Tool/Time on Tool Rental in MI
I just got through gluing up all the panels for a toy chest I am making, but my efforts to completely flatten them using a jointer/sander did not come out as well as I would have hoped.
I am looking, therefore, for someplace to either a) rent a widebelt sander or b) rent time on a widebelt sander. They aren’t terribly out of whack, but enough that my dovetails won’t come out well until it is flattened.
I found a place in WV (here’s the link for those that it may help http://www.wvwoodtech.com/timeshare.cfm), and am hoping that someone may know of a similar place in Michigan – I’ve been unsuccessful in finding one.
Alternatively, if any MI woodworkers know of a friendly cabinet shop that will rent time on their equipment to me, I’d love to hear about it.
Other suggestions, as always, are welcome, but the wife already vetoed buying one 🙂
Thanks!
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Replies
I'm not sure if a wide-belt sander will take out a cup in a panel. It may just flatten the panel for the moment as it passes through the machine. However, it might work if the cup is not too severe. Around here (Ann Arbor) there are several millworks where you could take the panels: B&B Heartwoods near Whitmore Lake or Armstrong Millworks in Highland. I would check out mill shops in your area. I'm sure you'll find one and the price should be fairly reasonable.
Chip
Thanks for the locations to check out - I really appreciate it!!
As it happens, they aren't cupped, I just got a bit "heavy-handed" in certain areas of the panels (mainly the ends) and ended up with inconsistent thicknesses across the width...
Thanks again!!
d-
I have used B&B in the past to sand some panels for an entertainment center. Cost was $60/hr and it required about an hour to sand then all on both sides. Time included switching grits on the sander. This saved me days of sanding/scraping/planing. Well worth the money.
DM,
What part of MI are you in? It's a long way between Detroit and Ironwood, around 600 miles if I remember. I know a couple of guys in the UP but I'm guessing you are not up there. Very few are but that's what makes it so nice.
JW
I'm down in Canton (right outside Ann Arbor), so you are correct, Ironwood would be a bit of a hike :)
On the other hand, maybe next time I go to Isle Royale (off Copper Harbor) I'll stop on by!
Thanks anyway!
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If you have a hand plane and hand scraper, wouldn't that be quicker and more efficient? If you don't have one disregard.
Good Luck...
sarge..jt
I do have a scraper, and also a plane, but honestly am not good enough with them yet to make sure I get an even thickness (in other words making sure I take even passes all the way across the board) - I tend to not get nice "curly"'s, and then end up with low and high spots.
One of the hazards of being a part time (at best!) woodworker...
d-
d-
Understood. If you get the chance to work on tuning and technique with your planes in some down-time (if there is such a thing, ha..ha..) it will give you a lot more capability as to what you can do. Once you get the hang, it's not really that difficult and it adds a lot of versatility.
Good Luck with the panels and how bout some pics...
sarge..jt
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