Yes, I put this under project discussions and not tool talk for good reason... I have had enough of trying to flatten my cutting boards with a hand plane and hand sanding them getting less than what I wanted results...
I have known for a while now that a wide drum sander is what I have been wanting to build, but haven't had a sufficiently good idea of how to build what I want until recently...
From what I have read, I understand I want to keep the drum speed of a 4" drum around 1100 to 1200 rpm, so with a 1.75" drive pulley and a 5" drum pulley (more on that later) I end up with a drum rpm of around 1200, which is within range...
Due to incessant bearing problems with the old Dayton 1.5HP motor, I have scrapped the idea of using it, and am in the market for a good quality, but not too danged expensive 1.5 HP 110/220V single phase motor. Harbor Freight seems to have the best prices with the Smith+Jones 1.5HP motors at $129.00, but I am keeping my eyes open for something cheaper, maybe used...
I already had the 5/8" smooth steel rod for the axle in my shop so that was a non cost thing, I did have to grab the pillow block bearings though. Not terribly expensive through Amazon...
The drum is going to be fashioned from Sch40 PVC scrap that I have had donated from a friend that has recently finished a pool project. The lumber for the frame is effectively scrap stud grade 2x4 SYP that I have had sitting in the shop for a couple of years, so it is well acclimated. The table / platen will be most likely of cabinet grade plywood... This is where I am still working the details of the plan...
I am not sure if I should get fancy and try to figure out and rig a elevation / feed type platen like you see on the commercial units, or simply just use a hinged table that swings like almost, but not all of the shop built units I have seen... So I am studying, and leaving THAT portion of the plan open to change...
The drum is planned for 30" width, but that can also change... I have never done any work wider than 24", but I would HATE to need to go wider and not be able to!
So there I am, hopefully I will be able to bring you along for the ride of the build... It seems like it might just be a fun one!
I have known for a while now that a wide drum sander is what I have been wanting to build, but haven't had a sufficiently good idea of how to build what I want until recently...
From what I have read, I understand I want to keep the drum speed of a 4" drum around 1100 to 1200 rpm, so with a 1.75" drive pulley and a 5" drum pulley (more on that later) I end up with a drum rpm of around 1200, which is within range...
Due to incessant bearing problems with the old Dayton 1.5HP motor, I have scrapped the idea of using it, and am in the market for a good quality, but not too danged expensive 1.5 HP 110/220V single phase motor. Harbor Freight seems to have the best prices with the Smith+Jones 1.5HP motors at $129.00, but I am keeping my eyes open for something cheaper, maybe used...
I already had the 5/8" smooth steel rod for the axle in my shop so that was a non cost thing, I did have to grab the pillow block bearings though. Not terribly expensive through Amazon...
The drum is going to be fashioned from Sch40 PVC scrap that I have had donated from a friend that has recently finished a pool project. The lumber for the frame is effectively scrap stud grade 2x4 SYP that I have had sitting in the shop for a couple of years, so it is well acclimated. The table / platen will be most likely of cabinet grade plywood... This is where I am still working the details of the plan...
I am not sure if I should get fancy and try to figure out and rig a elevation / feed type platen like you see on the commercial units, or simply just use a hinged table that swings like almost, but not all of the shop built units I have seen... So I am studying, and leaving THAT portion of the plan open to change...
The drum is planned for 30" width, but that can also change... I have never done any work wider than 24", but I would HATE to need to go wider and not be able to!
So there I am, hopefully I will be able to bring you along for the ride of the build... It seems like it might just be a fun one!
Comment