Woodworking as Therapy #4: Still trying to figure out my drum sander issue

Betsy,
Irwin makes a micro quick clamp that has a maximum opening of 4 1/2”

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100022641&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&cisku=100022641&cisrc=14110944&cmmmc=shopping--googlebase--D25X--100022641&locStoreNum=980

Do you think that would be too bulky?

Lew

-- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

Had another thought but it would require drilling a hole in the paper clamp.

With this configuration, you could use a wrench (or maybe a ratchet/socket) to tighten the nut which would squeeze the clamp and open it. Revere to apply pressure to the paper. One thing about the Nyloc nuts is they won’t vibrate loose. You may have to use something like J-B Weld to secure the head of the bolt to prevent it from spinning when opening and closing the clamp

-- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

I don’t understand how the clamp works. What part of the clamp actually moves, and in what direction? Between where and where does the paper go? And can you take a couple of wider shots so I/we can see the rest of the machine (or the area around the drum)? Is there a pulley or sprocket you could jam/put a clamp on to keep the drum from turning? Does the drum have a hollow all the way along? Can you get a picture looking down the axle?

-- My broker promised me he would treat my money as if it were his own. Trouble is, he did.

Betsy, a friend made me a give away deal on an older Ryobi 16-32 drum sander, and I also had problems with getting one of the clamps to function. I researched it here on LJ and found a thread where someone had bought hook & loop material with pressure sensitive adhesive on it and wrapped it in a spiral around the drum. Then He got rolls of paper with the matching material on the back. I followed the same direction and it worked out great. I am sure you could locate the old thread if you are interested and I got the material and belts from supergrit.com.

-- "Measure twice, cut once, count fingers"

Betsy,
I had (emphasis on the “had”) a Jet 10-20 drum sander and getting the paper on was a bear. I got a cheap pair of pliers (you need cheap because they must bend on a bench vice) and bent the tip of the pliers to fit into the side and grasp the paper to pull it tight and straight. I posted a picture of it here: lumberjocks.com/topics/18165
I put the paper in loosely and then hold the drum and lever with one hand and pull with the pliers. I’m not sure this helps you with your issue, but I thought I’d pass it on in case you can adapt it.
I think Lisa (Dustbunny) uses hook and loop… you could PM her too.
Ellen

-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

I should probably add that I’m not just whistling Dixie; I’ve got a couple of ideas, but based on how I think the clamp works. Once I have some clarification, I’ll think some more and post a sketch.

-- My broker promised me he would treat my money as if it were his own. Trouble is, he did.

I have a 16/32 jet and cuss it everytime I have to put paper on it. Woodcraft even showed me how to insert the tool and it sucks. That and the cheesy lock on the top is the only complaints though. Poor design for $1k.
I’m going to try Ellen35’s suggestion. If you get it figured out I’d appreciate knowing. Sorry I couldn’t help.

-- Don't rollerskate in a buffalo herd

As soon as I run through my current supply of sandpaper for my Performax 16/32, I’m going to wrap the drum in velcro and then only buy velcro backed paper from then on. I hate changing the paper because of the stupid clips.

where you use the wooden lever
could you use a wedge instead
tap it in snug
and have both hands free
to mess with the paper and the clip

i do hear that changing
to the velcro paper is the best

-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle

Lew – I’m not sure I’d be mechanically adept enough to drill holes through the clamps without ruining them. I’ve got the clamps you mentioned – and a lot more small ones left over from doing my miniature work – but no of them really do the job.

JJ – I’ll try to get better pictures to show you what we are discussing.

Ellen – the plier trick sounds slick – but it is one I’ve tried.

Patron – I never thought of a wedge – but I bet that would work.

I think Bill may have hit the nail on the old head. I had no idea there was velcro paper out there for the sanding drums. I’m going to look into that. Using that type of material would elimiate any need for a clamp and would save my hands (and my housemates aggravation at helping me in the garage – she hates the garage – which is good for me most of the time!).

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I will go ahead and get some clearer pictures and post so that everyone is on the same page about my issues.

-- Like a bad penny, I keep coming back!

OK, I went back and found the thread from the original poster. http://lumberjocks.com/projects/15767 It sure solved the problem for me, and I don’t have anything negative to report about it.

-- "Measure twice, cut once, count fingers"

Thanks Bill – I think that’s the ticket!

-- Like a bad penny, I keep coming back!

You are welcome. I wanted to give credit to the original poster. For me the problem was in the clamp nearest the motor. Now I still start winding by putting the end in the first clamp, but at the end I just tuck it into the slot and it never comes out again until I want it to. Good Luck!

-- "Measure twice, cut once, count fingers"