power tools

[mogul_x]

This is more for the benefit of folks in the USA, where Black & Decker doesn't seem to offer its Powerfile.... if they do, I haven't found one anywhere.:(

At any rate, I found a similar looking power tool in the McMaster Carr catalogue, under "Narrow belt electric sanders". It's made by Milwaukee, model #6101-6

Features include 1/2" wide sanding belt, adjustable head (180°), three-position handle, quick change belts, and a paddle switch. Operates on 120 VAC, 20-60 Hz, 5.5 amps.

At $216, it's a little pricey, but it will save a lot of work compared to some of the alternatives. I've been using a power drill with a drum sanding attachment. Also, I think it can be fitted with Milwaukee die grinder attachments

Sorry if this isn't exactly newsworthy, but it seemed exciting at the time:D

[mogul_x]

forgot to atach the picture....

[rutthenut]

Looking at the picture you've posted, I'm sure I have seen the sander part itself offered as an add-on for angle grinders somewhere.

If anyone has details of such a part, it could be useful to post it here - especially as the grinders can be found very cheaply from time to time. The price for the sander add-on should be a bit more attractive than the full price for the unit you have listed.

That's if this isn't a figment of my imagination, or poor recollection due to my increasing age :eek:

[lpriestland]

In Blighty, you can purchase powerfiles at any DIY store for around £30. They also have a dust bag, unlike an angle grinder attachment. I expect that they'd be lighter too.

They're great for trimming fibreglass, for flat edges or deep narrow(ish, 3/4") cuts.

[CorseChris]

After much abuse, my faithful B&D Powerfile died a few years back so I went and bought a new one. Then, a couple of weeks later, B&D sent me a questionnaire and asked if I would mind doing product testing for them. I said 'yes' and they sent me......a nice new powerfile.

I think they have forgotten about it 'cos I'm still using it now.....

[mogul_x]

Originally posted by rutthenut
Looking at the picture you've posted, I'm sure I have seen the sander part itself offered as an add-on for angle grinders somewhere.

I think you're right about that - but I haven't found the part number for the add-on kit yet.

Originally posted by jpriestland
In Blighty, you can purchase powerfiles at any DIY store for around £30

Sure, rub it in, why don't you! ;) I've looked all over for a powerfile over here, and haven't found anything remotely similar in a DIY store. I don't know why they're not offered here - seems like a very useful tool. I'd consider importing one, but there's the whole line voltage issue to contend with.

Would there be some kind of transformer available to step voltage up? I have one that steps voltage down - I used it last year to run a couple of small appliances during my vacation in England. Have any of you used something like that on trips to the U.S.?

[CorseChris]

Hi Scott,

Depending on the rating of your transformer and the load of the device, no reason (within certain limits!) why you couldn't use it backwards. Starting to get a bit involved though. Having said that, a lot of industrial power tools over here are 110 volt anyway, we have to use step-down isolating transformers. Maybe there is a 110volt powerfile or similar available over here....


...or there is always an air powered option. I think the air over there is the same voltage as ours over here :D

[mogul_x]

Originally posted by CorseChris
...or there is always an air powered option. I think the air over there is the same voltage as ours over here :D

Air power is an option, of course. Probably cheaper in the long run than going electric, but there's that high initial investment for the compressor, filters, oil, lines, etc. Maybe I should just start acquiring that eqipment....

Cheers,

[John]

I know this can be done because we have used 240v audio visual equipment in the states on exhibition work.
I suppose the current draw from power tools is going to be higher but I'm sure it must be possible.
I've found the disadvantage of buying 110v tools in the U.K is that they are invariably more costly than 240v. Electrical goods in the states are always cheaper than similar goods in the U.K but they are 110v....is this just another example of rip-off Britain?

[guy mayers]

Ok, how about a power invertor, converts 12v DC into 240v AC? Try www.maplin.co.uk 300W invertor for £29.99 or 800W for £79.99. I don't know how much power the file draws but you could run it off a car battery. I suppose the final question is, apart from the total cost of getting the kit out there, are the replacement belts available on the other side of the pond?
Guy

[guy mayers]

Hi, what do you guys in the USA do when you visit the UK with your electrical goodies? Can you buy a travel adapter that plugs into UK sockets allowing you to use your twin pin appliances? The reason is that I've just bought a Minolta camera from the USA and the battery charger won't fit into UK sockets.........DUH. If they are available I'll pick one up next time I'm over but if you've never seen them then I won't spend time looking!
Thanks
Guy

[rutthenut]

Originally posted by guy mayers
I won't spend time looking!

Assuming that the power supply takes 240v, I'd just cut off the U.S. plug and put on a good old U.K. version...

[guy mayers]

Can't. The charger that came with the camera has two pins that fold out of the base of the body. Neat. But unmodifiable.
G

[mogul_x]

Originally posted by guy mayers
Hi, what do you guys in the USA do when you visit the UK with your electrical goodies? Can you buy a travel adapter that plugs into UK sockets allowing you to use your twin pin appliances?

Guy,

Yes, you can buy a travel adapter for the purpose you described above. That's what I used while I was over last spring. The one I have cost $30 or so. It has a step down transformer to go from 240 to 120 volts, and several adapters to connect to just about any wall socket in the world. I'd imagine that something like it would work well for recharging your camera.

Not sure if I'd trust it for running power tools, though. I don't recall what kind of current it's rated for. I'd need to look at the instructions.

At any rate, I'll take a look around and see if I can find something similar in a local electronics store. If not, I know they have them at Philadelphia International Airport. I can pick one up for you the next time I fly on business.

[guy mayers]

Thanks Scott but I think I've solved the problem by finding a website that ships from USA to UK. I'll let you know if nothing arrives and I may take you up on your kind offer.
Guy

[OZStratos]

For what it is worth, I have just purchased a bandfile adaptor for an angle grinder over here. It cost AU$32.00 (roughly 20 quid or 17 US). It is made in Taiwan with a local brand (Toolmac) pasted on but carries no mother brand. So they are still made. I'd very much doubt if it will be any where near as durable as the proper tool, but it didn't cost me $300 either - it is not something that I will use greatly as my car is already up and running, but it is none the less a useful unit to have in the workshop.
Cheers
Paul Morton