I found a vintage bench top belt sander last week. For $20, I think I got a bargain. 1/2HP motor, 1″ X 42″ belt. This is a beast! All metal and heavy. The only label on it is the motor label which says “Induction Motor”, also it says “1989”. The motor looks original…same color paint, same patina. Assuming the motor is original, I was expecting it to be older, like the “old iron” shop machines. No maker’s label or identifying marks could be found. I replaced the belt and 8″ sanding disk and it works great.
Does anyone know who made this? Any helpful info would satisfy my curiosity. Thanks.
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That's a Franken Sander (patent pending)!
It's likely home made. I'm a little impressed if it is. If it's factory made I'm much less impressed.
Does it take standard size sanding belts and discs?
1989 seems about right. I'm afraid it isn't vintage or collectable. If it's able to do what you need it to, it's worth maybe 20 bucks.
I'm certainly not into collecting stuff like this and I never considered it being home made. The plate in front of the belt has rounded edges indicating it was stamped in a factory. The plate in front of the disk is cast with a groove for a miter gauge. The base also looks stamped. I can't imagine someone making those components in their garage. I guess it could happen, though.
As to standard sizes, it uses 1" X 42" belts and Amazon sells various packs of that size. I picked up 15 or so assorted grits for less than $20. Same with the adhesive disk - 8".
Almost certainly a Taiwanese copy of a Rockwell. I have a Rockwell 1"x42" sander, without the 8" disk. Looks virtually identical, but clearly branded. There was a flood of Taiwanese copies in the '80s, sold thru a variety of outlets. Some were branded (Jet) and some were not. Quality was quite variable, but only occasionally high. Prices were significantly lower than US-made. I'm not sure how much still comes from Taiwan, and how much from mainland China.
That looks like a hand sander - as in, "Sands your hand given the slightest opportunity". It isn't clear what the exposed drive belt would do your mits .... but it won't be pleasant.
Why not improve Frank by clothing his exposed parts with some nice bent & painted steel plate? This may prevent blud stains on your next project. :-)
The exposed belts (drive and sanding belts) can catch fingers or clothing. I wouldn't have that tool in my shop. Please don't take that as condescending. I do things that others wouldn't.
Here's the Rockwell sander that inspired it (thanks jharvey). It has no belt guard either and no disk sander to partially shield the belt. The pic came from Ebay, the seller wants $430 for his including shipping. My $20 is looking good to me.