Finger sander.

[indy4x]

I was given a Silverline finger sander for my birthday back in December and yes I actually asked for he blue one as a few peeps on here said they were good for the money.

Its one of those tools that I wasn't sure I'd actually use much but it has seen a bit of action since I've had it

As recommended on here, I got a supply of the zirconium belts and so far not disappointed

 

[JOEPRO]

I have the silver line one too, I need it sometimes to get into inaccessible areas in car chassis.

It does work well, belts don't last long though so keep plenty on hand. It is no replacement for a grinder and flap wheel over larger areas mind, it's good for small localised areas only IMO.

 

[badabec]

Being a cheapskate (father was Scottish) I slice belts from those used in belt sanders. I don't use my wife's best scissors, just a Stanley knife.

 

[ukracer]

With any abrasive tools, it really is a case of you get what you pay for.

Pferd, Flex, Dynabrade would be my choice

Who sells those then??

 

[Erie Fred]

I used to use a dynabrade one at work, they must be top of the line for what they cost.
I picked up 2" wide air powered one at a flea market for $20, have yet to use it though.

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Dynabrade well into the region of £300-£500 over here. Some of the best air tools i've used though, popular in aerospace and tool & die

I got 2 and a box of spares in a lot of tools recently, need to set them up. Mind I rarely use air in the workshop as the comp is still in my old shop across the yard awaiting rehousing in the new (now 8yr old!) workshop

 

[ukracer]

The beauty of Pferd and Dotco and Dynabrade is they're a lot more air efficient than cheaper makes, while giving more power

Ah I see. I thought that was the brand of belts you were suggesting. Lol

 

[MysterG]

I've had a B&D one for years. Renewed the front arm/roller a few years ago.
It is permanently out near the bench, gets used every time I make anything.

 

[lchris21]

Ive got a B&D one with the side mount motor, Ive had it years and its done lots of work and still going strong. I also converted a cheapo silverline one to a tube sander. Again it works a treat when im fabricating exhausts.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Makita side motor here. Lots of grunt.

 

[pedrobedro]

I've had my B&D powerfile orange one for many years and it has been a blessing especially for shaping knife handles etc. really is invaluable. It had a new arm with roller a few years ago as the old one was shot and wouldn't track the belt any more.

 

[tom2207]

Ive a b&d powerfile ,,, must be nearly 35 years old now ,,, its the original one they made , only 350 watt or the likes , but its mighty , they do take a while to get the hang of , but they are mighty handy
Ive also a Dynabrade , its even better but its air hungry ,,, I use my b&d more ,,,,, good belts are the secret . cheap belts last about two spins ,, a good belt will last ages
I think Id like a Makita 18v one next , but the mains powered evolution one looks tempting at the money

 

[Mick Annick]

Makita side motor here. Lots of grunt.

Me too, gets regular use, just avoid sharp edges (will kill the belt whatever you’re using) and swap the cork pads top to bottom when the bottom one looks tired

 

[Olderisbetter]

Got an Evolution one often use it to take out spot welds

 

[Gritineye]

I've got an Evolution one, it's good value and the adjustable arm comes in handy.

I read someone complaining that the nose bearings aren't available as spares, and I can't find them on their site. But I'm sure I'd have no trouble sourcing a suitable one and fitting it if needed.

 

[tom2207]

I've got an Evolution one, it's good value and the adjustable arm comes in handy.

I read someone complaining that the nose bearings aren't available as spares, and I can't find them on their site. But I'm sure I'd have no trouble sourcing a suitable one and fitting it if needed.

the black and decker has a rubber nose wheel , the super slim turbine blade arm on the dynabrade has a solid end wheel , so if a solid one would do a bearing should be easy ,,, maybe a b&d one would fit if they sell it as a part ,,, dyna sell end wheels as a spare part for their contact arms ,,, so that may give you a source should you need one ...

 

[fizzy]

Very useful. mine is within arms length in my workshop. Don't buy a black and decker or any of them with the side mounted motor, It just gets in the way. Mine is, and some may scoff, a Silverline one. The motor is inline so it's more streamlined. View attachment 383883

That looks a nice unit but I love my Black and Decker one. The motor sticking out makes a very comfortable handle!
The B+D feels flimsy but takes loads of punishments. Removes a surprising amount of metal.
Often gets used instead of an angle grinder.
Only use the blue belts - and beware they aren't all the same!