recommended tools for grinding back where you can't fit a grinder?

[julianf]

I know there's a load of tools about from dremels to finger sanders, but, rather than buy things, to find they don't work, I thought I'd just ask for recommendations as to what works?

I need to grind back some welds for cosmetic reasons, and there's no chance of grinder access.

Thank you.

 

[HMB]

Die grinder

 

[julianf]

A few posts from years back mention these being good -

£38 via amazon -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Decker-350-Watt-Powerfile/dp/B000XSP72K

...but are they up to the job of grinding (sanding) back metal?

 

[armalites]

10mm air powered belt sander is what I use

 

[brightspark]

air die grinder using a cone shaped carbide burr. it will get in virtualy anywhere including corners and is fast cutting

 

[marlinspike]

The Black and Decker belt sander is probably the best thing I've bought to use on my car resto. If you buy the blue zirconia belts on eBay at 40 or 60 grit they will certainly dress down welds. I also bought a Makita electric die grinder but haven't used it as much as I thought as it's quite ferocious.

If anyone lives near Manchester the B and D outlet in the Lowry has the belt sanders for £30 usually.

 

[galooph]

I got one of those die grinders with a 5" extension and it's great for getting into those tight spots where a grinder or normal die grinder can't get. I use a carbide burr or whack a roloc disc in it.

One of these...

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

A few posts from years back mention these being good -

£38 via amazon -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Decker-350-Watt-Powerfile/dp/B000XSP72K

...but are they up to the job of grinding (sanding) back metal?

These are great tools and will rip through mild steel with a 40 grit belt. Been using one all day today. I am on my second one (as of today), the first one lasted about 6 years with weekly use.

Grinding up here would be tricky without one.

 

[pedrobedro]

I've used my powerfile on chassis jobs with 60 grit belts on several occasions with good results, well worth considering.

 

[julianf]

I just purchased the item in the amazon link, and some belts off eBay.

The specific job I'm on looks doable with one of those, if they're as powerful as implied.

Ill look into the air die grinders too. If anyone has a link to a suggested brand / retailer, that would be helpful.

Thanks, Julian

 

[julianthegypsy]

If you use a die grinder, be sure to wear goggles. Safety glasses just aren't good enough, as the fine particles whip around everywhere and WILL get in your eyes, even behind normal safety glasses. I have a powerfile from aldi incidentally, and find it not only cheap but massively useful.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

I have the B&D file, die grinders. All good.
In the past I demounted a Router and used that as a die grinder.

But the best I have used in really tight place was a flexible drive shaft, powered by a drill.
Mine was from Screwfix, the bits what came with the kit got used and binned quickly to be replaced by better versions.

Can not load a image of my battered one.so here is a link stolen from the net.

http://s7g3.scene7.com/is/image/ae235/31843_P?$autoprodblock$

 

[Burdekin]

Rotary burr on a drill is another good one.

 

[Lufbramatt]

Re. Safety goggles, after trying various different types, my favourite are Bolle pilot goggles. Less than a tenner on eBay. Very clear lenses, fit great over specs and don't steam up.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Damn you guys!!

Based on this thread I've just ordered this off Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-...UTF8&qid=1469961200&sr=1-3&keywords=powerfile with free delivery. I thought the extra available wattage [400W] over the B & D one might be useful, for the extra £1 it costs.

Also, I've been pleased with my Evo Rage saw so the quality ought to be on a par [or better?? ] than the competitors.

Mind you, I've been planning a power file for a while [wasn't there a previous thread on these a while back?] so decided to take the plunge. It should be good for dressing the welds on the gate I've just added to my 'things to make' list......

Now to graze eBay for blue zirconia belts......

 

[julianf]

Damn you guys!!

Based on this thread I've just ordered this off Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-...UTF8&qid=1469961200&sr=1-3&keywords=powerfile with free delivery. I thought the extra available wattage [400W] over the B & D one might be useful, for the extra £1 it costs.

Also, I've been pleased with my Evo Rage saw so the quality ought to be on a par [or better?? ] than the competitors.

Mind you, I've been planning a power file for a while [wasn't there a previous thread on these a while back?] so decided to take the plunge. It should be good for dressing the welds on the gate I've just added to my 'things to make' list......

Now to graze eBay for blue zirconia belts......

I sae those too, but went for the b&d. Nothing in it price wise. Extra watts against older design... Who knows which is best. Maybe we should review them in 12 months! : )

 

[Burdekin]

I just bought the Silverline one, should arrive tomorrow. Will see what it's like as well.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I have an old B&D narrow belt sander and I find it invaluable, it uses 457mm long belts so I buy the 75mm wide belts and then split them to either 6 or 10mm wide. It works out alot cheaper then buying 10mm wide belts plus you have a bigger choice of grits and grade.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

....so I buy the 75mm wide belts and then split them to either 6 or 10mm wide.

Do you reverse them and cut from the 'inside'? Sharp knife or scalpel?

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Do you reverse them and cut from the 'inside'? Sharp knife or scalpel?

A Stanley blade through the joint and then tearing along the cloth gives you a nice parallel belt.