1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

I use this to sharpen my axes, knifes, and any other convex edge implement. This works great and it is all you need. forget about the 30" belt sander, all you need is this!

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

I started with a milwaukee for$ xxx.00 it was a peach of (JUNK) i sent it back !and got the harbor freight for [$]this is real good the belt is so easy to change ,it is all so easy to use . ok on amazon you can get belts of any kind for the guy that said he could no get belts. look at this 1/2 b&d $xx.00 a pace of xxxx. all so they have have others that cost $xx.00 & up up up. but the harbor freight sander is the best of the lot .So give 1 to the guys at HARBOR FREIGHT !!!!!!!

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

I just picked up this belt sander for setting the profile edge of some knives, and I couldn't be happier with the results. A few quick swipes and I produced an even and nice looking edge on a cheap machete. The fact that you can set the angle of the belt makes it so easy to sharpen - you just align so that you hold the knife edge horizontal (or vertical, if you flip it that way), and its easy to keep a steady angle then.


I am absolutely terrible at sharpening by hand, but I can manage to hold the knife horizontal while carefully making a few swipes against the belt grinder. I sharpened with the edge trailing so I didn't have to worry at all about it kicking back, but I still recommend (and used) eye protection, ear protection, and heavy leather gloves.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

contrary to another post HF does sell belts that fit. I bought mine on sale for 24.99 good tool.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

Can't be beat for the price works great

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

Bought this based on comments from others. I am still on my original belt, somehow, and I also found two-three packs of belts at my Harbor Freight, so no problems finding belts.
It does have one flaw I really don't like. I use mine to sand edges and corners on jewelry boxes I build. When sanding, I notice that there is a lot of minor rubber grit coming off the sander. Inspection showed that the belt rides on cushions, which are glued to the flat that the bulk of the belt rides on. The rubber is wearing off quickly, causing a dip in the rubber. I don't know what will happen when the rubber totally wears off, maybe I'll just get in there and remove it totally. Most belt sanders run on steel flats, this should also. Bad thinking on what was otherwise a pretty good tool at an outstanding price.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

Great machine but the belts break at splice very easy.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

I use my sander for metal work, mild steei,stainless steel,wrought iron,pipe,etc. The tool helps get into tight spots a regular sander can't go, a lot faster than a file. I bought my belts from a well known hardware supply chain store. The belts are more $$ than than HF but it makes the sander all that much better. Remember guys let the tool do the work! Work smarter not harder!

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

This is a great tool for the money, M-k-ta makes the best one but it costs $279 and has to be special ordered.
Take the cover off the side and pitch it as it is too much trouble when changing belts and does nothing. Pay attention to the direction it runs and the arrow on the belt. The tracking adjustment is BOTH the side knob and the allen screw and they must snug into each other. You can hand roll the belt and get it real close without trying to do it running. If you want the switch on the other side take the four screws out of the head, pull it off and rotate it 180 degrees,(it will not fit at 90 degrees) Finally this is a light duty finish sander not a 1 hp grinder. It works well within it's limits.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools 1/2 in. Bandfile Belt Sander:

This will work great with the right belts. Buy the BLUE belts(grainger #3VX76) and it will be one of your most liked tools.