Thread: Drum Sander

Originally Posted by SuperDave

Hey guys I'm looking to get a drum sander for my guitar building jobs. I don't want to spend too much money so i was looking for any pointers in the right direction.

Anyone know of a second hand drum sander?

I am looking to be able to sand 500mm panels down to about 2.5mm

I was thinking of the jet 10/20 but still its $1200 or so. I would like to spend a fair bit less than that if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks

Dave

Use google to find ideas for making your own. At least one forum member has done so. Basically, you need a frame, a motor, a 13mm or so shaft, pulley to suit. Cut disks, 100-125mm or so, out of MDF, mount them on the shaft. You can sand them to flat after they're attached, with sandpaper on the platen. Melamine should be good or the platen, - low friction.

OTOH I read a review of a Jet somethingorother-OSC and the reviewer was very impressed. The magazine is probably still on the shelves at any good newsagency and at your library.. In additional to the usual rotation, it moves the belt back and forth a little, not very quickly.

Thanks for that. I did find some plans on the internet. They seem to be very good but all in imperial measurements =) If anyone else is interested you can find them here http://www.rockslide.org/drum%20sander.html also has a nice detailed description of building the sander.

Now just to find me a cheap motor to drive this thing =)

-Dave

I wouldn't get a Jet 10/20 they're tiny machines. I just bought a 16/32 from Gergory Machinery in Brisbane for $1600, it's probably out of your range since you mention wanting to pay less than the $1200 for the 10/20 but its a kick-ass sander and I'm sure will last for a long time.

Have a look at the Timbecon and Carbatec drum sanders, they should be in your price range

I have a large Jet (Powermax) I picked up second hand. You need to wait but it is worth it, the Carbatec and Timbecon ones I looked at had a lot of flex in them and from what I read are difficult to produce perfectly even (non-tapered) timber with. They do come up second hand every now and then but you need to be quick, I paid the price of a new Carbatec 16/32 for my powermax 22/44

Originally Posted by SuperDave

Thanks for that. I did find some plans on the internet. They seem to be very good but all in imperial measurements =) If anyone else is interested you can find them here http://www.rockslide.org/drum%20sander.html also has a nice detailed description of building the sander.

Now just to find me a cheap motor to drive this thing =)

-Dave

That's one I knew about, there are others including a bench-top model.


Motors come up in the Quokka regularly - no help to you, I know, but it shouldn't be hard. You could also price new ones ( maybe spares for machines sold by Carbatec el al). H&F has some listed.


Don't be put off by imperial measure, a lot of measurements aren't that important and those that are, you calculate to suit your tools.

Hi guys thanks for all the feedback.

I was able to source a motor and alot of old wood from a friend of mine who has a very good workshop and lots of spares!

So i started building on the weekend and have finished the frame. First time i've built something like this so its a great learning experience.

Cutting out the recesses for the timber joins is difficult to get right. I'll post some pics later on on my progress.

Thanks again guys

-Dave