I would like to sand curved pieces to a template. I have been doing so with my drill press but would like to buy a spindle sander. I am thinking of getting the Ridgid EB4424.
Can I turn off the oscillating function on this machine?
What about on other spindle sanders?
How else could I sand to a template on a spindle sander?
thanks
Chris
Replies
application over-extension
It seems to me that you might be over-extending the application of the spindle sander, Chris. The oscillation is intended to overcome the shortcomings of the drill-press-mounted drum sander, spreading the work over the entire sanding drum. Defeating the oscillation sort of defeats the purpose of the machine, I think. Plus, since the drum has some amount of cushion, it's less precise than, say, the operation of a template-guided trim bit in a router table.
Perhaps if you described the problem you are trying to solve, someone could suggest a different solution.
There are some sanding drums made to follow a template, I haven't used one and don't know if they come in different sizes. You can chuck one in your drill press.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/robo-sanderflushtrimsandingdrum3diameter.aspx
Lately I have been making legs, arms and other parts that have a recurve to them. When using a router ( even doing a climb cut ) there is a good chance of tearout and splitting especially on oak.
I use a homemade setup like that described in the ROBO SANDER except that my guide "wheel" is fixed to the table base.
Is there a guide bushing available for the OSS?
Perhaps what I need is a better sanding drum for my drill press? What speed should I use anyway?
Chris
Simple
You still use a fixed bearing surface for your templates, just do so with a different or offset radius. If you are sanding on the part to a 20" radius with a 3" diameter spindle, make a 4" diameter (or 180 degree would be easier to mount) 'fence' or bearing with a 3"+ hole in the center. Mount this over your sanding spindle. The bearing surface is now 1/2" out from the sanding surface. Now make your template 1/2" smaller than the finished part and mount the part on the template - or vice versa - and sand as needed.
Offset templates are a great way to provide versatility and accuracy to template work. It takes a further step in thinking to accomodate the offset, but once you have it, you will see the usefullness elsewhere.
Dave S
Acorn Woodworks, Inc
.Thanks!
That is a simple solution to the problem!
Chris
No disconnect.
Dave in the previous post explains a good solution to the problem and it is the way I would suggest also. To answer your question about turning off the oscillating function, it can't be done on the Ridgid and most other small sanders, the mechanism that oscillates the drum is inside of the motor housing and can't be disconnected.
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