One of the highlights at the Mirka stand at Automechanika Frankfurt was the new FBS-B Battery File Belt Sander. This innovative new tool is expected to have a big impact in bodyshops and Kevin Jackson, Technical Support Manager at Mirka, has been speaking about some of the advantages it can offer. 

Kevin says the first big plus is freedom of movement, commenting, “There are fewer 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.”

Kevin also points out that cordless file belt sanders are more economical to use compared to pneumatic alternatives, with the potential for significant energy savings. 

The weight and the balance of the Mirka FBS-B also come in for praise from Kevin. He says, “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.”  

The tool has many applications, easily removing paint and rust, while it is especially useful for precise spot weld and seam grinding. Kevin also points out that Mirka has developed a recommended process for panel beating combined with our cordless grinder the Mirka ANGOS-B. 

The FBS-B also features a very useful light, while the handle includes a protective flap to shield the operator’s hand from sparks. It also has handle-mounted buttons and Bluetooth connectivity. 

The sander can use Zirconium, Ceramic or Non-Woven surface conditioning belts dependent on application to further boost efficiency. 

However, Kevin says that it is only when you use the sander that you understand how different it is. He expalins, “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”.

The Mirka FBS-B Battery File Belt Sander is now available from stockists.