Have seen many diy plans for various disk sanders and no end of commercial disk/belt combos. Looking for a compact one (Delta 12″ + 6 x 48 disc-belt unit is a bit too much). Latter imo have too small disc (5″ or so) & belt component isn’t really a necessity.
The base/tilting table I can build without problems.
My question is the disc. I wonder if there is a lathe faceplate that is 12″ diameter? Brand/supplier?
Is there a source for a 12″ diameter plate with a suitable flange to put directly on a motor? Source/supplier?
Lastly, a built up disc of plywood, mdf or [what?]. Method of mounting to the motor? If anyone has done this, how well does it last?
Any hints, ideas, insights etc generously requested.
Replies
Many years ago when I was a gunsmith I made a 12" sanding disc just as you describe. In fact I still have it. I have disassembled the unit but the dic and motor are stored in my woodworking shop. The disc is a 12" disc of 3/4" steel that has a 2 1/2" dia. X 1 1/2" thick steel hub TIG welded to the back. The hub was faced and drilled to fit the 3/4" shaft of a large flea market 110 volt electric motor. The disc was then turned concentric with the hub and the face trued. I mounted it on a custom wood cabinet with a table on the front for the stock. The motor must be a high amperage and of heavy construction unit because this disc is very heavy and takes a bit of doing to get it turning.
Adhesive backed 12" discs are readily available and do a fine job of sanding wood and also rubber. I had a jig, to sand the rubber recoil pads for gunstocks, that mounted to the cabinet and gave a perfect fit of the pad to the stock. It made a difficult job fairly easy.
I don't see why the same kind of disc couldn't be made of aluminum so it would be much lighter. The only problem with aluminum is the specalized process needed to weld it. It would probably need to be done by a welding shop. The weld, on steel or aluminum, has to be perfect as there is a lot of rotational force trying to separate the disc and hub.
If you were close to Columbus, Ohio I would sell the one I made cheap, including motor. It is very heavy and would cost a bit to ship.
I hope this gives you some insight on what you could do and how to do it.
@ wingdoctor: Thanks for your thoughts. I like the aluminum idea. I would be inclined to add a few bolts (countersunk flathead come to mind) through the plate/flange/hub for safety.
Get on line to Shopsmith at Dayton, Ohio. Their Mark V has a 12 inch disc that fits a 5/8 inch shaft. You can find in their parts list on line.
@ wdrite: Gotta check this out. Can it really be this simple? Yes, I hope so. Thanks for the lead.
Glad to help. Good luck.
Woodcraft carries one, but it may be 9", but I believe it fits a 1/2" shaft.
mousejockey
I used to have one for a RAS that I had. I don't know who still sells RAS's, possibly sears but they may sell them. It was aluminum, maybe 10".
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