Table saw-> disc sander conversion question

[robdew]

I have read most of the messages about converting a (belt-driven) table saw to a disc sander. I have an older saw collecting dust in the corner (it's worthless as a table saw) and am considering one of the sanding discs for infrequent use. I expect it to ruin the saw or arbor bearing over time. I could care less.

The thing I am not clear on is RPM. My motor turns at 3450. The grizzly disc sander says it turns at 3450.

What should the disc spin at? It's just a pulley choice. The messages about the saw turning too fast and burning up wood don't seem clear. I assume this is because people are using the same pulley ratio as they were with the saw blade, which is faster than 3450?

[Morris Dovey]

| I have read most of the messages about converting a (belt-driven) | table saw to a disc sander. I have an older saw collecting dust in | the corner (it's worthless as a table saw) and am considering one | of the sanding discs for infrequent use. I expect it to ruin the | saw or arbor bearing over time. I could care less. | | The thing I am not clear on is RPM. My motor turns at 3450. The | grizzly disc sander says it turns at 3450. | | What should the disc spin at? It's just a pulley choice. The | messages about the saw turning too fast and burning up wood don't | seem clear. I assume this is because people are using the same | pulley ratio as they were with the saw blade, which is faster than | 3450?

Saw speed works for me. I did burn some oak on the first try; but a little care goes a long way toward eliminating that problem. Worry about the pulley ratio if/when you decide the speed is actually a problem.

-- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USA

[John B]

Yep, what you said. Just take care and regulate your pressure and you should be cooking with gas :) John

[Andy]

How do you get a saw to collect dust? People spend a lot of money on other machines to do that - my saws just seems to produce dust.

[Leon]

You can slow down the burn rate and or surface speed by simply sanding closer to the center of the disk rather than the outer edge.