Thread: Sanding Thicknesser for preparing stock?

I have the performax 16-32......and would highly recommend it.

Makes fast work of cleaning up stock after re sawing on the bandsaw. Also very handy when making your own veneers, sanding veneered panels and generally making sure any really thin stock is a consistent thickness.



cheers
BD

I use my home built one a lot.
Ideal for stock prep especially small bits.

Originally Posted by watson

I use my home built one a lot.
Ideal for stock prep especially small bits.

Cliff,
It is not a thicknesser. Removing large amounts of stock is better done by other tools. However it is excellent for preparing wide flat surfaces, ie removing bandsaw marks flattening jointed panels. Nothing else comes near it for end grain cutting boards.


You will need paitence. After several stuff ups the secret is to not try and remove too much materal at once. Your dust extraction must be excellent as well. Neglect either one and your paper will clog and burn your stock. A rubber cleaning block helps keep the paper clean.

If you get one, use the initial sandpaper to make a ply template. Cutting your own will save you about 75% on paper costs.

Having had one for a couple of years I wouldn’t be without it.

Like all machines you should use the tool appropriate to the job.

Regards

Rob

Thanks so far....


Yup Rob, I have a 13" thicknesser but it doesn't leave the best surface on some timber.
I plan to use it to take the stock down to just over size & then finish with the sander.

I called it a sanding thicknesser for want of a better word 'cos there are about 15 different types of sander.

Now, back to the original question.... what do you use & what do you recommend?

Originally Posted by Howdya do that

Oh Bugger!,
Allright..won't be till tomorrow day though. Have to stand in line for a loan of the camera.

I bought Iain's 2nd hand Carbatec 400mm. It's good for cleaning up wood that's prone to tear out, but Hingston is correct - it's not a thicknesser, and you will need to hand sand to your final grade.
Also, some woods tend to gum up the belts with resin. Just take a little off each pass, and do the final pass in two directions to minimise any inaccuracy.

Cliff I also have the Carba-tec 400 and support Alex's comments. Having said that, it is a very handy piece of equipment when cranky grain is around.

iv been trying to think of a way to make one for a wile pics would be great noel.

Originally Posted by weisyboy

iv been trying to think of a way to make one for a wile pics would be great noel.

Carl, there are quite a few threads on home made drum sanders, one is by Sturdee, but htere are plenty more. Just do a search on "drum sander"

Cliff, I also have the Performax 16/32, and a can't deny that it does all that it is intended for in bringing timber to an even finish!

The replacement sanding belts are costly but I buy the rolls of appropriate width for a fraction of the cost and make my own simply by using the original belt as a template...saves a heap of bickies in the long run.

Good idea always to bring stock down close to desired thickness with planing before using the drum belt sander ,I have used it for reducing stock but not really a good idea unless you've got time to kill.

AS FAR AS THIS MACHINE GOES MY one gripe is that I did'nt buy the bigger version.

Cheers

Originally Posted by weisyboy

iv been trying to think of a way to make one for a wile pics would be great noel.

I have a tutorial on an 18" thickness sander I built.

Here is a photo.

John

The replacement sanding belts are costly but I buy the rolls of appropriate width for a fraction of the cost and make my own simply by using the original belt as a template...saves a heap of bickies in the long run.

I had trouble finding rolls of the right width ......so another option I found for cheaper abrasives is to buy the colour backed stuff and tear it to width (it tears perfectly straight) it comes in 300mm widths and you can buy it by the metre. I think I get 3 strips and one extra that is slightly to narrow, which I can use for turning or hand sanding

cheers
BD