« back to Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories forum
Forum topic by GregD | posted 07-12-2011 12:35 AM | 1809 views | 0 times favorited | 10 replies | ![]() |
![]() |
07-12-2011 12:35 AM |
I rigged up a home-built sandling spindle on my drill press. At first I thought it would be a satisfactory stand-in for a spindle sander. However, after using it a bit I found that it left significant scratches in the direction of sanding even with high grits such as 220 and 320. The spindle diameter was 3/4” and I ran it about 1800 rpm. Even with a very light touch and moving the work a bit up and down I got much deeper scratch marks than I was happy with. Is that an indication that the spindle needs softer padding? Any other suggestions? Or do I really need to spring for an oscillating spindle sander? -- Greg D. |
10 replies so far
#1 posted 07-12-2011 12:46 AM |
I don’t own a spindle sander but it seems to me if you’re getting big scratches you should try a finer (higher grit number) sand paper. |
#2 posted 07-12-2011 03:38 AM |
The objectionable scratches are deeper and more widely spaced than what one would expect from the grit that I’m using. For example, I had 220 grit on the spindle, but to sand out the scratches by hand I needed to go to 100 grit. I had 320 on the spindle and had to go to 150 grit to get those out. And the scratches are spaced nominally 1mm apart. -- Greg D. |
#3 posted 07-12-2011 04:11 AM |
I had exactly the same experience as you when I did the drillpress/drum sander route plus my paper seemed to load up REALLY fast. I went to Harbor Freight [gasp], bought their oss for less than $100 and have been really happy with it for over a year. -- " I'll try to be nicer, if you'll try to be smarter" gfadvm |
#4 posted 07-12-2011 05:45 AM |
I can’t answer your original question because I’ve never used the drill press/drum sander but I recently bought the HF OSS and it works great. I’ve only used 80 grit on it so far and am amazed at the good finish. Less than $100 on sale. |
#5 posted 07-12-2011 06:02 AM |
Try 2400-2600 rpm -- When the problem becomes just too much, There is always the directions!! Karl O. of Louisiana |
#6 posted 07-12-2011 06:34 AM |
Your sandpaper is loading up because you are using only a small part of it and it gets HOT. Resin sticks causing dust to stick, and it cooks into a rock-hard mass that will scratch anything it touches. A OSS avoids that by moving up and down allowing more paper to be used and to cool. I too have the HF oss, paid $80 for it and am thrilled. Used it last on cherry, and no blemishes or burns. Get one. Steve -- Steve in KY. 44 years so far with my lovely bride. Think I'll keep her. |
#7 posted 07-12-2011 02:59 PM |
Steve – When I am sanding the entire width of a 9” panel is in contact spindle that is 10” long, so I’m actually using the whole spindle, kinda like a mini drum sander. I am sanding the end grain of a raised panel. I didn’t notice the sandpaper loading up much, but I didn’t check too closely for that. I was using very light pressure and it started on the first panel after changing the paper. Karl – IDK why a slightliy higher RPM would work, but that is easy enough to try. Yeah, a spindle sander is probably in my future. So far I’ve been able to stick to my New Year’s resolution – no new power tools. Last year was a big year for that category. I’m looking at the HF OSS and the Rigid belt/spindle sander, but for now I’m waiting for the after XMas sales. -- Greg D. |
#8 posted 07-12-2011 03:18 PM |
I don’t know what causes it, but I used to have the same problem with a drill press mounted spindle sander. Then I bought my Ridgid spidle/belt sander combo have had no more problems. I don’t know how I ever lived without that thing. |
#9 posted 07-12-2011 05:32 PM |
Since the oscillation is what helps to remove the sanding marks here’s a trick that might help without buying a new sander right away. -- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg |
#10 posted 07-12-2011 05:41 PM |
i have the same setup as William and can echo his comments. I am using it constantly. -- http://timetestedtools.net - Collecting is an investment in the past, and the future. |
Have your say...
You must be signed in to reply.
|
Forum | Topics |
---|---|
Woodworking Skill Share
|
12026 |
Woodturning
|
2102 |
Woodcarving
|
431 |
Scrollsawing
|
340 |
Joinery
|
1369 |
Finishing
|
4899 |
Designing Woodworking Projects
|
6688 |
Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories
|
28031 |
CNC Woodworking
|
211 |
Hand Tools
|
5403 |
Jigs & Fixtures
|
1417 |
Wood & Lumber
|
6223 |
Safety in the Woodworking Shop
|
1386 |
Focus on the Workspace
|
2151 |
Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking
|
1185 |
Woodworking Trade & Swap
|
4753 |
LumberJocks.com Site Feedback
|
2197 |
Coffee Lounge
|
8842 |