“Precision Sanding Made Easy: Compact Belt Sanders”

Introduction: Tool of the day

It’s been a long time since we have had a tool of the day video, and today we will be discussing mini belt grinders. These are handheld belt grinders that are highly efficient and help work on tight spaces where a big belt sander cannot reach. These tiny belts come in various sizes and are an essential tool for every craftsman’s toolkit. In this article, we will be diving deep into different types of miniature belt grinders and their benefits.

Dyna file – Air-power miniature belt grinder

The first miniature belt grinder that we will be discussing in this article is the Dyna file. This tool is made by Dyna braid and operates on air pressure. It uses 3/4 by 18-inch mini belts and can reach all the tiny spots that big belt sanders cannot reach. With this tool, you can sand full width of the belt in corners and edges. The real advantage of the Dyna file is that the belt’s width is the same as the arm out here, which makes it the ideal tool for sanding big bolsters.

The belts for Dyna file are available in almost any grit big sanders have, which is a huge plus point for this tool. However, the only downside is that you need an air compressor to run this tool. Air power tools usually tend to be pretty good, and this tool is no exception. If you can bear the slight inconvenience of attaching an air compressor, you wouldn’t regret having it in your toolkit.

Makita Model 9031 – An electric option

The second miniature belt grinder that we will discuss in this article is the Makita Model 9031. Unlike the Dyna file, this tool operates on electricity. It is an inch and 1/8 by 21 grinder that has spring-loaded belts. The belts for Makita Model 9031 are also available in various sizes, making it convenient to use on different projects. Another plus point for this tool is that it is variable speed, which means you can run it very slowly if you need to. This speed feature makes it a handy tool for woodworking too.

Unlike the Dyna file, the belt width of the Makita model is smaller than the arm’s width. However, it has a yoke at the end that can reach tight spaces and angles. In case you take the side handle out, the belt will never go all the way to the side. You would have to flip it back and forth to get into corners, which is a bit less convenient but still manageable.

The price is the significant advantage that Makita has over the Dyna file. The Makita Model 9031 costs half or even less than half of what the Dyna file costs. Though this may vary depending on where you live and when you buy them, at the time that the creator bought them (over twenty years), that was the case. The belt sanders are great for getting into spaces where you just cannot reach with the bigger sanders.

The Experience with Miniature Belt Sanders

Many people are curious about these tools as they are not as common as other tools in the workshop. The creator of this video remembers buying these tools for different projects over the past twenty years. However, he recalls thinking that it might not have been the best buy at the time. The creator assumed that the Dyna file would work more aggressively in tight spaces than it did, but it didn’t, which meant he ended up using a die grinder or file instead.

Though the tools may not have worked as he had imagined initially, he did get his money’s worth out of them over the years. Though he does not use these tools often, he is glad to have them as he believes that they save him time and make him more efficient in the shop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, miniature belt grinders are essential tools for every craftsman’s toolkit. While there are both air-powered and electric options available, it ultimately depends on your preference and the project you are working on. The Dyna file and Makita Model 9031 are both high-quality miniature belt grinders that can help you get the job done efficiently. They might not be the first tools to pass your mind when you are on a tight budget, but they are immensely helpful when you need to work on tight spaces. Always remember to stay safe and wear your safety glasses while operating any tool.