Belt Sander for Shoemaking

[maia]

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

[silverwingit]

I use a Dayton belt/disc sander from Zoro tools. Under $200. I've used Dayton power tools for decades. They are affordable and long-lasting. Several cuts above Black & Decker.

Michelle

Edited July 29, 2016 by silverwingit

[MADMAX22]

Ive had good luck with grizzly. Its still imported stuff but much better then harbor freight but also more expensive. I have a dust collector and a 12" disk sander that have been going strong for about 6 years now. 

[TonyRV2]

I make knives and knife sheaths and own two belt grinders.  The first one is a 2" by 72" which cost something north of $2500.  I use that one mostly for knife grinding.  I also own, and just recently purchased a Sears Craftsman 2" by 42" combination belt sander and 6" disc.  Many beginner knife makers started out on just this grinder and its quite affordable.  I purchased mine on sale just a few weeks ago for just over $100.  I'm quite happy with it for grinding/sanding wood and leather. You're going to also want a good source for grinding belts, aside from Sears, as they don't have a very good selection.  I would recommend TruGrit.  You'll find them online and they have fast shipping and good prices.  I buy all of my grinding belts from them.

[Art]

Some of the old Landis line finishers can be had for hauling away, and if you are a shoemaker, this is a great deal.  These can be about 13 feet long, but if you have the room, they have grinders, cutters, burnishers, heated iron stations, and buffers.  That is about everything you need, and the price (if you have to pay) is usually pretty reasonable.  An old Sutton 250 or the like will be considerably more expensive ($2500 or MORE) but will have everything you need AND belts.  All of these great machines were made for the repair trade, but will do it for a shoemaker just fine.  They all have some form of dust collection on-board which is great especially if you have to do artificial materials. IF you do get a real shoe machine, make sure cutters and irons come with it, they're hard to find when you want or need them.

For knives and sharpening, the Burr-King, Bader in 2x72, and the old Craftsman 6x48 (there are better ones, but mine is still cranking after 30+ years).  The cast iron work rest on the Craftsman broke off after about 20 minutes, but I laid the belt down flat and have used it that way ever since.

If you are going to sharpen knives, you may be able to get by with a cheap 1x30, but shaping oak tanned shoe leather needs a pretty robust machine.

Art

[MADMAX22]

Forgot about the 2x72s. I built mine (welded together) and thru on a grizzly 1HP motor. It works pretty darn good. Dont get to make knives anymore but it is very useful for other things as well. 

[Art]

Came home one day and heard the Bader running.  Go into the shop and there is daughter and her girlfriend doing their nails.  They were in high school at the time and of course fearless.

Art

[Colt W Knight]

9 hours ago, Art said:

Came home one day and heard the Bader running.  Go into the shop and there is daughter and her girlfriend doing their nails.  They were in high school at the time and of course fearless.

Art

I can't count the number of times I slipped using my big 6x48 belt sander and removed the ends of my fingernails. Doesn't take much when that 60/80 grit belt hits the end of your finger. Takes skin and all.