Thread: Home made rotary sander

Hi Nalmo,

I think thats a great idea and I recon I am going to copy it.

I am new to turning, & even newer to bowl turning. I only saw one of these for the first time a couple of weeks ago & have never used one, so I'm after a bit more info.

Can you tell me more about the pads.

Diameter of the base
What rubber (?) you ave used
Anything else I might need to know.


Maybe the length of the handle might be handy as well.

Thanks for sharing.


Steve

Nalmo,

That is a slick as a greased eel. Thanks for the idea.

The shaft for the pads are from a cheap screwdriver bit set.
Plywood base a bit under 50mm diameter. Foam was from Clark rubber - can't remember what type, they had a small offcut piece about 20mm thick for $5 (will make enough for about 15 discs). Glued them to ply and turned down on the lathe with 80 grit after cutting roughly to size.
Velcro is 50mm wide, self adhesive from Spotlight or similar stores. Just trimmed with scissors.

I used the velcro backed sandpaper, available from the usual sources. If I'm using it on bowls with no fine detail, I just cut to 50mm squares (overhang doesn't interfere with anything). If there's fine detail, I trim to just slightly larger than the pad size to enable getting into corners (or sand by hand).

I made the handle short enough to just fit into my hand (about 120 long), and I prefer a reasonably thick section to make it easier to hold (about 40mm diameter).

Originally Posted by Paul39

Nalmo,

That is a slick as a greased eel. Thanks for the idea.

Or as flash as a rat with a gold tooth.


Nalmo,

Thanks for the extra Info. I am gona have a Jolly Old at this one.


Steve

You could probably cut the pads from one of those foam kneeling pads you use in the garden - cost about $2 from Reject Shop or similar. They look to be about the right density of foam.
Mick C

Those roll-up aerobics mats work as well, if you're clever with your cutting, she might never find out...