How would you do this?

[cgallery]

I purchased on of these Ridgid oscillating belt sanders:

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/Oscillat...r/EN/index.htm

I would like to make a pull-out shelf for it. I'd place the shelf on my workbench's stringers and pull it out when I need to use it. It may sit a little low but I don't mind sitting on a stool when I'm using it and I really have no other room for it in the shop.

I was thinking of using some drawer slides to make the shelf, but I would want them to lock in the extended position. Anyone know of any slides that will do this?

Heavy duty is important, but I'll probably add a leg to the front of the shelf so it doesn't pull the bench over when extended (unlikely, but it would suck).

[eddy merckx]

What about a computer keyboard slider like this http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...board%20slider.


Eddy

[scmhogg]

Or like this.

http://www.starmarkcabinetry.com/gal...on+Ideas&id=18

Steve

[cgallery]

What about a computer keyboard slider like this http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...board%20slider.


Eddy

Yeah, something like that. Except my keyboard is a little larger and heavier so I'll see if I can find a stronger version.

[cgallery]

Or like this.

http://www.starmarkcabinetry.com/gal...on+Ideas&id=18

Steve

Wow, that is pretty impressive. I'll bet that mechanism costs more than my sander! I like how it lifts to counter height, though.

[smc331]

This one looks pretty reasonable: Appliance Lift.

Might have to try this since I'm finally working on organization - I have the same sander and I think it is well within the weight limits.

[eddy merckx]

Yeah, something like that. Except my keyboard is a little larger and heavier so I'll see if I can find a stronger version.

Those keyboard rails are rated for 75lb. How heavy is that sander, anyway?

Eddy

[Hoakie]

says 40lbs on the webby

[cgallery]

Those keyboard rails are rated for 75lb. How heavy is that sander, anyway?

Eddy

I think it is certainly less than 75lb. Kinda feels like about 60. But I may have underestimated the overall height of this unit. It is going to be a tight squeeze, if it fits at all.

Going back to the drawing board...

[Russianwolf]

How about a flip out?

You would need to store the odds and ends that are the front somewhere else, but you can build a flip out four about $10.

All it is is a piece of plywood hinged to your bench top with a leg hinged on the outside edge. When you need the sander it's at bench height with the leg supporting it. When it's not needed, pick up the leg slightly and swing up, swing the unit down and under the bench (it will now be upside down) and the leg acts as the brace to keep it up out of the way.

quick, easy, and simple.

[LarryG]

I have the same sander, and I don't think it weighs anywhere near 60 pounds. More like 35-40, at a guess.

I like Mike's idea. I despise keyboard drawers, because I have yet to find one solid enough to stay absolutely rock-still while I'm typing. I'd worry about the same issue with any kind of pull-out drawer for a benchtop tool, even with high-quality full-extension slides.

[smc331]

The flip out idea is a good one - works great with grinders and the like. The only problem with upside-down storage with this particular unit is the "on unit storage" - it has slots and trays to hold and organize all of the drums, adapters and tools. Could have a minor issue with gravity!

[cgallery]

Mike: I like the idea. As Scott says, gravity and accessory storage could post a problem, but I could always find a different spot to store the accessories.

Larry: You're right, I checked and it is 40lbs. I was giving the age-adjusted weight. Works kinda like windchill (age makes it seem heavier just like wind makes it seem colder).

[cgallery]

Thought I'd follow-up w/ my final solution.

No matter how hard I searched, I could not find a tape measure that said this thing would fit under the bench on a pull-out shelf.

I finally decided that, since one side/half of my bench is dedicated to the bandsaw, and since I'd be using this thing mostly when using the bandsaw, that I would build a shelf and just hang it on the bench.

I didn't want a leg going to the floor (another sweeping obstacle). So I built it with tight dados (and plenty of glue) and used 2-1/2" #10 screws on the "money" joints.

I'll have to sit on a stool to use it at this height, but that is okay because that is easier on my back anyhow. Having it sitting out (as opposed to on a pull-out shelf) probably means it will get used more often.

The light I use for bandsawing actually stretches to illuminate the work pretty nicely. A bonus!

[Uncle Cracker]

Looks like a pretty good (and inexpensive) solution. I have seen those pullout mixer lifts, and even the heaviest-duty ones are still a little wobbly in the "up" position. Not so good for any detailed tool use, methinks.