Custom Belt sander?

[derekdiruz]

Yet again, I'm here for more advice with sanders.

Had an induction motor worked on for my edge sander and picked it up today. In doing so, they mentioned that they sell quite a few new and rebuilt motors in the 1.5-3hp range (for like, $100-125)... so it's got me thinking.

I want to build a sander, running on a 1.5-2hp motor, that spins a drum that's roughly 1.25". I know I don't want a spindle, I'd prefer a belt. But this brings into question the tensioning system, thus my question:

Who's built a custom belt sander, and what is the tensioning system?

I've considered just using the motor on an existing set up, but that doesn't particularly solve the issue of the 1.25" drum. Because that's the primary reason for considering this.

[Crooked Stic]

Look up Mathis Wandell on U tube. He has built several sanders.

[dbeaver]

Could be an extra idle roller near the drive end that you cut a slot to mount the rollers bolt in, allowing you to move it in and out to essentially increased the total distance inside of the belt.   If you find a chambered roller( has a 1° or so angle built into the footing) so that you can adjust up and down as well as belt tension. I'd call it a takeup roller, as in taking the slack.

[Kirkll]

Do any of you guys remember the “3 headed sister” sander that Wess Wallace uses?
It was originally designed by his predecessor, Jim Brackenberry.  I saw that sander in person years ango and it was a wild contraption.  I wish I could find photos of that thing.    Kirk

[derekdiruz]

I’ve really been thinking through this- have a few ideas. This project is on the back burner with orders at the moment- but it’ll come to fruition here sooner than not. I’ve spoken to Dan toelke about his custom sanders, and he was helpful. One thing I know for certain, I’ll be operating it with pillow block bearings and a belt drive. Planning to use pulleys to dial in my desired speeds, like a drill press or lathe.

[Crooked Stic]

Kirk I do remember pics of that sander. I was thinking the guy that took over Brackenbury bows had it. He is out of business now so it may have moved on.
It had a neat setup where the belt went around angle iron to sand the shelf and sight window.

[Kirkll]

Kirk I do remember pics of that sander. I was thinking the guy that took over Brackenbury bows had it. He is out of business now so it may have moved on.
It had a neat setup where the belt went around angle iron to sand the shelf and sight window.

Wes Wallace was trained in bow building and was a good friend of Jim Brackenbury, and followed his foot steps after he passed away in 1991. He started his own business after that and his top end bow was named “The Mentor”  in Jim’s honor. I believe he still has that sander.

Wes lives only about 5 or 6 miles from me, and I’ve only been to his shop once many years ago. I think it was back about 2006 or 2007 when I first took an interest in bow building. When it became obvious I was more interested in his shop and bow building technique than purchasing a custom bow. He wasn't all that friendly at the time. Might have caught him on a bad day…. But He said straight up , “I am NOT going to teach you how to build bows.” And wasn’t that friendly about it.  I said no problem… I wasn’t asking you to do so, and we parted company.

Sooooo ….. we never did really become friends, or ever talk about bow building at all. I believe he saw me as the up coming  competitor, or whatever. He was a great guy and a decent archer too. I saw him at local archery shoots for years after we met that first time, but I never really got to know him at all. The workmanship on his bows was very professional and beautifully finished. But I never did like the massive nature , or the shape of his risers.

It took many years of building bows myself to reach a professional level on my finished products. I wish I had got to know Wes better over the years, but it never happened.     Kirk

[Buemaker]

I think this is the sander you mention.

[Crooked Stic]

Yes that's it. Pretty cool. Bill Howland took over Brackenburry bows think his posted  a picture on POA way back. Or maybe built his own.

[derekdiruz]

Bue, what book is that ?? Heavily intrigued. Thanks for the picture!

[Buemaker]

Traditional Bowyers of America, author Dan Bertalan. ISBN 0-9623955-0-1 Book was first printed in 1989.

[Crooked Stic]

The got them on hebay