Any down side to using a lathe as a disc sander?

Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.

Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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I recently had the opportunity to pick of an old Clausing 12x36 lathe and was wondering if there is any danger in sticking a 9in sanding disc in the jaws and using it as a disc sander? It would eliminate the need for a new motor/ VFD system, save space, and allow me to use more than 1 disc with rapid disc changes. Im mostly concerned about ceramic grit damaging the ways over time or the fine dust harming the variable speed drive over time.

Sorry I don't have a picture of the lathe. Ill see if I can get one posted tomorrow.
 
go for it. as long as you have it mounted in the jaws tight you should be good to go. having it at the right height (high enough) is important though. make sure to mark the shaft on the disk sander so you can clamp down on it in the same spot each time. i have a few vids showing how to grind on a disk sander. if i have your email addy i'll send them to you.

make sure to put some plastic down on the ways to keep the grit off them but right under the disk put a wet towel to catch any hot sparks that might burn through the plastic.
 
its almost healed but i'm stuck with this bag on my side for another month. i'm uploading the vids to an email. i was teaching chuckinohio how to grind his own k II. if you are able to come up before i go back in for surgery i'll be glad to show you how to grind on a disk sander. it will have to be done without the sander running since we'll be in the basement but i can still teach you how its done.
 
You can protect the ways from grit... but my problem would be access. Getting to the disc would be a real PITA. I stand directly in front of my discs, and often lean over them so I can look at things from behind the disc as well. That isn't gonna happen using a lathe.

But... guys usually get used to what they have, so it might work well for you.
 
I would stay away fron sanding/grind over a lathe personally. Sanding grit will get mixed up with your way oil and tear up the ways...

Much cheaper to buy a cheap disc sander as opposed to getting another lathe sooner than you should have to...
 
Could you rig up a system to mount an outboard disk on the other end of the spindle? Something like an outboard bowl turning setup on a wood lathe?

It would probably mean a bit more faffing about with a drawbar and such, but would give better access and largely eliminate any concerns over abrasive on the ways.
 
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