Belt Sander converted to Edge Sander

[Bruce Settergren]

I dearly want an edge sander in my shop, but there is no room. So, how well would it work to take a Home Depot type belt-sander and mount it on something to use it as an edge sander? I intend to use the rig to grind down limb width tapers, including fiberglass. Any photos around here showing such a set up?

Thanks aplenty.

[Kanga]

The most used piece of equipment in my shop is my Rigid belt/spindle sander.
It's the best purchase I have made for the shop.
I use it for making wedges, shaping limbs and risers.

 

Home Depot sell them for around $200.

[Bruce Settergren]

Thanks. That sander doesn't look like a normal hand held belt sander. You didn't make some sort of jig to hold it in, did you? What's the model number, if I may ask?

[Joshua Lee]

I used an ordinary hand held belt sander to grind my limbs down.  I have one that has two holes in the top handle, screwed the handle into a 2x4 and screwed the 2x4 to the table. The sander was then completely upside down.  Worked great. I then stuck a piece of wood into the trigger to keep it turned on, and used the plug to turn on/off.  If you want some pics just ask and I will go in the garage and strike a pose.
Josh

[Joshua Lee]

Just reread your post and noticed you were looking for pics so here goes.  Also, the blue 80 grit belt worked best for me (from homedepot) the cheaper one seemed to tear.
 

[Kanga]

Here is a link to it, they still have it for $199.

 http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhi/R-100061671/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

[bjansen]

And I don't think that Rigid sander would take up any more room than a home made one, but would work much better.  Its the best tool I have for building bows.

[Joshua Lee]

Bjansen are you saying yours is "much better" than my homeade deal... .. maybe but mine is cheaper, and should I need to peel wallpaper I got you beat.
Just teasing, If I had the extra dough I would gladly get the 200$ deal, But seriously mine worked great.  I would say the only drawback to my setup is that it may be a little more dangerous and not for the feint of heart (your machine is for sissy's   )
Josh

[WestTexan]

I built this thing several months ago..it work pretty good and has quite a few speeds.LOL
 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=002344;p=1#000009

[Bruce Settergren]

This is a great help. I'll be looking into the Rigid from Home Depot. If it'll fit on my workbench I'll be in business.