Disc sander build

[Pete O]

(09-30-2018, 12:02 PM)the penguin Wrote: Pete,

The sander build is incredibly interesting, I’ve very impressed by the casting.

I’ve always been interested in other peoples techniques and equipment. I have a couple of questions.

Do you find a disc sander all that effective?? I have a 12” unit and hate it, unless I’m using the last 1-2” on the outside edge, I can remove metal faster with a file. Is it technique?? I worked for a number of years in a furniture factory (ran the maintenance dept), we had 3-4 units, that were never used.

I have a Jancy RadiusMaster 2” x 48” belt grinder, an Australian design and built, at one time marketed by Jancy (now Fien), that for me is a more viable tool. With the time and design work, you have involved in the project, you must believe they are a viable piece of equipment. Can you explain how you use it?? Maybe I’m missing something.

Hi Jack-
I hope it'll be useful- I guess I'll be able to answer your questions better once I've got the thing finished! My plan is to use it for wood mostly, although I suspect it will see some metal also. I don't do a lot of woodwork but I'm finding with setting up a home foundry that my lack of woodworking gear is holding me back, as I need to be better set up to make patterns. A disc sander with a titling table seems to be an excellent way to shape pattern components and in particular to apply draft.

I have a 4" belt grinder that gets used all the time, however it only has one 4" contact wheel and is not variable speed. For ages I've had plans to build a 2x48 belt grinder with interchangeable platens, wheels etc- however large contact wheels suitable for knifemaking etc cost a bomb so I'll want to cast the wheels myself, which brings me back to pattern making.....what's a good tool for making an accurate 10" diameter wood disc with a 5 degree draft? I reckon a disc sander with a tilting table. I'll let you know how it goes!

I'm envious of your RadiusMaster, they are the Rolls Royce of belt grinders (I guess in the U.S. they are the Cadillac?), sadly priced way out of my reach. I've only seen one on the second-hand market once, I went and had a look at it and it was pretty beaten up, was missing some parts, had obviously been the workhorse grinder in the jobbing shop it was in. I put a bid on it and it went for about four times what I was willing to pay. It's easier for me to justify putting some time into something- especially using the machines I already have- than spending big money. So far the only money I've spent on this disc sander has been for the fasteners. I have some time on my hands at present and am catching up on some projects without having to justify my hours.

I have in mind to set this thing up on a portable base that will be directly inspired by the RadiusMaster videos I was drooling over a few years ago.