Strip Sander and Speed Reducer

[GSchiela]

Hello,

Just checking before I try--I would like to run the strip sander with the speed reducer for stock removal and reshaping of metal. I don't see why this should be a problem, but does anyone know if it is acceptable or problematic?

I am getting better with these things but still a beginner for many of the things, so any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Gerry

[charlese]

Hi Gerry,
Sorry, I don't know why you would run the speed reducer with the strip sander.

I use my strip sander quite often for both purposes you mention. Just use the sanding speed of your Shopsmith. About 1300 to 1700 RPM.

[wa2crk]

If you do any metal grinding or stock removal DO NOT USE A dust collector. Wait until the grinding material has cooled and then vacuum it up.
Bill V

[GSchiela]

Hello,

I had read somewhere that the lower speed would prevent it from heating too quickly.
But you have not found that to be a problem?

Thank you for the feedback.

Gerry

[JPG]

Belt speed - workpiece pressure both increase heat. Less of either reduces heat.

It may be worth a try - I see no reason to not do it.

[charlese]

In my experience, much slower speeds serve to burnish both wood and metal, not remove it.

To reduce speed by 7 times lower will cause you to increase headstock speeds to greater speeds in order to reach an effective speed of the sander.

After a reasonable speed and paper grit are chosen, pressure against the moving sandpaper is the variable to get the results you want.

When sanding metal, keep a container of water nearby to cool the metal occasionally.

[masonsailor2]

I think it depends on how much metal you are intending to remove. If it's just touch up you probably don't need it. Definitely heed Bills advice. Clean out all the wood dust in the sander before grinding metal.
Paul

[rpd]

Hello,

Just checking before I try--I would like to run the strip sander with the speed reducer for stock removal and reshaping of metal. I don't see why this should be a problem, but does anyone know if it is acceptable or problematic?

I am getting better with these things but still a beginner for many of the things, so any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Gerry

The terms "high" and "low" speed are relative. A 6" or 8" bench grinder runs at 3450 rpm, a "low" speed bench grinder runs at 1725 rpm.

I don't have the Shopsmith strip sander, but I do my sharpening on a Viel sander/grinder like this one http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.a ... at=1,43072
that uses the same belts. It is designed by the manufacturer primarily for grinding and sharpening, the motor runs at 1725 rpm and the drive pulley is 6".

The Shopsmith strip sander can be run as slow as 700 rpm and the drive pulley is smaller too which also gives a slower belt speed. So out of the box it can give you much slower belt speeds (surface feet per minute) than a slow speed grinder will.

I really don't think the speed reducer would provide any benefit.

[GSchiela]

Thank you for all the replies.