New tools

[Jmed795]

Hi guys,
Ok so i am getting ready to start my first laminated bow. Going to get some new tools coming and need advice. I am wondering what you guys would recommend for sanders? I have been looking at the Wen edge/spindle sander but not sure if that would be good or buy two seperate sanders like a belt and a seperate spindle sander? Or maybe a disk sander? Any advice or ideas would be appreciated. For refrence i will be building a takedown longbow from kennys plans! Thanks

[Wolftrail]

I would buy a belt sander and a disk sander.  A Belt sander is more versatile than a spindle sander like mounting it sideways upside down, or use it free hand.  Had a disk sander I miss it.

[Garman]

I was in your position a 1+ years ago, I bought a wen belt/disc sander. I would get that before the spindle, you will use it a heck of a lot more.

[Jmed795]

Hey Garmin have you had any issues with your Wen, and do you guys think that the 36 inch version is big enough?

[Garman]

I have not had any issues, a lot of power and does a good job. The only slight issue is the table bolt for the disc sander can loosen and get out of 90 angle. As a side note I made my own spindle sander with an electric motor and an attachment. I then built a base and mounted it. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. I have the 36", I believe and it does a good job. 

[Mike L.]

I started with a crap bandsaw and when I upgraded to a 14” shop fox with ball bearing guides, it really opened things up.  I also started out with the rigid oscillating belt/spindle sander.  I got a disk/belt combo from harbor freight, and although it’s crap, the disk sander is perfectly fine for splicing lams. Those are the tools I’ve used the most, but I just finally pulled the trigger on a drum sander and an edge sander.  I really like the idea of making your own spindle sander, because the oscillating feature has been an annoyance as much as a benefit.  I made my own drum sander in a similar fashion and it never occurred to me to turn it sideways to have a stationary spindle sander.  Doh!

[BMorv]

Hopefully I'm not redirecting your post here, but how do you guys use the spindle sander vs a belt/disc sander in the course of building a bow?

I like things simple and I don't like getting tools unless I need them, and I have gotten by with just that harbor freight disk/belt sander combo.  I am shocked at how much I have put that poor thing through.  I grind lams on it too. 

I'm trying to decide if I NEED a spindle sander.   

[Mike L.]

I guess where I get the most benefit from that I couldn’t get with other tools is shaping the grip.  The different sized spindles are really good at that part.  That said, if i could start over, I would probably do more to make some of this stuff.  If I had a solid table, a motor and sanding spindles... I wonder if I’d have saved money and space.  But it’s kind of nice when you get a big bad new tool in the shop.


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[Garman]

Mike you would be surprised how well the belt sander works for the grip. I like the spindle sander most when thinning fades. The very front of the belt sander works for the shaping as well. If need be send me a p.m. with a number I can text some photos too or an email and I will send some pics tonight.

[Jmed795]

Thanks for the replies guys, lots of stuff to think about!

[skeaterbait]

Hopefully I'm not redirecting your post here, but how do you guys use the spindle sander vs a belt/disc sander in the course of building a bow?

I like things simple and I don't like getting tools unless I need them, and I have gotten by with just that harbor freight disk/belt sander combo.  I am shocked at how much I have put that poor thing through.  I grind lams on it too. 

I'm trying to decide if I NEED a spindle sander.   

My wife would love for me to be more like you Benton, I am always coiled and ready to buy a new tool, even if it's for one project. 

[fujimo]

as there is so little time and so many tools, i am often forced to build or modify my own.
i took a std. oscillating spindle sander- removed the oscillation function, and turned up a rub collar and use it for making risers etc with plexiglass templates.

i took a 4x36 table top belt sander, flipped it on its side- took out the old 3 amp motor and put a 3/4 horse motor on it, it needed a separate mounting setup- works great- and certainly cant seem to lug it down, grinding a bow to profile.
i would love a huge belt sander- but this will have to work for now and cost nothing.

as for bandsaws, buy as much saw as you can get for the money- that means quality , size and hp, in that order!!
i took my 16" bandsaw and put a 5 hp motor on it- i now run 1 1/2" blades with a 7/8" tooth pitch on it- its a great resaw tool- and then do finer work on the 14".

just upgraded my drum sander to a 25" model with a 3 hp 3 phase motor- hope to pick it up soon and get it working.

pretty much most of my tools are used tools, with scrounged motors and parts for upgrades- i have a local guy with a small machine shop at his house, and he turns up the specialty little bobs 'n bits as i need them.

actually i seem to enjoy the tinkering as much if not more than the actual bow making_ i know that may be blasphemous 'round here 

[Mike L.]

I’m with you on that.  I love new tools.  Once upon a time, I had a full 600 square foot shop that was an extension of my house; it had been a garage, and a previous owner finished it, put down laminate, and walled in the carport to take its place.  I came back from a year in Afghanistan divorced, and had a dream shop right in the house at 32 years old.  That house burned down, though, ironically right after I finished my first riser but before I built a bow.  Now I live in the city and am trying to make a 1.5 car garage into a dream shop.  But I have discovered ceiling storage racks and fold out table brackets, so I’m getting there.

The bandsaw is the same one that was brand new when the house burned down.  I pulled it’s charred remains from the collapsed roof right before demolition.  I had to redo the electrical and replace the tires and bearings, but I brought her back to life, and now I’ve got the shabbiest looking newish bandsaw ever.  I just got a brand new $1300 jet drum sander for $800 because it’s missing the stand and a Grizzly 6” x 80” edge sander.  Gotta make some room in the shop before I get them set up, but over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate how much a quality tool makes a difference.

The next plan is to assemble this bob’s CNC machine and see about making risers and inlays that sit perfectly in the press from the get go.


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[kennym]

The next plan is to assemble this bob’s CNC machine and see about making risers and inlays that sit perfectly in the press from the get go.