Belt Sanders - Tips & more
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- Опубліковано 1 тра 2021
- In this video I'll show you how to get the most out of this incredibly versatile machine! Belt sanders...with a little practice, the right techniques, and when properly tuned, can make quick work of many tasks...including making surfaces flat, creating components that are flush & smooth...and even finesse the thinnest of veneers with supreme accuracy! Quality belts that are clean and fresh are super important for quality results. I also prefer graphite platen pads over the factory metal plate and cork. Links to these graphite pads and sanding belts below. Also, if you want to see how I make and use curved belt sander platens...check out the YT video, link below.
Sanding belts: www.maverickabrasives.com/
Graphite platens can be found at Woodworkers Supply: woodworker.com/
Link to UA-cam video "Sanding Smooth Curves": • Sanding inside curves
(curved platens for your belt sander!)
My website: ramonvaldezfinefurniture.com/
Here you'll find my Belt Sander Dock plans and much more!
Loads of woodworking tips & tricks at my Instagram account:
/ ramonartful
Your work is amazing. I just bought a belt sander to help with sanding of cuttinmg boards. I appreciate your tips
Thank you tons! Belt sanders are incredibly useful! Cheers
Thank you for the content, just took a new 9404 and adapting to it, earlier I had a smaller one. Have a nice day! :)
The 9404 is a great sander! Belt sanders are such versatile machines! Thanks for watching
Great insightful video. I'm a novice but people like you inspire me. Thank you.
Comment’s like yours…inspire me! Thanks a ton
A great introduction to belt sanders in the woodshop. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Paul
Thanks Paul !
Thanks Ramon. I just discovered you yesterday, and subscribed immediately. Here I am back already for the third of your videos. Your content is original, insightful and valuable -- and well worth the time to watch them through to the end. Thanks, and I look forward to exploring more of your content.
Awesome to hear! Thanks and Thank you for the feedback!
Excellent work and craftsmanship!
Thank you! It was a fun job!
Another great video, always look forward to Sunday mornings with your videos. Great tips!
Thanks a ton...I appreciate you checking em out!
Great video. I got here from your podcast and this channel has become one of my favourites. It has been a long time since I found a UA-cam channel where every video teaches something new.
Thank you tons...I have a lot more in the queue.
Thank you Ramon. Time to dust off the belt sander in the bottom drawer. I had never thought of using it in all the ways you have shown and only used it on some pretty crude things like decking. I'm ordering some finer grit belts and have a couple projects to start on. Again thanks for you low key and calm approach to sharing all your years of experience. I am happy I "found" you on UA-cam and am really enjoying your videos.
That is so good to hear! Yes, belt sanders can be used for fine work when tuned properly! I appreciate the good words…Much thanks.
Wow your work is very nice. appreciate you taking the time to make this video 👍🏻
I appreciate you taking the time to watch the video! Thanks
Your content is valuable and, as always your designs are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your artistry and expertise.
Thanks a ton…I appreciate the feedback!
You're on another level Ramon. I've made a good living doing fine finish trim carpentry over the last twenty years, yet watching what you do inspires me to apply what would seem like simplistic techniques to my own work. I have an older Makita 9924DB used mostly for counters, scribed base trim, cabinet fillers, etc. Rudimentary usage. Your work table had me confused at first but then saw how wedges and uprights keep the workpiece below the sanding surface. Smart, and way better than dog clamps. Bravo bud you got another subscriber.
Dang man…I appreciate the good words…and welcome! Thanks 🙏🏼
Fantastic video with lots of great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
That's great to hear! Thank you for watching!
Great tips as always Ramon! Going to get mine tuned up ASAP!
Great to hear! They take a bit of practice like anything else but man what a versatile tool. Thanks!
I’ve been considering a belt sander lately, though have kept putting the purchase off as I was concerned it wouldn’t get any use outside of removing a lot of material in one go. I’ve watched a few videos of yours on the belt sander, and am fully convinced I’ll use quite often. Thanks for putting these out. Look forward to watching more of your videos. The glimpses of your work I’ve seen so far show you put a lot of care and sophistication into the craft.
Thanks a lot for the good words. I strongly believe that the belt sander is the most underutilized tool in many shops. When I first started sharing about my belt sander on Instagram, people were saying some rude things!😆 Like “ You have no idea what you’re doing , belt sanders are only for rough work, what a hack…etc”. 😆
However, with a tuned belt sander and a little practice…one can accomplish many tasks quickly, efficiently and accurately. I routinely flush up veneers on a marquetry panel …even though they can be quite thin. Even curved!…Like the inside of a chair back.
Start with a smooth grit…180 or so…use pencil on the components to track your progress, keep the sander moving, feeling that it’s staying flat.., stop often to see how it’s sanding…
And soon you’ll e amazed as to how many things you can do with this glorious machine!
Great video! Thank you for the tips! I just scored a 9401 brand spanking new in the box. I was so giddy! My go to sander also.
Awesome to hear…that’s such a good sander! I have four of em!😬 And thanks for watching
Awesome information and beautiful work..
Thank you ...I appreciate that
My belt sander has always been the "gross" adjustment tool. Just passed on my old 1980's Craftsman sander and bought a Makita. Your tips are superb , appreciate you sharing.
Right!? A ton of people think that. However, It can be used as a tool for fine finesse work when tuned, adjusted and used correctly. Thanks for checking it out!
What a nice work table you have! You keep your environment clean and you know what you are doing, classe.
I appreciate the good words! Sometimes my work space is a mess though 😆
@@ramonartful :) I like the workspace. I start shopping for a Makita m9400 (poormans sander) for sanding a wood floor from 1906 here in Amsterdam
Great belt sander tips. I bought my makita belt sander as a result of watching these amazing videos. Thanks Ramon, you’re such a professional woodworker and person. I love how organized you are when when working on anything including how you hang your awesome mechanical pencil to your shirt.
I’m having a hard time finding those graphite pads to upgrade my Makita belt sander. The website reference shows a roll not a pad.
Thank you for the good words…I appreciate it. The magnets/pencil on my shirt… I’ve been doing for 30 plus years! 😆
Sorry but I don’t think that the self adhesive graphite is available any longer. The rolls of the stuff works well. It takes a metal bar to attach it to the belt sander. Hope that makes sense. Much thanks.
This was good, thank you. The belt sander just doesn't get enough respect.
Great to hear! And yep…I agree. Thanks
came for the belty tips, sub'd for the knowledge and passion
Thanks a ton...I certainly appreciate that!
this should really have 1 million more views.
It really should! 😬 Thanks a ton for checking it out
You're right about the belt sander being the most underused tool in the shop. Mine certainly is because I'm almost all hand tools now and do alot of hand planing. I'm thinking seriously about jigging it on its side as a bench sander. Once it was the most used in my shop and now it's barely seeing light. It will be used again. Thanks for sharing.
Yep, I agree with you agreeing with me!😆 I love belt sanders! Check out this YT video…it shows my belt sander Dock. Basically, a small edge sander. Thanks a ton
Jigs & Fixtures 1
ua-cam.com/video/hP6ymjFVhh0/v-deo.html
I want to thank you, profusely, for enlightening me as to the value of large belt sanders. For decades I have considered them to be very primitive…useful only for rough work, and very prone to leaving gouge marks on the wood. After watching this video, I purchased a Makita model 9404, with the variable speed feature. I just finished using it on the Purple Heart lid of a cremation box, to remove a bit of snipe. I have also used it on this same box, for final levelling of the finger joints, where it did a better job than the router flush trimming bit. Overall the results have amazed me, I have nothing negative to report. My previous experience has been with lightweight 3” x 21” sanders, and therein lies the problem….those sanders, being narrow and lightweight, require much more user control (or lack thereof), whereas this wider and heavier machine needs little more than to be steered across the surface….no need to fight with it.
Happy days…keep up the great work Ramon 👍🏼!
Your comparison is right on the mark. Narrower/smaller foot print, less stability. Lighter yes, not necessarily better control.
Glad to hear you’re using a belt sander. It’s probably my most used tool…I have four of them! Once one gets use to its characteristics, it’s a fantastic time saver. Anyway…thanks a ton.
@@ramonartful …..This might help a future viewer of your video, and reader of these comments. When I purchased my Makita 9404 I paid a fairly hefty premium for the variable speed feature, out of an abundance of caution, brought on by a healthy dose of doubting my ability to control it….being as I’m over 70 and not as strong as I once was. Were I buying it again I’d skip the variable speed…I probably used the lowest speed for under two minutes, then cranked it up to full speed, and haven’t looked back. I am using a 180 grit belt, though, and that’s probably giving me the extra wiggle room I need, as a first time user.
@@mudz678 That's a great point about using a 180 grit belt. Sure, a belt sander can destroy anything in its path quickly...so starting with smoother grit as you mentioned is a fantastic learner tip. Also, "goosing" the throttle or trigger helps with control as well. Much thanks.
My right ear enjoyed this!!
Thanks! 🙏🏼
Amazing tips and knowledge. El hefe!
Thanks for checking out the video! 🙏🏼👊🏼
Thanks Paul it's a great help.🙏
Thank you! But wait…who is Paul? 🤷🏼♂️
Watching you belt sand veneer is like watching someone walk a tight rope across the Grand Canyon. A real nail biter. You are a impressive craftsman.
Ha ha…thanks a lot. A bit of a learning curve, I’ll admit. But man! What an amazing and versatile machine!
I'll be digging the belt out for sure - really like your marquetry too :)
Thanks a lot! Yeah man…belt sanders can do soooo much!
Wow great video just brought a makita 9401 thanks heaps
So good to hear! Thanks! And congrats on a really quality belt sander!
You make beautiful objects. Definitely put my faith back into a belt sander. Bought a Makita M9400B, love it picks up the dust way better than I though. I think the low rev of the belts seem to make the belts last a long time, did not buy a muti speed because of your advice. Thanks.
Thank you for the good words. And great to hear! Belt sanders are so fantastic and probably THEE most underutilized tool in many shops. I’m not familiar with that particular model but it’s just a matter of spending a bit of time with it. Belt sanders…I love em! 😆
Impressive the confidence you have with that. We use porter cables at work. I won’t use them on stain grade stuff for fear of digging a trench. Maybe mention direction of sanding in relation to veneer with laminate you can peel the piece off the edge going the wrong way.
Thank you. Yes...I should have mentioned that. I could probably do an entire YT video on using a belt sander for plastic laminate. It’s an essential tool for that kind of work.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge,,,New sub, looking forward to more informative videos. Keep up he awesome work.
I appreciate that! Much thanks.
Bruh this is some good information! Thank you
Aww…cool to hear. Much thanks.
New subscriber here. Great stuff! Been a woodworker cabinet maker for about 40 years. Not a pro just a hobbyist. Another tip for cleaning belts is using an old crock as in sandal shoe yada yada yada
Hey Dan…Thanks! The show eraser sounds like a good idea!
Those Makitas are such war horses. The weight and balance is great on them. 👍🏻😊
Yeah…they truly are! Check out my new vid on them! Thanks
Overlap jointed belts can tear open if put on the wrong direction. Not that I ever did that...
Looking on the Makita website, they confirm the belt speeds & weights as follows:
9401 runs at 350 m/min (weight is 7.2kg)
9403 runs at 500 m/min (Weight is 5.7kg)
9404 runs at 210 - 440 m/min (Weight is 4.8kg)
I think this is why the 9401 works so well for you - nice slower speed and much heavier, making it easier to control and get flatter results.
You've inspired me to get the 9401 instead of the 9404 I thought I wanted.
Thank you
Hey thanks a ton for that info! I had wondered what speeds and weights these were.
New 9401’s are very expensive. But I’ve found my last three, used on eBay and all in excellent shape. Thanks
Hey thanks a ton for that info! I had wondered what speeds and weights these were.
New 9401’s are very expensive. But I’ve found my last three, used on eBay and all in excellent shape. Thanks
I have one of those, due to its age my problem now is finding spare parts for it. (rear roller). Thanks for your video.
Have your tried
www.ereplacementparts.com/
#48 rear roller. 😬👍🏼
Ramon, you make some of the finest furniture I've ever seen! Thanks for sharing the belt sanding tips. Question, I'm currently shopping for a Makita Belt Sander. Some of them are variable speed. I intend on doing a combination of metal and wood sanding. In this case would buying a variable speed model be advantageous?
Good question! I think a variable speed sander makes sense for wood or metal. I’ve used a VS before on wood…delicate areas could be addressed with slower speed, for instance. With metal…the difference of speed would have reasons as well. Maybe a better finish, less heat build up, etc. And thanks for the good words!
Building on what Ramon said.... When given the opportunity for ANY power tool, always go with the variable speed option. For a slight additional initial cost, you will gain far greater versatility in the materials you address, and how aggressively you do so. I've never regretted getting variable speed on any tool, but I certainly have on the couple I purchased without this feature.
Unfortunately belt sanders don’t come with attachable Popeye forearms to control it. Only Ramon could turn a roughing tool into a fine tuned woodworking tool. We appreciate your hard work and craftsmanship. I always learn something. Thanks.
Ha ha...well for the most part it’s just setting flat...and all that weight helps sand things flat!😬 Much thanks.
Lol
Like from Brazil
Thank you!
Hi Ramon, I just picked a 9401 up after watching your videos on their uses. What do you lubricate the bushings with? Cheers
Hey congrats…awesome belt sander! I’d take it apart to clean everything (if it needs it). The bearings are sealed and can only be replaced if they start squealing badly. The sleeve bushings could use a couple of drops of oil…maybe a 30 weight…probably after 10 or 15 hours of use. A small amount goes a long way. Thanks for watching!
I'd like a video where you discuss your maintenance tips when getting a new-to-you 9401 sander. You mention at 7:10 that you will need to go through the sander to clean it up...
That’s a really great suggestion. I’ll add that to my list. Now, I take em apart and check bearings, bushings, check the brushes, lightly lube certain areas, and most importantly, I change the original sheet metal platen to a graphite pad. Probably some other things that I’d remember once I delved into it. Thanks a ton.
Thumbs up for the Spyderco knife.
Ha ha…right!? Love my Spyderco Delica …been carrying one of those since the early nineties!
That looks like the sander my dad used when he built cabinets.
Probably so. It’s an older model but a beast of a work horse! Thanks
Got an 8.8 Amp 9404. It is a great machine. Now I'm bidding on unused 11 Amp 9403s on eBay thinking that since my widebelt sander is only 24" wide, maybe the 9403's extra power and weight would be worthwhile while leveling table tops. I've leveled a few table tops with a Porter-Cable locomotive with no frame... a learning experience, a lot of fooling around with less-than-perfect results. What is your opinion of the utility of a $135 sanding frame for Makita's 9400 series sanders?
The 9403 is a good sander. As is the 9404. I’m more familiar with the 9401 but have used those others as well.
I’ve never used a sanding frame. They’re probably quite effective.
Great video Ramon. If you were buying new, would you go for the Mikata 9403 or the 9404? Also would you put the graphite platen on the new one?
If I couldn’t find a 9401, I would purchase a 9403. I’ve used the 9404 and it was okay but I like the other models better.
And yes…if a belt sander will accommodate the graphite, I would use it. It works that well.
What did you not like about the 9404?
@@USAFL410 Well... that probably isn't very fair. We had one at the old shop that I worked at...along with mostly 9401's and 9403's. I'm probably just use to the 9401 and 9403. It seems to also have a low center of gravity...so it's probably a good sander. thanks
Great content Ramon, I got a 9401 on eBay it runs smooth and looks fairly locked after however I adjust the tracking upside down and is all good but when I put it the workpiece it will start coming off. If I try and adjust the tracking while it’s on the workpiece it won’t come off anymore but as soon as I lift it off it will go the other way too far and start rubbing the frame.
Any Ideas what can I start with it?
Great sanders! I’d take it apart and clean it. There’s 3 screws under the release handle. Remove the thin metal gaurd and a thicker metal plate. Remove two (I think) half moon metal parts. Blow out the dust and lightly lubricate any parts that rub. I know oil attracts dust…but to me, metal to metal doesn’t work well for long. There’s a spring inside the adjustment knob that can break. Remove the knob…it’s very fine thread. Once cleaned, add a small bit of grease to the end of that shaft and add very little light oil to the threads. Grab the front drum and move it sideways. You’ll see how the yoke swivels. A large spring keeps it to the “left” as the adjustment knob pushes it to the “right”. Lightly oil the wheel at the rear of the yoke and also where the yoke slides sideways. Sticking points. To me it’s worth it to add a bit of lubricant and then clean periodically and start fresh. Hope that helps!
I like Kroil…it’s light and doesn’t evaporate like WD-40.
Never ever did I think I could get excited to get a belt sander. Never.
Yeah man...one of my favorite small power tools. Super versatile!
hello Ramon, I didn't take this video about belt sanders seriously until I had to flatten a smallish desk top I build out of solid oak. I do not have access to an industrial drum sander. Do you think it is viable to flatten a tabletop consisting of 5 oak planks that have a small degree of misalignment? Thank you for the content you put out there
Yes! Absolutely. I would start with maybe an 80 or 100 grit. Rougher if you’re feeling brave! Have a straight edge handy to check your progress.
Start with the worst areas and progress to the less severe areas. To start, sand at about a 45° angle to the grain. This will cut (sand) the fastest and can give you a gauge to monitor your progress. You don’t have to get crazy but keep the belt sander moving! Some side to side movement mixed with forwards and backwards. I always start the machine on the surface. That gives me a feel for it’s position…hang on to it…it’ll go!
Stop and check with the straight edge often. Be aware that it’s easy to over sand near the edges. Use a rougher grit if you’re feeling good and if it’s not sanding quick enough. But even a new 100 grit will sand quickly!
Once the surface is looking fairly good, not even quite flush yet…switch to a more inline direction (with the grain) and also could be a good time to change to a smoother grit. 120 is my most used…I follow up that with 180. Follow that with a bit of hand sanding or with a random orbit. Good luck n have fun!
Hey I rented the flooring sander from home Depot when I made my dining room table. It was perfect! Literally 1/10 the time as compared to using my power orbital.
9401 este deja Legendar ,un monstru sacru
sí, el 9401 es una gran máquina
Would you recommend a 9403 or 9404? The way the cord comes out of the 9403 looks more convenient and it’s 11 amp instead of 8 amps with the 9404.
The 9403 is my second choice after the 9401. I’ve used the 9404 but found it a bit awkward. Thanks
@@ramonartful Thanks ordered the 9403.
When you add the graphite pad to your belt sander, do you adhere it to the metal plate? Or attach it without the thin metal piece?
Thanks
Remove the thin metal plate. Clean the surface well (lacquer thinner, acetone or denatured alcohol) and adhere. Fantastic difference! Thanks
@@ramonartful Thank you!
@@ramonartful Do you remove the cork too?
@@Armand9100 Yes...remove the cork
Damn, I like your videos and send links to my woodworking friends and family. Some sellers refer to the abrasive cleaning stick as "crepe." PS: Now see what you've done. On eBay the price of 9401s has doubled.
Man I really appreciate that. And crepe…always learning.
I saw the price of 9401’s going up and I bought a few used ones from eBay. About 120 bucks and 2 of em were probably only used once or twice! A third one had some use, but still quite new. So with my 30 year old one that I use daily, I have four of em. Yes, they all get used😬
@@ramonartfulAfter several hours investigating new and used 4 x 24 belt sanders, the deal du jour seems to be the Makita 9404, a variable speed critter currently being sold on Amazon for $255, a price just 64% of the highest I found, on a home center's web site. More about crepe: I mentioned this on someone else's UA-cam video but 50 years ago chucka boots were briefly popular men's footwear. They had crepe soles, not some sort of foam called crepe but the identical material used today in abrasive cleaning sticks... went to a grandmother's birthday party with a friend in Mexico City. The ladies thought my shoes were a hoot.
@@markkoons7488 I think variable speed on a belt sander makes sense!
Woodworker Supply no longer has those graphite platens any suggestions for other vendors? Thanks
I recently heard that! I have a large supply but at some point I’ll need more. Someone shared this with me. I haven’t tried them, but I do like the psa backed graphite. Thanks!
industrialfinishes.com/graphite-platens/
@@ramonartful been looking no luck yet I’ll let you know if I find it
Based on your experience with belt sanders what brand sand paper do you recommend? Thanks
@@paulyanney3151 I've been using sandpaper from Maverick Abrasives...good quality and priced fair. I actually have a discount code if your'e interested. Thanks
www.maverickabrasives.com/discount/RVFF15?rfsn=2954197.789289&
Klingspor sells rolls of graphite you could maybe cut to fit the sander base? It’s not PSA though you’d have to use spray adhesive. No idea how that would work.
Ooh fancypants has got a shaper 😄
Shaper Origin? Or shaper, as in a large router? Yep, I have both. Love em! 😬🙏🏼
@@ramonartful ya the origin, looking at investing in one, however my violent obsession with Mafell gear keeps my wallet thin 😆
Holy crap I never knew there were arrows on the belt. Good thing it doesn't seem to matter though.
Ha ha…yep. Manufacturers make sand belt “material”…and it gets cut and seamed for different applications. On a belt sander, if the seam is angled (and not overlapped) then it makes zero difference which direction the arrows are facing. Anyway.. thanks
So what’s the difference in these sanders made in Japan verses the U.K.?
That’s a good question,someone else was asking about that. I’ll do some research. Much thanks.
@@ramonartful
Thank you sir!
@@smigletat9634 From what I can tell, these sanders are now only available (new) from the U.K. It appears to be identical to the original...but that's assuming from photos. I'm glad to see that there are usually used models still available. Great sanders! Thanks
@@ramonartful Thanks so much! All appreciated my man!!
Hey was wondering how often you'd have to replace the graphite pattens if every?
What are indicators it should be replaced?
Hey man…that’s a great question and one that I should have addressed. They do last a long time but eventually will wear out. They start to get pockets or dimples…maybe the edges or corners will start to deteriorate. Time to change em! Much thanks.
@@ramonartful Awesome Thanks man. I need a new belt sander. I ve been using a 30 year old little one from sears i got from my grandpa but is way under powered for a profrssional stuff.
Jusg picked up a 9403. But they were out of the platens so i had to order one.
@@benborsa8266 The 9403 is my second choice after the 9401...it's also a really good sander. Have fun!
"nice long cord" I almost choked on laughing... 30cm?
Ha ha yeah. I know some people like short power tool cords and use one extension cord. Personally, I put long cords on all my power tools. Always have. Anyway…thanks for checking out the video!
Do people call you Don Ramon?
Umm…no. Never have. I do get Ray Ray, Raymond, Raynaldo, Raymundo, Rame, Rainman, Ramulus, Ray and a few others I can’t say in public. 😬
@@ramonartful, haha, Just wondering, because Ramon Valdez was a Mexican comedian that had a character named Don Ramón. He was the best of the show, in my opinion.
Lol, I had the same question for some reason. Don Ramon was a great character in ‘El chavo del ocho’ show.
TotalLy not interested in your fetish for that sander. Completely non-reverent to anyone who uses a different sander
Okay. But you’d be surprised as to how many people all over the world have reached out to thank me for exploring the “most underutilized tool” in the shop. I get DMs and comments all the time, thanking me for helping them with their sanding, belt sanders, etc. It’s not a fetish, it’s experience and choice from using a huge array of other brand and type of belt sanders over the last 40 years.
Take what works for you…ignore the rest, yeah? Make your day great! Thanks