Thickness sander advice

[jthompson1995]

I'm looking at buying/building a small thickness sander, to use for flattening thin strips for gluing up, inlaying, etc.

I've looked at all of the ones mentioned in the previous topic below as well as the one from Micro-Mark.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20606&SearchTerms=thickness,sander

I've also heard of ones thet were built using the drill press with a drum sander.

I'm not looking for a large sander for flatwork, but something to make very accurate, even thickness strips for pen/bottlestopper/yo-yo size projects.

I'd like some input from anyone who has used and/or made one themselves as to how well they work, are they worth buying, do you have any plans for building your own?

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Russb]

In the past I have used the drill press. Made an auxiliary fence parallel to a sanding drum and just pushed the wood through by hand. For small quantities it worked pretty good.

 

[oldsmokey]

Jason, I have the performaX 1632. It is overkill for the hobbiest. It is a great machine. It has auto-feed with a VS motor. The belts are a little pricey, but easy to change. I have made some very thin veneer with it.
You have to assess your needs now and in the future and buy the best machine for you.
Good luck

 

[kirkfranks]

Jason,

I use a home built spindle sander.
Miesel Hardware # W1848
It works fine with a simple fence (two pieces of wood screwed together) clamped next to the sander. Total cost was about $20 since I was salvaging the motor from a washing machine.

<br />

I will bring the plans with me to Bubbasville East this weekend and you can borrow if you like.