Shopsmith Forums

Does the Strip Sander need to be run in reverse (belt moving upward) for sharpening tools? If so, does anyone use it mounted to the left of the headstock with the PowerPro running in reverse, say for sharpening lathe tools?

rmb24 wrote:Does the Strip Sander need to be run in reverse (belt moving upward) for sharpening tools? If so, does anyone use it mounted to the left of the headstock with the PowerPro running in reverse, say for sharpening lathe tools?

Welcome to the forum!

You are correct that the strip sander is run backwards when you use the chisel sharpening attachment (555812). You will have no problem using the power pro as you suggested.

You still might find that you have to interrupt turning to do so as you need to be close to the left end to attach the sander. It is best when it can be run on another shopsmith or stand so the lathe can stay setup for the project.

Ed

Thanks for your reply, Ed. So strip sander sharpening and turning on a single Shopsmith might be most useful, or quickest and easiest, when turning bowls or other "facework" projects that don't need the tailstock, so the PowerPro headstock could stay attached to the sander and run in reverse, if speed isn't a problem. I'm wondering if some find that to be a good setup.

rmb24 wrote:Does the Strip Sander need to be run in reverse (belt moving upward) for sharpening tools? If so, does anyone use it mounted to the left of the headstock with the PowerPro running in reverse, say for sharpening lathe tools?

Yes, I use it that way quite often. Mostly for sharpening bench chisels and knives. Mostly use it for honing - using a leather belt with honing compound.

Thanks Chuck. I don't yet have the strip sander but may be motivated to buy one soon to add to my shop and Shopsmith capabilities .