Shopsmith Forums

I'm using the conical disk to sand a narrow board (5/16" Tx 1 1/4" W x 24" L). Tried a featherboard as a hold down but the tighening knobs interfere with the disk and also interferes with using my push stick to push the board past the disk.

Any suggestions for an appropriate hold down?

Bob
San Diego

Is there a reason that you can knot use the fence? You could create a sacrificial fence to attach to the SS fence that will work for you. It may require a two-piece sacrificial fence (one part tall enough to attach to the SS fence and a shorter piece to space the fence away from the disk), but it is do-able.

rdewinter wrote:I'm using the conical disk to sand a narrow board (5/16" Tx 1 1/4" W x 24" L). Tried a featherboard as a hold down but the tighening knobs interfere with the disk and also interferes with using my push stick to push the board past the disk.

Any suggestions for an appropriate hold down?

Bob
San Diego

Which surface are you attempting to sand?

JPG
Actually I want to sand all four sides.
Bob
San Diego

Just wondering. Why would you need a hold down? If you are entering from the correct (front) side of the conical disc, it will be going down thus forcing the board down on the table. So, with the board trapped between the fence and the downward moving disc, you should be able to just use a push stick to shove it through. If I am wrong on this will someone correct me, please?

curiousgeorge wrote:Just wondering. Why would you need a hold down? If you are entering from the correct (front) side of the conical disc, it will be going down thus forcing the board down on the table. So, with the board trapped between the fence and the downward moving disc, you should be able to just use a push stick to shove it through. If I am wrong on this will someone correct me, please?

My guess he is using too big a push stick. PUSH STICK - can be a 1/4" thick piece of 'scrap'. Light sanding is the order of the day here. This is a pretty small workpiece. Sand out toward the outside of the disk - creates a shallower canyon to 'stay out of' and the speed IS faster. Do the 5/16" face(s) last.

curiousgeorge wrote:Just wondering. Why would you need a hold down? If you are entering from the correct (front) side of the conical disc, it will be going down thus forcing the board down on the table. So, with the board trapped between the fence and the downward moving disc, you should be able to just use a push stick to shove it through. If I am wrong on this will someone correct me, please?

A CONICAL disk will be moving forward(against the feed) at the contact point, not down towards the table. It WILL be forcing the work piece against the fence.

Use the fence straddler or something similar. Long toed tall pusher made of 1/4 inch ply. Handle over workpiece to keep it down.

Hi Bob! Sometimes, we try real hard to push specific operations to their practical limits. Other alternatives are Drill press position using a sanding DRUM, and a split fence. or simply use the belt sander.

I think JPG had your answer on how to use the conical disk with a hold down. To reiterate:
--Raise the table so only the outside of the disk is used. You will have to slow down your speed a bit to compensate for the speed of the outside edge of the disk.

--- Using a clamp with a small hook, clamp a 1/4" wide board to the fence to serve as a hold down. (Actually you don't need a hold down, but I can understand your comfort with the added control.) You can fashion a push stick from 1/4" stock. Actually, you could make two such sticks - Use one in your right hand for a hold down and the other in your left hand for a push stick.

charlese wrote:Hi Bob! Sometimes, we try real hard to push specific operations to their practical limits. Other alternatives are Drill press position using a sanding DRUM, and a split fence. or simply use the belt sander.

I think JPG had your answer on how to use the conical disk with a hold down. To reiterate:
--Raise the table so only the outside of the disk is used. You will have to slow down your speed a bit to compensate for the speed of the outside edge of the disk.

--- Using a clamp with a small hook, clamp a 1/4" wide board to the fence to serve as a hold down. (Actually you don't need a hold down, but I can understand your comfort with the added control.) You can fashion a push stick from 1/4" stock. Actually, you could make two such sticks - Use one in your right hand for a hold down and the other in your left hand for a push stick.

I do not remember saying ALL THAT!:D I do agree though!:)