Mirka® FBS-B Q&A with Kevin Jackson
With the launch of the Mirka® FBS-B happening this month, we spoke to Kevin Jackson, Technical Support Manager, to get the lowdown on our newest product! Here’s what Kevin had to say about our new tool.
What are the benefits of a battery file belt sander over pneumatic or electric alternatives?
Freedom. There are less restrictions on where you can work as you do not need an air compressor or power outlet. It is also easier to work without hoses or cables getting in the way.
Cordless file belt sanders are particularly more economical to use compared to pneumatic alternatives. We know that every year, a cordless tool saves a significant amount of energy compared to a pneumatic equivalent.
All Mirka sanders are developed with ergonomics at the forefront of design. I assume the Mirka® FBS-B has excellent ergonomics too?
Yes, of course! The Mirka® FBS-B is lightweight and balanced, making it comfortable to hold for longer periods. The Mirka® FBS-B comes with two 5.0Ah batteries but if you use it with the available 2.5Ah battery, the Mirka® FBS 10 sander weighs less than one kilogram! The light weight helps reduce strain on the operator’s body, especially in difficult working positions. Obviously, the balanced and ergonomic design is free from cables or hoses and the new Mirka® FBS-B has a rubberised handle that is comfortable to hold.
What applications is the Mirka® FBS-B recommended for?
We can see this tool being very popular in OEM, AOEM and accident repair industries. The tool easily removes paint and rust, is great for precise spot weld and seam grinding and can be used in heavy-duty metal work. We have developed a recommended process for panel beating combined with our cordless grinder the Mirka® ANGOS-B.
What safety features does the Mirka® FBS-B have?
The Mirka® FBS-B file belt sander is designed for operator safety. It features a light to improve sanding precision, and the handle includes a protective flap to shield the operator’s hand from sparks. Together with the easily controlled stepless trigger, sanding speed is easily adjusted between 2200 rpm and 17000 rpm with the handle-mounted buttons that are familiar with other Mirka cordless tools.
The new cordless belt sanders also have Bluetooth® connectivity and can be paired to the myMirka® app. If you are not familiar with the app, the myMirka® app helps operators monitor vibration levels and register their tools.
What abrasives are available for the Mirka® FBS-B?
Choose from Mirka's wide range of Zirconium, Ceramic or Non-Woven surface conditioning belts for your application. Using the right abrasive for your specific application will help you efficiently achieve a great surface quality that makes it easier for you to move to the next job.
Are the batteries interchangeable with other Mirka cordless products?
Yes! Mirka has 2.5Ah and 5.0Ah batteries available which can be used with these new cordless file belt sanders and our cordless grinder (Mirka® ANGOS-B), other cordless sanders and cordless polishers. The new Mirka® FBS-B sanders come with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries.
What is your favourite feature of the Mirka® FBS-B?
It may seem an obvious one, but going cordless is a game-changer. I underestimated how much better a cordless file belt sander would be. It is so much more convenient, and the energy saving compared to running a pneumatic alternative is eye-opening.
Another neat little feature I would like to mention is how easy it is to adjust the tracking for the file belts using an Allen key. It is so simple but makes (a big difference in prolonging the life of the belt.
How about aftersales, what support is there for the user?
Like all Mirka power tools, we offer a 2+1 warranty. The tool comes with a standard 2-year warranty and the user can claim an additional year when it is registered via the website or the myMirka app.
Mirka has a national team of ATA-trained staff who have a wealth of industry experience and can provide a hands-on approach to support businesses. At the frontline of the business, we believe that training, shared knowledge, quality products and systems make a better place to work for the individual. If anyone feels that they need some additional support or training with the product, we can help with that.
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