I need a mini belt sander

[Steve Ashby]

I need a mini belt sander to finish off my canopy. Can anyone recommend a good one to buy? Even better, anyone out there have a good one they want to rent/sell me?
Thanks

[SHIPCHIEF]

I have a CP Chicago Pneumatic CP858 it's great.
It still has the price tag on it $149.95, and I've had it at least 5 years.
I don't recall that I actually paid that much for it, but it's been worth all of that and then some.
It was made in Japan....so I guess it's been a while?

[alpinelakespilot2000]

I did my entire canopy with a Porter Cable random orbit palm sander. Worked great, fast and easy to change between paper grits, and MUCH more controllable with one hand than is a belt sander. Plus they can be had for $40-50. My "former" hobby was woodworking and having used both types of sanders extensively, I would hands down choose the palm over the belt when it comes to working the edges of the very fragile and $$$$ canopy! Hope this helps. Good luck with your canopy!

[rv6rick]

Hi Steve,

OK....I'll bite.....why do you need a mini belt sander? I lost track of how many canopies I've built and I don't own a mini belt sander. I'm guessing that you're wanting to smooth down the edges of the plexi? If so, it's quick and easy to do by hand....only takes a couple of minutes. Just trying to understand what the sander is for.

That said....I do have one of these little gems and use it all the time....but, I wouldn't touch my canopy with it .

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=97055

Originally Posted by Steve Ashby

I need a mini belt sander to finish off my canopy. Can anyone recommend a good one to buy? Even better, anyone out there have a good one they want to rent/sell me?
Thanks

[PropellerHead]

I have this Bosch variable speed electric mini belt sander and use it for everything:



http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1278VSK-.../dp/B0000639N4

I recently tried to get one for my Father, but can't seen to find a dealer that stocks them. They are available on eBay once in a while. Belts are readily available.

I also have used the ones sold at Micro-Mark at a friend's house. They are somewhat lighter and smaller. This one also has the stand option for running it inverted / table mounted.



http://www.micromark.com/VARIABLE-SP...NDER,7757.html

[cwreeves]

Try this one out from Aircraft Tool Supply..... P/N ATS4501A. www.aircraft-tool.com/ These tools are great for deburring ribs and bulkheads.
Charlie