Product test

Fast, accurate treatment of localised areas is easy with these must-have power tools

Mini belt sanders on trial

THERE ARE several methods of using abrasives effectively when preparing surfaces for treatments and coatings. Abrasive paper used at high speed rapidly cuts through paint and surface corrosion to the substrate, making control of the abrasive important. More control means you are likely to achieve the result you are aiming for without removing too much material and creating additional preparation work. Variable speed controls allow their use on a variety of materials safely, including plastic, wood and metal.

Compared with flap discs on angle grinders for dressing welds and other

metalwork imperfections, a mini belt sander is able to home in on very localised areas without affecting surrounding areas, such as when levelling plug welds, for example. Their versatility isn’t confined to just the narrowness and speed of the abrasive belt though, as most can be adjusted and angled in various positions to access areas an angle grinder could never reach.

Once you’ve used a mini-belt sander to dress welds or treat localised areas of corrosion you’ll be convinced of their worth. If you’re a regular user of an angle grinder for such tasks, I think you’ll be in for a surprise.

Mini-belt sanders are sometimes called powerfiles and are available as electric, air or cordless powered, so choosing one to meet your needs is made easier.

When buying, consider availability and price of replacement belts and keep a good stock handy for prolonged use. The belts are generally durable, but can fray or break quickly if snagged or forced on sharp edges. Although either flat side of the file arm should be used as a backing for the abrasive belt, it’s not unusual to use a powerfile at its tip, where the ball bearing spins. This does tend to reduce belt life and excessive pressure will prematurely damage the bearing.