I want to make a "3 headed sister" sander

[Jason Kendall]

I have seen it called that on other forums anyways   :D  

I really just want an edge belt sander with a 1.5" drum on one end because I hate spindles plugging up all the time! The option of adding a 3rd fixture would be nice though for the shelf.

Basically I just need help in locating the drums with bearings and such, I can find motors and pulleys but not the drums? Any help is appreciated!

[fish n chicks]

The edge sander i've seen that you can make at home, uses self-made drums. Basically you stack home made discs onto a dowel, and glue them together. You make the discs out of 3/4" MDF, on the band saw. After gluing together on the dowel (whose OD should match the ID of the pillow block bearings you plan on getting... 1/2" or 5/8") it's recommended that you create a slight crown to help with tracking.

It's $10, but this plan from Shop Notes is worth it if you're going through with it. I would recommend checking your local libraries too. I've seen this issue at one of our local ones before, so it may cost you nothing to get if you can find it. Shop notes doesn't sell this back issue anymore. As far as I know.

You can also talk to some local shops (Is anything really "local" in Iowa? LOL! jk) and they can machine a part to exactly what you want.

I wish you the best of luck. This is a missin I am also on, so please, keep us updated.

The plans:    http://plansnow.com/dn3079.html

[2treks]

Jason, when you get it done,I will take one also. Just kidding(but I would).
I have stuff you may need/want. I will PM you.
Chuck

[jess stuart]

Jason you know you will be required to do a build along with plenty of pics when you proceed.  Dummies like myself need lots of pics to make one of my own.

[bamboo]

jason
try these guys--MSCDirect.com
------------mike

[ChristopherO]

I made one of those edge sanders last year and have been very happy with with it.  It takes time but is satisfying to work with it.  But, a free motor helps in keeping the cost down.  After that it still costs me about $225 for the assessories.

[Peckerwood]

Mike Fedora used to sell the drums. They were a little expensive but good quality.

[Jason Kendall]

Thanks guys, I thought he did Peckerwood, I checked his site and they are listed anymore.

I may just go with an industrial spindle sander and be done with it.

[2treks]

Spindles are good but you can and will eat up the sleeves. I have been there,the 36 grit sleeves do help but are spendy and hard to find.
Check-out the hope&faith build-along that South Cox is doing over on the pow wow. he has some cool ideas. I still have my stuff available also.
Good luck Jason.

CTT

[Jason Kendall]

I know, I have been eating them up for 16 years now and not liking it. I'm still looking around, a 2 headed sister would be better for me I think, if I just modify my 89" belt sander with a 1.5 drum on one end I would be set. I just need a 1.5" drum 6" tall with bearings in it and a very strong arm to extend it out a few inches   :D   I seen one like it on another forum a guy made himself.

[2treks]

I think that in the long run you will be glad you followed through with that thought. You will have a heavy duty machine that is already in your shop. A few hundred bucks at the machine shop will be well spent. Have your machine guy turn you a drum and stick bearings in it. they do that stuff everyday. I get lost in that kind of stuff and after spinning my wheels I end up at the machine shop and they just say " oh yeh, we can just..." and in a week or so I am rocking.
You may also try to contact Contact Ruber Corporation or CRC,they make contact Wheels but I am not sure about the spindles. If you get a  spindle made I may know of a place to get it covered in rubber if you want that done. I am going to send off my drum for the Grizzly I have and have a harder rubber put on it.
Good luck Jason, Keep us posted

[Jason Kendall]

Thanks Chuck, I live in small town IA and we have one machine shop, depending on how busy they are sometimes they are cheap for parts like I need, sometimes crazy high! I better go and check them out.

[2treks]

Just some ideas for you. Like I said, I can't get it in my head sometimes and I need to remember to leave it up to the pros. I deal with our small town outfit but they are highly equipped and know whats up. I live just 20 miles out of Lansing so if I need to I can shoot in there. Hollar if you need anything. I will do what I can.