Shop Built Thickness Sander

crushgroovin · Post by **crushgroovin** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:47 am

I hope I don't get into trouble for this post but since Shopsmith does not make a competing product I hope it isn't an issue.

I recently received a Shopnotes book in the mail that included instructions on building a "Shop-Built Thickness Sander" that utilizes the motor of a table saw. You can find a picture of the finished product here.

I just purchased a couple extra Headstock Couplers with the intent on using them to modify the Thickness Sander so that it will run off my Mark V Headstock. I have an extra set of extension table legs so I can mount the sander on it and basically use it just like I use my Bandsaw or Jointer. Seems like a fairly simple alternative to a $600 drum/Thickness Sander.

Question is has anyone on the forum tried this before? Always looking to not reinvent the wheel and thus learn from other experiences.

curtis george · Post by **curtis george** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 6:34 am

Neat looking machine.

In Shopsmith's book. thay show how to make a thickness sander useing the table and a wooden drum.
It might be a good idea to look there before spending a lot of money and time makeing a better mouse trap.

check out this https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=6256 link. On panal sanders there is a Very nice picture of a home made one on a Shopsmith.

Just my two cents. ;-)
Have a great day.

C.A.G.

crushgroovin · Post by **crushgroovin** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:44 am

Thanks that is exactly what I was looking for! I searched all over and somehow missed the exact thread I was looking for. Post #6 is exactly what I was thinking of doing.

dwevans · Post by **dwevans** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:48 am

If you have any questions about how I built it I'd be happy to answer them. Mounting it on legs will not work unless you plan to use a pully system to drive it. I went for the direct drive method which requires modifying the base (cutting an opening to go around the way tubes) and also modifying the system to raise and lower the table. I also added (not shown in this picture) and infeed roller to keep the wood being sanded on the feed belt. I made an outfeed roller as well but have not yet mounted it. This helps prevent wood from flying all over the shop.

Ron309753 · Post by **Ron309753** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 9:10 am

Here's the link to the cutting diagram: http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/086/ext ... ss-sander/

Sincerely,

Ron309753

shipwright · Post by **shipwright** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 9:46 am

Looks to me like Doug's SS modification would be a much easier change-over than the table saw model but that's not surprising, SS is designed around the concept of change-over.
They are well worth having despite their quirks especially for veneering and wavy grain. I use mine a lot.

Paul M

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 10:38 am

FWIW take a look at this thickness sander designed by a Phoenix SS owner.
I have a Performax, but this would sure save some room in the shop.
ldh

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/1900344432.html

dwevans · Post by **dwevans** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 11:15 am

That thing is a monster! Power feed as well.

kd6vpe · Post by **kd6vpe** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 12:04 pm

dwevans,
What material did you use to build the drum. I had been wanting to build a sander for segmented ring flattening. I had recently got my lathe duplicator from SS and want to create a drum using Nick's method with the duplicator on cutting a perfect taper. Clamping the duplicator down and using the way tubes to keep everything straight. Also how did you attach the drum to the shaft?

gregf · Post by **gregf** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 12:53 pm

Wish I lived in Phoenix. That sander would be sold.