Black & Decker Powerfile Precision Belt Sander (CYPF260)

I've only seen one other narrow belt sander, and it was priced at over $250. A tool for metal workers or mechanics I thought - too rich for someone who might occasionally need to sand in narrow spaces. But, at under $50, the new Black & Decker Powerfile Precision Belt Sander (CYPF260) is just the ticket.

Out of the box, the CYPF260 doesn't impress much. It's rather a gangly tool that feels brittle, and looks like it wouldn't withstand much in the way of rigorous use. Shouldn't surprise, as it's clearly made for occasional use by the homeowner/DIYer. The sander is about 15" long, and weighs only a couple of pounds.

While you can use it one handed, you get better control if you hold onto the motor housing with your other hand. Controls are straight forward. On the bottom of the handle is the power switch; on the side of the handle is a lock-on button, which is convenient if you're sanding continuously for more than a few minutes; and, at the front of the handle is the variable speed dial. Generally you'll want to use a slower speed with finer grit belts, or when sanding dense materials.

Below the handle is the dust canister that incorporates Black and Decker's 'Cyclonic' dust collection design, which consists of a pleated filter and a plastic canister. It does an excellent job of containing dust. The canister comes off quickly and easily for emptying, and you simply tap the filter against the side of your dust bin to clean it. However, the filter can't be washed nor can you use compressed air to clean it out. When sanding metal you should remove the dust canister and install the included deflector.

The Cyclonic dust collector

The deflector replaces the dust canister when sanding metal

The CYPF260 takes 1/2" by 18" sanding belts. There are various brands of these belts around, so you're not only limited to using B&D belts. The belts come in 60 to 120 grit sizes. Changing belts is fairly quick; simply release a belt tensioning lever, and then slide the belt off the arm. After installing a new belt re-position the tensioning lever, set the variable speed lever to the slowest position, turn the sander on, and then adjust the tracking of the belt using the belt tracking knob.

Move the belt tensioning lever upwards to release tension on the sanding belt

The belt tracking knob aligns the belt on the sanding arm

The CYPF260 is very loud (96.6 decibels, no load) so remember to use hearing protectors. There wasn't as much vibration as I expected, and coupled with its light weight, and the narrow arm, the sander is very easy to control.

If you're looking for an inexpensive way to power sand narrow spaces, then the Black & Decker Powerfile Precision Belt Sander (CYPF260) might be just what you need.

Reviewed September 2010