maia Report post Posted July 28, 2016 Hello! I am a beginner shoemaker and have been trying to figure out an affordable and dependable way to sand and shape leather soles and heels. I purchased a harbor freight belt sander that broke down very quickly. Then I purchased a black and decker grinder that was modified by a shoemaker that exploded and almost took my eye out! Anyways, I would love to hear what people are using to shape leather that isn't a huge investment like the industrial ones but one I can use at home and feels safe. Can anyone recommend perhaps a better brand for a belt sander? Regards, Maia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
casemaker Report post Posted September 1, 2016 This rubber covered sanding wheel is what I use. Just mount it on a 1/2 hp motor and sand. http://diamond-grinding-wheel.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted September 2, 2016 Hi Maia, in the past I have done shoe repairing and also shoe making and and now do mostly leathergoods production. Although I still own a couple of large finishing machines I have found this Multitool sander to be very useful. The 2 in the pictures below I have put into production, get 2 or 3 days a week full on sanding and they give very little trouble. If you were starting off I believe you could save a lot of money but trying this method. Only thing is you have to make up yourself a method of extracting the dust. I have been thinking of getting another new one a little more advanced and posting a how to do it on here . If you are interested to see more please let me know. Best regards Brian. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JMWendt Report post Posted September 2, 2016 I hate to say it after your comment about the Harbor Freight belt sander that broke down quickly, but I am using an $89 Harbor Freight belt sander with a cheap mini-shop-vac attached to the back hose hole to control dust. I use it daily, sometimes excessively, and even use it in place of skiving for some projects. It's been functional for some time. I replace the belt around every six months, or I find I have to apply too much pressure to do the work, and I think this might lead to breakdown in the long run. The leather dust issue is a nightmare. You have to have a vacuum system in place or you'll quickly be knee deep in the fluff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
