Sand Flee

woodburner · Post by **woodburner** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:20 pm

$700 for the Sand-Flee? I didn't know it cost that much. I think the SS version is a little cheaper because it is powered by the Shopsmith. It doesn't come with its own motor. I think during the latest sale it is around $550-$600.

Anyway, you can purchase a stand-alone drum sander with a powered belt that moves the stock under the sanding drum, that will let you thickness/finish sand up to 32" wide boards, but you are limited to stock thickness like a planer. This type of sander sells for around $750. The sandpaper for this type of sander is a little cheaper too.

Which will you choose?

I know, I know. Before anyone says it the SS version of the Sandflee has the use of the variable speed motor, which can be a plus. But the other sander lets you adjust the board feet per minute, so its a wash on that.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:49 pm

One gets what one pays for. I am able to afford the Sand Flee and was truly amazed at how well it sanded a very thin and even surface on virtually project I have used it for. worth the dollars? For me yes. For someone who isn't as particular or the budget doesn't allow the expense. It truly would not be a good purchase. I for one am thrilled to have mine and feel fortunate shopsmith powers it thus saving the cost of the extra motor. Jim

greitz · Post by **greitz** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:07 pm

I agree with Jim on the virtues of the Sand-Flee. I've only used it to flatten rings for bowls, remove the "fuzzies" from scroll-sawn projects, and get perfect 90 degree corners on small projects, but it excels at those.

On the other hand, if I wanted to thickness sand a figured 24" x 72" slab of wood to precisely 1 inch thick, I don't think I'd attempt that with the Sand-Flee. Although I bet Nick and Drew could come up with a nifty jig to do that!

Gary

woodburner · Post by **woodburner** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:49 pm

Hi Greitz,

I tried using one to flatten my segmented rings for some woodturnings. They kept coming out uneven because I couldn't keep even pressure across the entire ring as it crossed over the sanding drum.

What's your trick? Please let me know so I can give it a try again. Thanks.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:14 pm

If you are getting an uneven surface out of the Sand Flee, my first thought is that you may have the drum set too high above the table surface. The correct distance is no higher than the grit itself -- it should almost be even. As for pressure, you shouldn't have to maintain any pressure other than what it takes to keep the workpiece on the table. If the machine is properly set up, the sandpaper will do all the work.

With all good wishes,

greitz · Post by **greitz** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:17 am

I use very light pressure, slow but consistent speed, and multiple passes, rotating the ring maybe a quarter of a turn with each pass. Don't know whether rotating the ring helps at all, it just seems to make sense if you want to keep the ring thickness consistent all the way 'round.

I don't know if I would call using the Sand-Flee "fun", as advertised, but it's easy to get into a "zone". Make a pass, rotate, make a pass, rotate.... I haven't caught myself chanting OOOMMM (yet).

Gary

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 4:46 pm

Gary,

I guess it doesn't take much to please me. I love the feeling that I have achieved a smooth clean surface with no divits. Jim

courtney49 · Post by **courtney49** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:36 pm

Most of my shop is Shopsmith equipment. However, I could not spend the money on a new Sandflee. I enjoy building my own jigs and tools. Therefore searched the internet, found the parts, the plans and build my own 24 inch version of the Sandflee for about 60% of a new version.

It works really well even though I had a few challenges getting it aligned properly.

I have the Shopsmith belt sander and I was going to sell it. However, I will be keeping it as has its place as does the Sandflee.

Courtney49

BigSky · Post by **BigSky** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:41 pm

Would you consider showing photos of your Sander and maybe some construction details?

I suspect that some of us who can't afford a Sandflee might be interested in developing our own.

courtney49 · Post by **courtney49** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:13 pm

If you want to build something like a Sandflee, you can get kits which are called Vdrum kits. http://www.stockroomsupply.com has the kits but also has links to streaming videos, sample plans, and other instructions. The plans and videos are great becasue you can design your own that fits your shop after viewing.

You can also look on Ebay under drum sander. Stock Room Supply sells the kets their also.

I am not promoting any one site over the other here but below are some of the links I found while looking for what would work for me.

An Interesting Link
http://woodworkstuff.net/woodidxjigs.html

Vdrum - Kits (Going out of business this fall)
http://www.nicks.ca/Toolkits.html

Vdrum Kits
http://www.stockroomsupply.com

How to videos and Plans
http://www.theonlinewoodshow.com/show/c ... 0102&cat=1

V-Drum Artical
http://www.woodworkweb.com/index.php?op ... &Itemid=37

Sandpaper Rolls - Discount
http://www.onlineindustrialsupply.com/holoparo6by5.html

V-drum Sandpaper & Velcro
http://www.tufftooth.com/

Engjoy
Courtney49

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