I've been thinking of building something that would hold my random orbital sander on it's side with a table in front of it so I could sand the edge of finished pieces. Essentially, I'd like to make a disc sander out of my sander. Am I out to lunch with this idea?
I don't think the random orbit sander is suitable. Aside from the orbital motion, the average random orbit sander uses a universal motor drawing about 2 amps, while even an el cheapo $99 Delta Shopmaster belt/disc combo uses an induction motor supposedly developing 1/3 hp. Roughly guesstimating, I think that's about twice as powerful. Plus, it's an induction motor.
Go up a few bucks and you're quickly into 1/2, 3/4, and 1 hp territory.
Now I have seen people set up drills in a clamp as a disc sander, and that makes more sense to me. If I had to do it, I'd go with at least a
6 amp drill. You can get a reconditioned DeWalt for $50 or Hitachi for $40 at Amazon.Still, I'd get a benchtop disc sander. Who wants to listen to their nice drill eating it all day long?
The ROS is designed for light work. A real disc or belt sander can do wonders. It is one of my tools used on every project. Ever cut something curved on the bandsaw and get off the line a tad? The belt sander fixes that in seconds. You won't regret getting a good sander with sufficient power and size.
Got an old motor around??? make a disk sander and save your ROS for finish work...
I saw a very accurate sander made with a washing machine motor with a 12" particle board circle from the borg... disc mounted direct on shaft, simple plywood and 2x4 table in front of it...
Lots of free plans on the web that you could build one with, all less expensive than replacing your ROS when you abuse it trying to hog off material like a disk sander will... YMMV Mac
I have an old bench top disc sander that I've been looking to get rid of, where are you located? All you need is a motor for it.
If too far away from PA there are some really nice plans as mentioned above for making one out of an old motor and mdf disc...
Thanks but I think Nova Scotia is a bit far for the effort.
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