Shopsmith Forums

Does the Shopsmith Strip Sander have any advantages or disadvantages?

I have a Delta strip sander now.

I've searched the forum the only things I found mine can't do is internal sanding and the platens.

What would you use the internal sanding for?

Are the curved platens useful? What do you use them for?

If I have a reversible headstock, can the Shopsmith strip sander be run in reverse?

rlkeeney wrote:Does the Shopsmith Strip Sander have any advantages or disadvantages?

I have a Delta strip sander now.

Delta Strip Sander.jpg


I've searched the forum the only things I found mine can't do is internal sanding and the platens.

What would you use the internal sanding for?Large external Concave edges(Bowed legs?)* as well as inside cutouts

Are the curved platens useful? What do you use them for?Small*** concave surfaces

If I have a reversible headstock, can the Shopsmith strip sander be run in reverse?I see no reason it cannot**

Also the narrow belt/platen.

Like all SPT, ya need a SS to power it(changeover etc.).


* the ability to sand using the top pulley as a curved platen.

** The lathe chisel jig requires running in the 'opposite' direction which requires reverse mounting the sander(quill shaft end). A reversible headstock eliminates the need for quill end mounting.

*** As in not smaller than the platen radius which in not all that small.

P.S. NO miter gauge slot in the table.

I don't know the speeds on the standalone units. For my SS strip-sander, with PowerPro especially, it can really be run nice and slow, which is a boon for tool-grinding without overheating the metal.

Chris

I've had mine since around 1993. Used to use it a lot more then, including the curved platen; I just don't remember what I used the curved platen for; but, I think it was for bandsaw boxes. I used to make them regularly back then. I got away from making the bandsaw boxes, and if I remember correctly, it was because of the sanding that I was not too fond of .

I don't use it much anymore because I try to do as little sanding as possible . I currently have it set up on my 500. It does have a dust collection port. I think it is an excellent strip sander.

nuhobby wrote:I don't know the speeds on the standalone units. For my SS strip-sander, with PowerPro especially, it can really be run nice and slow, which is a boon for tool-grinding without overheating the metal.

Chris

I had not thought of that. The motor speed on the Delta is 1750rpm. I

t could be good to go slow for smaller delicate parts. I make toys and sometimes the sander will eat smaller parts.

Dansmith wrote:I've had mine since around 1993. Used to use it a lot more then, including the curved platen; I just don't remember what I used the curved platen for; but, I think it was for bandsaw boxes. I used to make them regularly back then. I got away from making the bandsaw boxes, and if I remember correctly, it was because of the sanding that I was not too fond of .

I don't use it much anymore because I try to do as little sanding as possible . I currently have it set up on my 500. It does have a dust collection port. I think it is an excellent strip sander.

I'm not a big fan of sanding, but I finally came to understand that if I wanted to make quality toys sanding was what I had to do. Sanding can make all the difference. A toy that is just a block of wood with wheels can turn into something beautiful with sanding and the right finish. You just got to do it.

I'm continually looking for better faster ways to sand.

I have a Viel S5, it is designed primarily for sharpening, which it does very well , but is less versatile for sanding in tight areas. For example, on the squirrel in my avatar, where the ear meets the body and where the rear leg meets the tail.
I would like to get a SS strip sander someday.

rpd wrote:I have a Viel S5, it is designed primarily for sharpening, which it does very well , but is less versatile for sanding in tight areas. For example, on the squirrel in my avatar, where the ear meets the body and where the rear leg meets the tail.

Viel S5.JPG

I would like to get a SS strip sander someday.

To get into the corners using my Delta sander I remove the platen. Then it will fit anywhere that isn't narrower than the sanding belt. You have to have a light touch and a steady hand to do a good job. I find that the more I use these the better I get at it. It's kind of like using a scroll saw. A lot of it is by feel.

I just finished a project that used my strip sander.