Belt and Disc Sander or Linisher? Pick One for Wood or Metal

A bench sander that’s too small, isn’t made for metal or keeps throwing its belt turns a quick job into a slow one.

Match the belt and disc to the job, check the maker’s rating before sanding steel, and reset the tracking after fitting a belt. PartsForMachines lists 21 belt, disc, spindle and cordless sanders from Sealey, Draper and SIP in its belt sanders range.

Belt, Disc or Both: Which Sander Will I Use Most?

For most workshops, a combined belt and disc sander is the most flexible choice: two sanding surfaces in one footprint. The 4 x 8in belt and disc sander 01946 has a 102 x 914mm belt that tilts to 90°, a 203mm disc, two aluminium tables and a mitre guide. It handles chamfering, shaping and deburring.

For angled ends and mitres, a 305mm disc sander such as the SM31 gives you a 156 x 438mm tilting table and a mitre gauge. For inside curves, use a spindle sander.

25mm, 100mm or 150mm Belt: What Size Sander Do I Need?

Match the belt width to your work: a 25mm belt can suit craft and hobby jobs. The SM750, for example, pairs a 25 x 762mm belt with a 125mm disc and a 250W motor, and weighs 7kg.

For general woodworking, step up to a 100mm belt, our most common width, as on the 100 x 915mm belt and disc sander SM914, with a 150mm disc and a 370W motor. Sealey says its induction motor and bearing-mounted pulleys keep it quiet. Our widest belts are 150mm, on heavier machines such as the floor-standing SM15 at 46.1kg.

Can I Sand Steel on a Wood Sander, or Do I Need a Linisher?

Not if the maker rates it for wood only, so check the rating first. The 98420 and 98525, for example, are built for wood and similar materials and must not grind metal. The 01946, by contrast, is rated for plastics and non-ferrous metals such as aluminium too.

For regular steel work, choose a linisher built for metal workshops, such as the 100 x 1220mm belt linisher SM100, with a 1500W motor and a 100 x 280mm flat grinding surface. Sealey says the graphite plate on its platen reduces belt friction.

Steel throws sparks that can set fire to dust in a bag or extractor, so take off the dust bag first and clear away wood dust and other combustibles.

Why Does My Sanding Belt Keep Running Off, and How Do I Track It?

A belt that runs off its wheels is out of track, so reset the tracking. If the belt has an arrow on its back, fit it pointing the way the belt runs. With the belt tensioned, adjust the tracking knob until the belt runs centred on its wheels, then switch on briefly to check it and switch off again to fine-tune if needed.

On the belt and disc sander 98420, a tracking knob moves the front wheel and a quick-release lever sets the belt tension. If it still won’t track, stop using the sander and send our team the model number.

What Should I Check Before I Buy?

• what you will sand (wood, non-ferrous metal or steel) and the maker’s rating for it
• belt width and disc size against your work: bench belts run from 25mm to 150mm wide, discs from 125mm to 305mm
• mounting and weight: bench mounting, its own stand or floor-standing
• the dust outlet size against your vacuum or extractor hose
• how belts and discs change: a tension lever and tracking knob, and self-adhesive or hook-and-loop discs

If you’re not sure which sander suits your work, contact the PartsForMachines team by WhatsApp, telephone or email with what you’ll be sanding, or browse the belt sanders range.

Product options, delivery options and returns terms are shown on each product page. A 30-day return policy applies to eligible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of the sanding disc should I use?

The half moving down towards the table. The rising half can lift the work off the table and throw it. Keep the work supported on the table, and use the mitre gauge for angles.

How big should the gap be between the table and the disc?

About 1.6mm (1/16in) at most between the table and the moving disc or belt. Make the adjustment with the sander switched off and stopped, never while the disc is running.

Can I sharpen chisels or blades on a belt sander?

Only on a machine rated for steel: wood-only sanders must not grind it. Too much heat softens the steel so the edge won’t last, so dip it in cold water every few seconds.

How do I swap belts when I change grit?

Unplug the sander, release the tension and slide the old belt off. Fit the next one with any arrow pointing the way the belt runs, re-tension it and reset the tracking. A tension lever, as on the 01946, makes swaps quicker.

How do I change a self-adhesive sanding disc?

Unplug the sander, peel the old disc off the plate, then fit the new one centred and press it firmly into place. The 305mm disc sander SM31 takes self-adhesive discs; the 98525 uses hook and loop.

Spindle sander or sanding drums in a pillar drill?

For regular curve work, a spindle sander. Its sleeve rises and falls as it spins; Draper says the 10773’s 16mm travel spreads wear along the sleeve and cuts heat build-up. The oscillating spindle sander SM1200 takes bobbins from 13 to 76mm.

Does a bobbin sander’s table tilt?

Not always. The SM1200’s table is fixed, while the 98425’s tilts from 0 to 45° for chamfers and edge work. If you need to sand angled curves, check the table tilt before you buy.

How do I connect dust extraction to a belt and disc sander?

Measure the outlet and match your hose or adaptor to it, as sizes vary: for example, 35mm on the SM14 and 63.5mm on the SM914. Some machines, such as the 98525, also come with a dust bag and can connect to a vacuum.

Can I sand aluminium and steel on the same sander?

Ideally not. Fine aluminium dust mixed with steel or rust dust can react and release a lot of heat. If you must share a metal-rated machine, clean it and its dust collection thoroughly before switching metals.