Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jan 29, 2010 07:50pm | #1

   The flat part of the belt is useful for fairing convex edges; the drum at the end is useful for fairing concave edges. Beyond that, I can't think of many other uses.

2. 
   DonStephan | Jan 29, 2010 08:15pm | #2

   If the belt is on edge, so the sanding surface is vertical, you can sand by pushing stock against the belt. One use is to fair outside curves. Another is to fit a door into an opening as an alternative to hand planes. If the sanding surface is horizontal, it sounds like a stroke sander. You might search on Powermatic, General, or similar web site for name of commercial equipment that orients the belt like yours.

3. 
   bduffin104 | Jan 29, 2010 11:55pm | #3

   Ditto to Chris and Don's
   Ditto to Chris and Don's comments and many more uses. A floor standing edge sander is an important tool in my shop. I am assuming your model has a horizontal surface to support you work that is perpendicular to the sanding belt. I use it to edge sand doors and drawer fronts after sizing them with the table saw. Also I use it to break the edges on drawer sides by holding then at an angle while sliding them across the belt and rolling them a little ( practice this first on scrap). Just about everything cut on the band saw goes next to the edge sander. I quickly shape little knobs and pulls with it. Works great for trimming to fit or scribing when you are concerned about splintering or the piece is to small to do it comfortably with a table or miter saw

4. 
   oldusty | Jan 30, 2010 09:56am | #4

   The edge sander is a tool I use on all jobs at some point . With cabinet work sanding shelf edges and as has been said doors drawer fronts , face frame edges etc .

   For furniture work and one of a kind stuff , I'll bandsaw an arch but leave the line and use the edge sander end to sand the line away instead of making a template routing and then sanding any chipout .

   I wouldn't want to be without one in a pro shop and in any shop you can find many uses .

   regards , dusty

5. 
   aeronb | Jan 30, 2010 11:35am | #5

   Thanks for all you comments. I suppose I'll have to keep it around to see how it fits into my shop.

   yes, it does have a horizontal surface that's perpendicular to the belt. I thought it was kind of a crazy looking unit when I brought it home, all homemade with plywood and whatnot. I'll have to try it out and see how well it performs. Thanks again.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 30, 2010 03:23pm | #6

   You essentially have a large version of a fixture often made for belt sanders, as I did here:

   View Image

   As others have described, I use it for sanding the edges of curves and straight edges, while keeping the edge square to the face of the stock. The trick is to ease into the leading point of contact with the belt, slowly adding more contact surface toward the trailing edge. Having a firm grip on the stock is essential, as the belt wants to grab the stock and shoot it out the exit end, and at a fair clip. As such, children, pets and friends should be kept out of the zone "down-range" of the belt.