Thread: belt and drum sanders

Originally Posted by Ivor

I have some small bits of wood that I need to make the same thickness (around 10mm) and a drum sander would be ideal, but they are well out of my price range.

This may be a stupid question but I was wondering if anyone has come up with a way of turning a belt sander into a drum sander, or some way to turn a belt sander into a thicknesser?

Not a stupid question unless you think of it and don't ask it!

The answers are: yes and yes. The simplest way is to clamp it carefully in a vise - make sure not to overtighten, you'll crack the casing. Also don't leave it too loose, it'll get free and chase you around the shop like a screaming alien (don't ask me how I know this).

To use it as a thicknesser, use the same technique as for planes - a couple of winding sticks, a pencil, some patience and good judgement.

Finally, when you clamp it, make sure the air holes to the motor are not obstructed or you will overheat it.

cheers.

Im sure Ive seen plans for something like this in an old Aust Woodworker.
Got no idea how old.

Originally Posted by forunna

Im sure Ive seen plans for something like this in an old Aust Woodworker.
Got no idea how old.

I'm sure I have a copy of it in the archives - I'll dig it out & organise a copy if you like. I've been considering making one m'self, so this might be a good incentive.

I would appreciate a copy AlexS, if you can find it in the Archives. The Archives bring to mind some pile of dusty woodworking mags for some reason.

I also have a similar needs. Using 14 inch bandsaw in re sawing mode to thickness timber (to sizes ranging between 10 and 12 mm) for small box making.
However would like to finish stock between re saw cuts. Thinking of making up a jig using a Bosch power planer and a small AEG belt sander. Keen to learn. Watching this thread with interest.
Happy Easter to All
Barry

The main reason I asked about this stuff is that I just tried to put some small bits that I had just glued together through my cheap and nasty thicknesser and the end result was lots of small projectiles flying out of the business end of the thicknesser. I knew it was a dumb idea but I thought I would give it a go anyway.

The main problem I can't get over is that a belt sander runs fairly fast and if you were to put a small bit of wood through it might fly out the other end. I have never seen a drum sander in action but I thought they might be fairly slow in passing stuff through.

Thanks for your response Groggy but I was looking for something that didn't require that skill level, I'm no good at the winding sticks thing. Tried and failed many times, same with dovetail joints as well.

Barry,

That sounds interresting, maybe call it a beltplaner! Just had visions of a piece of wood sandwiches between a beltsander and a planer. I know its not what you mean, but was an interresting thought.
Ivor, the wood that you thickness must be longer ( wider ) than the distance between the rollers on the thicknesser. In a pinch I have fed the pieces through on an angle to enable both rollers to run on the wood at one time during the pass. The distance, corner to corner, being longer than the normal length helps a bit.

Originally Posted by AlexS

I'm sure I have a copy of it in the archives - I'll dig it out & organise a copy if you like. I've been considering making one m'self, so this might be a good incentive.

The article is in issue 63 (1995). I'm sure I have it tucked away, so PM me if you need a copy.

(Later) I've found the article, it's in issue No. 89, Feb 2000,