Disc Sander - Why'd I wait so long?

[Zbearclaw]

I recently got a Jet 12" benchtop disc sander and it is so much better than I had hoped!

I can't believe how easy it makes it to get the riser squared for the takdown pads as well as getting the bow goo off the limbs!

Eric has posted many how-to's with his disc sander and after a few pm's I decided to make the leap, very glad I did!

Another consideration for me was noise, I am in a new place (guest house with double garage) and didn't want to cut limbs with the table or bandsaw because of how gosh darn awful the noise is.  With this I can trim the limbs to shape relatively quietly and quickly.

Great machine!

[kennym]

I'll bet a 12" is killer!! I have always ground my limbs with a 6"  , 4x24 combo, waaay better than sawing IMO!!

Oh, don't get a finger against it, I did on my 6x80 with 36 grit over the weekend, smoothed it right up!! LOL

[jess stuart]

Kenny I bet your finger is sensitive enough to crack a safe.  LOL

[kennym]

Actually it didn't sand it, just ripped a dimesize pc of hide off and threw my hand past my face, scared the crap outta me!! LOL

[2treks]

LOL Kenny, Stings eh?

I put a new 60grit belt on my 6x80 one night after super. I was going to  profile a bow. I made about a 6" pass and run the middle knuckle on my right hand index finger into that belt. About the size of big pencil eraser,to the bone. Looked like it was a half inch deep. I shut the sander down and went into the house for the night.
I have peeled more than one nail back on the disc sander over the years.
I MAY have learned to keep my skin "inboard" of the bow now. Be careful.

[Zbearclaw]

It will take skin off pretty easy but I have enough numb spots from doing so that I am pretty good about leaving me on me and dust on the floor!

I'll make or buy a big edge grinder one day, but until then the bandsaw won't see another limb anytime soon!

[White Oak]

I have been trying to  buy a edge sander for some time now. Thought I had found one several weeks ago but have heard nothing back from the guy. Thinking about building my own.Maybe I don't have to. Are you guys shaping your limbs on a disc? I was warned not to do so as it could lift a splinter of glass. Heck if discs are not a problem I have 2 in my shop. What grit are you using? You guys may have just saved me some $$.
Thanks,
Ed

[kennym]

Ed, I'm using 40 right now , but think I have had 36

Never splinter probs here. I kinda wondered the first time or three tho!

[kennym]

Make sure you guys collect all the dust possible, glass dust is bad stuff!!!

[White Oak]

Thank you very much Kenny. I would trust your opinion on anything related to this stuff. Boy do I feel stupid.I have had these belt/disc sanders for some time. One 6" disc and the other is 9".Hey, I am an admitted tool junky but this just leaves more money for materials.
Take care,
Ed