will likely be buried with me....LOL
Sounds great Dave.
Could any of that have been done with a fine grit bench grinder wheel? or is the belt sander much better for this?
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  #18  
Old 11-24-2012, 09:18 AM
rapid_ascent rapid_ascent is offline
 
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I'll chime in on the 1" belt sander. I bought one from HF they have them on sale for $40.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-...nder-2485.html

This is a cheap tool, but I have to say it has been the best $40 I have spent. It's very useful. Sure you could spend more and maybe get a better tool, but I've been happy with this one.

On the other hand I also bought a 10" disc sander from HF and I'm not that happy with it. It's just too much for what we tend to be doing. I'd suggest a smaller disc sander if you buy one.
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  #19  
Old 11-24-2012, 09:41 AM
David Paule David Paule is offline
 
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[quote=diamond....Can you guys elaborate more on exactly what you use your belt sanders for? If you didn't have it, is there something else in your shop that would accomplish the same thing?[/QUOTE]

Bandsaw, sander, Vixen file, mill file. And the part is cut, sanded, smoothed and dressed - done.

Dave
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  #20  
Old 11-24-2012, 11:05 AM
SHIPCHIEF SHIPCHIEF is offline
 
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+1 for Dave P above;
A 14" bandsaw, an old Pedistal drill press and a Craftsman Belt/Disc Sander just made everything so much nicer and quicker for me.
Check ads like craigslist. Older high quality tools can be had for less than Harbor Freight Tool's prices.
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