Replies

1. 
   BruceS | Oct 17, 2006 03:00am | #1

   I have a Performax 10-20  and I've taken Mahogany down to 3/32" With no problems and didn't use tape and a shooting board.  But don't think I would go any thinner.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   GaryW | Oct 17, 2006 03:20am | #2

   Frankly, I wouldn't attempt it with a drum sander. A wide belt sander with a veneer platten (I think it's called) is made for the job.

   Gary W

   gwwoodworking.com

1. 
   user-161113 | Oct 17, 2006 04:31pm | #6

   I am curious and interested in your comments. What is a veneer platten?  How is it used? I have a wide belt sander and would like to know how to do this for some upcoming projects.

    

1. 
   hammer1 | Oct 17, 2006 05:34pm | #8

   Which model and brand of widebelt do you have? Performax and other such sanders are not widebelts.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   user-161113 | Nov 12, 2006 02:12am | #11

   Sorry gave impression I have a wide belt sander, such as a Performa.  I do not.  Have a 6" x 48" Craftsman Belt/Disc sander on a stand.  I also have a shop made drum sander which I got from a friend who had to give up woodworking. It works very well, but have never tried sanding bandaged veneer. I do work with veneer some and have a vacuum veneer press system.

   I was and still am curious as to what a "Veneer Platten" is. And, how it is used.

   Billy B.

1. 
   hammer1 | Nov 12, 2006 06:38am | #12

   A veneer platen is part of a widebelt sander. It's similar to the platen (flat area) on a portable belt sander. Widebelt sanders can be rather complex machines. Belt tension and head positions are often pneumatically controlled and thickness can be controlled with electronic eyes. These can be sensitive enough to sand sealers and top coats as well as veneers. Veneer platens are segmented plates that the sanding belt passes over. The segments allow precise pressure over variations in thickness and along edges. Here is a look into one type of widebelt and some of the possible configurations. http://www.stilesmachinery.com/equipment/manufacturer/butfering/options.htmBeat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   user-161113 | Nov 12, 2006 07:15am | #13

   Thank you. Now I understand.

   Best Wishes,

   Billy B.

3. 
   cadiddlehopper | Oct 17, 2006 04:06am | #3

   I sanded or thicknessed to less than 1/16 on a Performax 10-20. I wouldn't expect to do that with just any species. Trial runs and spare material are recommended highly.

   Cadiddlehopper

4. 
   Kaleo | Oct 17, 2006 03:29pm | #4

   I never run anything that is less than 6 mm which is about 1/4 inch with out a platen or base board. I think it just helps the piece that is being sanded. Also you don't have to raise your bed so high that you might run the risk of the sander sandign your bed.

   Kaleo

   http://www.kalafinefurniture.blogspot.com

1. 
   joinerswork | Oct 17, 2006 03:47pm | #5

   Kaleo,

   Sanding the feed belt of the performax is a real possiblity!  Don't ask how I know this, but I have made a bunch of veneer 1/16" thick, of figured wood, and it worked well (no blow-ups).  But, my feed belt has several bald spots now with no grippy stuff.

   Ray Pine

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | Oct 18, 2006 03:18am | #9

   You make a good point. I have heard the belts contacting each other, but have seen no damage to the feed belt. My sanding drum is a finer grit than the belt. I suppose a spacer below the veneer would avoid that problem. Also, I don't use the original belt. I have a cloth-backed belt from a&h abrasives. They are much less expensive.Cadiddlehopper

1. 
   joinerswork | Oct 18, 2006 04:16pm | #10

   clem,

   My sander is used so seldom that it develops a "memory" of where the belt wraps around the rollers at the end of the bed, causing them to bump upwards as it travels around.  That's where it will contact the drum as it passes under it. 

   Don't often use it, but when I  do, it REALLY  comes in handy.  I got it when building a curly maple secretary desk.  The thought of scraping all that square footage of figured stock was enough to push me over the edge.  Didn't know about Philip's planes back then...

   Ray

5. 
   BOBABEUI | Oct 17, 2006 05:22pm | #7

   Zephyr,

   I have sanded veneer down to 1/16 on my Woodmaster 2675 with no issues or use of a base board.

   
   

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   Edited 10/17/2006 10:23 am ET by BOBABEUI