pattern sander

[swampmaster]

wanting to convert my edge sander. anyone converted the end of there edge sander into a pattern sander? would like to see your pattern sanders.
                               thanks, jim

[Crooked Stic]

 
 
 
Here are a few of my setup. It basicly is a big Robo sander just a bunch better.

[swampmaster]

thanks, crookedstic.

[JSMOFFITT03]

Crookedstic,  Is that a set up you can buy or is it custom made parts?

[Buemaker]

Crookedstic I would also very much like to know where such parts could be bought, and does the pattern wheel below the drum run freely? Thank you. Bue--.

[tenbrook]

Crookedstic,

I have that exact same sander and would love to convert it to use as a pattern sander.  Could you give us more detail on how you set it up and also some pictures of how it works/in action.

Thanks

Tenbrook

[tenbrook]

Also can this setup be used to make you own lams?

[ryguy24000]

http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-plans/sanding/pattern-sander/

[bjansen]

One other option to add to this post.  I have the exact same grizzly sander, and I added a 1/2" thick aluminum plate table bolted via the motor mount holes as well (just like you did crooked stic)

I went back and forth determining how I can make a bearing and guide to press fit over the motor shaft like yours, but I just did not have the ability to make one, thus before moving forward and having one made via a machine shop I simply cut a ring and bolted it directly to the aluminum plate.  I will load up a picture tomorrow but it works excellent for me.  Certainly not as sweet as yours, but it does the job and it is a fairly cheap bolt together pattern sander for a guy with limited machining tools such as myself.

[bjansen]

 
 

[2treks]

That is what I have Brian, Works great with no moving parts to replace. I paid alot of money to the machine shop guy to do mine but it is nice and works great.
Chuck

[tenbrook]

Can you do lams with a setup like this?

If yes, can some post some pics of how they set it up or give an explnation.

thanks!

tenbrook

[bjansen]

Not lams...just risers.  I have templates that match my form exactly...thus just draw your riser shape out on the block of wood, cut the riser section close to the line and then use the template sander to get it perfect...then no fitting, no fussing.  It should fit perfectly each time.  

I emailed grizzly tools the description of what they can do to their existing product line to make, market and sell these things but I dont think they have much interest.  It is unfortunate that there is no commercially available units like this (other than custom made, expensive ones)

[tenbrook]

Is there a way to do lams with a sander like that?  (I have the same one)

[bjansen]

Certainly possible if you made sideways style adjustable sled....(there was a post a while back about doing this on a rigid belt sander)..but I would not mess with it as I don't think it would be that precise or efficient.  Nothing beats a drum sander for lams.

[Crooked Stic]

Mine run around $300 . All the parts made at a machine shop. You have to have the drive drum turned flat except for the last inch on each end. Then your guide wheel needs to be about the same diameter as the drive drum with the belt on it. I use 60 grit. My table is a poiece of steel plate milled flat. The part that runs against the guide wheel is plexiglass at the bottom of the jigs. It takes a lot of time to get your jigs built. But then it is a breeze after that. I will try to get more pics up soon.

[tenbrook]

Any chance of getting more pictures up Crooked Stic?

[tenbrook]

Bjansen maybe I could see a few more pictures of your setup as well.  I am getting ready to convert my 6x80" Grizzly.

Thanks Guys!

[bjansen]

Here is how I did mine:

First thing to do is find a plate of thick aluminum 7/16 would be ideal.

1. Take the motor off of your Grizzly and take the alluminum drive pulley off the motor.

2. Transfer the motor's top bolts (3 of them as you will see) on a sheet of paper and drill and tap the alluminum plate to bolt the plate directly on top of the motor.  You must also drill out a center for the shaft to go through the plate as well.  ( I did this all with a handheld drill given my lack of drill press)

3.  Mount the plate on the motor.  You will need to get longer motor bolts from hardware store, then place the drive wheel on to do a test fit.  Check for square between the plate and drive wheel and shim accordingly under the plate (I used a couple washers between the plate and motor). You will notice the drive wheel has a slight crowned center, but is flat for the lower 2.5 inches...I simply made all of my jigs to be high enough for the material to contact that flat spot, and thus did not turn the drive wheel flat.

4.  Make a guide ring to fit between the plate and the drive wheel and bolt that to the plate.

5.  Your in business.


It takes some time and effort, but you can do it for under $100.  That being said, crooked stiks method is ideal and professional.

[tenbrook]

Thanks Bjansen.  

Yes his way looks to be a little better but I need simple.  I'll post pictures when I'm done.  

I have some 7/16" corian I might try and use.  What do you think about using this material?

thanks again!