Replies

1. 
   Tao | Oct 31, 2003 04:48am | #1

   Do a Google search under "Pneumatic drum sander".  You'll get pages and pages of references.

   We used to use them all the time - called them "rolling pin sanders" or "hot dog sanders".  Can't remember for the life of me where I bought them 25 0r 30 years ago.

1. 
   migraine | Oct 31, 2003 04:55am | #2

    Try: http://www.louisandcompany.com  their # in calif is 800-422-4389  That's where I bought mine 5+ years ago .  It has one handle on the end.  Make sure you run an in-line oiler with it or frequently(very frequently) and a few drops of oil.  These things aren't cheap

2. 
   Castlewerks | Oct 31, 2003 05:04pm | #3

   Thanks for your reply. I had already tried the search for "pneumatic drum sander" the problem is that what it returns are generally hits for a drum sanders (some for drill presses, some for lathes, some as attachments for die gringers) where the drum itself is air filled.... of all the links that I followed, none were of the "rolling pin" variety, which is why I thought that the item I was looking for had some other name.... I suppose I just have to keep digging. Thanks again.

   --Michael

2. 
   rslatm | Nov 01, 2003 03:10pm | #4

   We used to make our own in my furniture factory days. You will need a 5 hp compressor to run the air style motor. Just use an electric drill. You can buy the pneumatic drums from Woodcraft and such for around $50. You can make your own shaft with some bearings and locking collars for a few bucks and you are in business.

   Or pay more for this

   http://sand-rite.com/touchup.html
1. 
   Castlewerks | Nov 03, 2003 07:01pm | #6

   The links that everyone as posted are indeed what I was looking for. Unfortunately that is some "long coin" for a tool that is on my nice to have list.... When I was having some difficulty tracking one down, I though about making one using a pneumatic die grinder as the base and retro-fitting a long sanding drum with a new shaft.... What I usually end up with when contemplating  buy vs. build for tools is time to build vs. cost. In this case, I think I'll build :-)

   Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to respons.

   Michael

1. 
   Elcoholic | Nov 04, 2003 12:32am | #7

   I've had the same thoughts about building one for use with a die grinder due to the high price of a real rolling pin sander.   I use a die grinder to polish my billet wheels 2-3 times a year and it doesn't have any where near the power I'd want in a sander.  I have a 4 hp, 30 gal, 11 cfm at 90 psi compressor and it doesn't really keep up or provide that much torque for polishing.  Admittedly the die grinder is a $30 el cheapo from Pep Boys but that may not really be the problem.  A die grinder air motor is designed for high speed, low torgue applications.  Sanding requires low speed and high torque.  Maybe the rolling pins are so expensive because of their special air motor requirements and low demand??? Look before you leap.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

2. 
   TomFerreira | Nov 04, 2003 06:07am | #8

   Micheal,

   I don't know how long a drum you need but have you checked out the PC-121 OSS?

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004WGQD/104-7326660-1751102?v=glance

   TDF

3. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 01, 2003 04:30pm | #5

   I believe this is what you're looking for.

   http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=954-958

   Not cheap, but I believe Sioux's quality is excellent.

4. 
   lwilliams | Nov 04, 2003 06:26am | #9

   Michael,

   Go to Grizzly's web site and look up the H2881 and the H2882 Pneumatic Drum Sanders. They're $50 and $80. There's no reason you can't use an electric drill to power them.

   I hope this is a help.

1. 
   Castlewerks | Nov 04, 2003 08:13pm | #10

   Larry,

   Thanks -- that's about the right price point. Looking at some of the other links that people posted, it's the air tool itself that is expensive ($400) -- most seem to resell a tool made by ARO. I could use an electric drill for this, but that would seem a bit awkward to handle and as someone else mention a die-grinder has too much RPM and not enough torque.... I'm thinking that perhaps a pneumatic angle drill might fit the bill -- 1800 - 2500 RPM with plenty of torque...

   Thanks again

   --M