A 1 inch belt sander is a specialized tool, and while it may not be as versatile as a traditional belt sander, it is absolutely indispensable for the tasks that it does excel at.

So how is a 1 inch belt sander different from a traditional belt sander? Well, as the name implies, the sanding belt is only 1 inch wide. So while it doesn’t allow you to sand a wide area at one time, it does allow you to maneuver in tight spaces and at awkward angles, which is something you definitely can’t to with a traditional belt sander.

So what exactly do you use a 1 inch belt sander for, anyway? Anything from building boats to sanding in tight spaces like in between spindles. A major advantage of using a 1 inch belt sander is that it’s increased maneuverability allows you to use it to shape the piece of wood as well as sand it. You need this when doing very fine work that you wouldn’t trust a jigsaw or hacksaw.

You want to use a 1 inch belt sander when you’re dealing with fractions of fractions of inches – if you need to be precise, then this is the tool for you. Because sanding allows you to very slowly adjust the size of the wood, you use it when you need it to be perfect. By using a 1 inch belt sander, you’ll never have to waste wood because you took too much off again.

When choosing the 1 inch belt sander that’s right for you, there are a few things that you need to look for. You’ll want it to be both compact and lightweight in order to make it easily maneuverable and useful in very small spaces. As well, look for an exposed front pulley to that you can use the sander on irregular shapes as well as standard ones. A lock on button will allow you to use it for extended periods of time easily, and a multi-position handle lets you get at the wood any way you need to without compromising your grip.

Lastly, make sure you get a 1 inch belt sander that’s got a dust collector on it – even though it’s got a narrow belt, you’d be surprised at the amount of sawdust it can throw up. Getting a model with a dust collector will help minimize dust in the air and save you clean-up time afterwards.

Looking for a good 1 inch belt sander? Then check out this great  Makita 9031 5 Amp 1-3/16-Inch by 21-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander .

If you don’t believe me, Checkout for yourself. This one definitely falls into good and cheap category.

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