Belt/Disc Grit Preference

[sweensdv]

For those of you with belt/disc sanders, what grit of paper do you run? Do you use the same grit for both the belt and the disc?

[Tom Slick]

I use 80 and 120 grit on my belt and disc sanders. I prefer a coarser grit on the disc.

[dbhost]

Does belt / spindle count?

I have belts and sleeves in 80, 120, and 160. (Trying them out).

I find 80 FAR too aggressive on the belt, but okay on the spindle with a light touch... 120 and 160 on the belt. 120 is great for fast stock removal, 160 leaves a pretty smooth finish that I finish off with a 220 grit sponge.

Rats, this thread reminded, me, I need to get to HF to stock up on sanding sponges...

[cabinetman]

For either it would depend on how smooth you want it, and how slow you can run the tool. For general shaping I wouldn't go smoother than 80x. For finish work 120x to 150x maximum. I wouldn't use a belt or disk for work to be stained or film finished. A ROS, scraper, or by hand would give better results.
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[crokett]

I generally run 120 on my stationary disk/belt sander and I run 80-100 on the handheld belt sander. The handheld I use for fast stock removal - sanding off stain, etc and then I do a finish sand with a ROS. The stationary sander I am usually doing final shaping, cleaning up mitres, etc.