Electric Power files--any good ?

[Sub-arc]

I was thinking of getting one. Any thoughts lads. Anything to watch out for.
Wouldn't need to be a top of the range either.

Something like this- EDIT- Should this be in Tools,materials section ?

 

[wheresmejumper]

i have one,and they are great when no other tool does the job.but that is fairly rare!

 

[madkayaker]

Use one at work and for the job nothing else will do there great

 

[brightspark]

compresed air are more versatile and lighter if u have a compressor

 

[hotrodder]

As said they're great. Not in the same league as the Makita version but then the price isn't either. I dunno if it's worth the premium over the B&D but Evolution do one that looks like it may be closer to the quality of the old B&D version... http://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-precision-thin-belt-sander-240v/54960
Again as said the air powered flavours are even better with regards to size/access, there are some really tiny ones available

 

[Robotstar5]

We've 3 of the B&D versions at work and they have lasted OK, the end bearing eventually wears out but spares are cheap and easily available. I was using one today to notch out some tube ends.

 

[Sub-arc]

The Evo one looks good.The B&D one looks good for the money. If they're being used in a Ind setting and lasting, then that's enough for me. I sold my compressor a while ago (not using it enough)

Too cheap and cheerful ? Extra arm for 8mm though

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Ferm-400w-Po...werTools_SM&hash=item3f163b620c#ht_2575wt_952

 

[pedrobedro]

My B&D powerfile was £32 from Amazon a couple of years ago and it is an invaluable tool along with the rotary multi tool. I used them both to clean up some ports and a manifold just yesterday and would not replace them with an air version, they are quieter, cheaper to run than a compressor and air tool and don't get cold hands from them in winter.

 

[madkayaker]

For your money I would risk the ferm one if I needed one

 

[hotrodder]

You should be able to pick up a B&D powerfile for less than the Ferm one delivered... google shopping is showing one at £33 inc VAT delivered for example. No extra arm with them but it's usefulness depends on the availability of good quality belts...

 

[Robotstar5]

Found Miles to be a good source for spares, quick delivery too!.

 

[brightspark]

Found Miles to be a good source for spares, quick delivery too!.

il second that bookmarked em ages ago

 

[outofthefire]

I had a black and decker years ago and it was good, I might even have a cranked arm for it somewhere in the workshop, I use an air one now which is a much better size. The trouble i've found is the belts snapping well before the grits worn off them.

 

[chunkolini]

I had an old |B+D one, that died of abuse, I used to make boomerangs, lots and lots of them. Fantastic for that kind of thing.
I had a later red one with a dust bag not much cop at all.
I have my eye on the Makita version but that is about £200.
http://bndabrasives.co.uk/industria...-free-zirc-belts-free-delivery/prod_1343.html
But would be a nice addition to the armoury.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

When my 20+ year old B & D Powerfile burn out I promptly bought another as so useful. I paid under £30 delivered last year so £33 at present seems about right.
Somewhere I'd got a kit that attaches to an angle grinder to turn that into a power file. Works OK but I bought it in France and couldn't get replacement belts on UK hence not used.

Paul H

 

[Seano]

Good vfm Brian.......http://www.sitebox.ltd.uk/product/evo_400w/evolution-400w-multipurpose-file-sander/

 

[Sub-arc]

Decisions decisions eh.

I'm leaning towards the B & D now, as you lot seem well impressed
I also got to thinking- why no one else bothers with the 8mm arm and figured that there must be no call for it.
Chunko's Makita link looks the dogs alright, if I were using it on a pro level.

Anyhoo, just a matter of finding the right deal now.

Thanks for all the helpful comments.

 

[PhillipM]

Slap some zirconium or preferably ceramic belts on it first thing too

 

[pedrobedro]

FFX have them at £33 delivered. I've bought from them on ebay but never from their website.

 

[hareng]

B&D ok for nothing more than rare short DIY job.

In saying that bought one in its black plastic box from a B&Q sell off with all attachments £27 some years back.
Might have used it once maybe twice (20 mins total) as there are better tools for the job available depending what you want to do or cant do as i found.
My cheap Bosch PBS is more universal and lasted 12 years so far.

The other one where used to work didnt last more than 3hrs total. Used for filing rubber on to plastic, each session about 20 mins.