Drill press sander??

[Bvas]

Been pondering this idea to convert my drill press into a combo template sander/lam grinder. I’m no where near ready to grind my own lams, but it would be nice for tip wedges, overlays etc.

Hopefully the pics explain what I’m thinking. Anyone have any ideas that might improve the contraption?

[arachnid]

Brad, I actually built a lam grinding jig like this for my oscillation spindle sander.  It made the lams Davey so I needed to smooth it afterwards  but I've built a few bows using it (after that I just built myself a proper lam grinder). Maybe without the  oscillation it'll give you more consistent results.

As for a template sander- check this out

[Kopper1013]

Look at this same idea

http://www.luthiersfriend.com/

[Forwardhandle]

Brad they make these plug & play I bought the big one for my drill press for templet sanding risers it worked ok but it was to slow I went back to doing them by hand but might work ok for what you want !

[Bvas]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Dor, I have done a few lams with just the drum and some angle iron clamped to the table. I agree the oscillating would work against you. But just as important is to take a little material at a time and have a consistent feed with out stopping. You pause for a split second and you’ll have a dip.

Ritchie, I have one of the expanding drums, just not one of the Robo sander types for template sanding. I don’t like the inconsistent bulges with the rubber, so plan on having one machined and glueing paper directly to it. I’m surprised you find it slower than hand sanding? I run mine at about 1400rpm with 36-40 grit and it will remove material quicker and easier than hand sanding.

[Forwardhandle]

I probably didnt give it a fair shot it just wasnt accurate enough ,it still needed touch up any how so my oscilting spindle sander seemed quicker just to go with that !

[Crooked Stic]

Would not give 50 cents for a pickup load of Robo sanders. There needs to be a top and bottom bearing for drill press accuracy . You can accurate lams with spindle sanders without osicllation and steady feed.

[skeaterbait]

Brad they make these plug & play I bought the big one for my drill press for templet sanding risers it worked ok but it was to slow I went back to doing them by hand but might work ok for what you want !

I have the same thing and also found it to be slow until it finally dawned on me to bump the speed of my drill press back up. That little suckers eats wood like nobodies business now.

But like Mike said, it's not for precision but I found it to be ok for feathering wedges.

[Flem]

Been pondering this idea to convert my drill press into a combo template sander/lam grinder. I’m no where near ready to grind my own lams, but it would be nice for tip wedges, overlays etc.

Hopefully the pics explain what I’m thinking. Anyone have any ideas that might improve the contraption?

I think that looks like a good setup. You have the shaft riding in a bearing, should keep it running true. Might check the runout on your drill press, too much might get you a rippled finish.

[beachbowhunter]

I haven't had any problems with the Robosander. If you go with a rough grit, I think I use 36, it works fine. You just can't manhandle it. Take your time and the fit can be perfect with no problem.