Disk Sander Question

[Fiddleback]

Last week, while ravishing the Random Pics thread Nick Wheeler started I learned that I've been underutilizing my disk sander. I've got a pretty nice one. Its an industrial type 12" disk 6x42" belt sander. I use it a lot, but never have used it on blade bevels.

So last night I went down to look at it closer look, and the reason for this jumped right out at me. The 12" sanding disks are a tiny bit bigger than the disk on the sander.

1. Do you guys trim yours flush? Is there a trick?

Also, I tend to let the sanding disks get worn down pretty well because its such a PITA to get the old disk off and clean the machines disk of glue. That stuff is hard to get off, and even acetone doesn't disolve it. Obviously I'm using the self adhesive disks. Zircona Alumina.

2. Is there some trick I'm missing that makes changing abrasive disks an easier task?

My father in law and I rebuilt that machine and recently put a brand new motor in there. I'd love to be able to use it more, but these two things are prohibitive. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SAR]

Andy I use wd-40 it gums that glue real quick I do my final sweep with some fine steel wool. If you have some extra stuborn glue a quick once over with your heat gun should clean it up. I trim my disk flush, I have read that folks leave some hanging over to clean up the plunge.

Spencer

 

[Mark Williams]

Maybe switch the 12" disc for a 9" disc. Then you could use the 9 x 11 sheets for economy.

 

[Patrickknives]

I use a heat gun to melt the glue to remove the old disk. Start on one edge and heat where it is peeling off.

 

[Fiddleback]

Thanks guys!! Lots of great suggestions here. I'll get the heat gun out next time.

Never thought to try WD40 either!

Andy I use wd-40 it gums that glue real quick I do my final sweep with some fine steel wool. If you have some extra stuborn glue a quick once over with your heat gun should clean it up. I trim my disk flush, I have read that folks leave some hanging over to clean up the plunge.

Spencer

Do you just trim the disk flush with a razorknife???

 

[Will Leavitt]

On my old 8" disk wheel (currently building a new one) grinder I center dilled a hole and set a 1/8" guide pin in there. I took some magnetic sign material, center drilled them with a 1/8" hole and would have my sanding paper on there. It allows for quick change and if you know that you need several disks of one grit then you can make them up ahead of time.

I trimmed mine by placing the disk on the magnetic material and using a utility knife cut them to shape.

This obviously only works if your disk is steel lol

At the cabinet shop I worked at we had a 20" Jet disk sander, we used a heat gun then cleaned up with acetone (course we had drums of that around.)

Will
formerly known as badbamaump

 

[Jim Rehrer]

I have a 9" disc sander that I made ...I use brakeleen to get the glue off...I get my paper from the local autobody store...I find it easier to not let the glue dry completely before I change paper.

 

[Alden Sherrodd]

I have a 9 inch disc that i built. I think it is helpful for it to be slightly undersize so that the paper goes all the way to the edge. I trim it with a utility knife then use a piece of metal to force the paper down to the edge while running. It has a relatively square edge (slightly eased from use). I use an adhesive remover from NAPA auto parts to remove the old glue. It works better than any solvents that I could think of. I think Goof Off would work as well and is sold at department stores and hardwares. I use 3m universal spray adhesive to attach regular autobody sand paper.

Have fun
Alden

 

[richard j]

i have some 9" 30 grit discs with the hole in the center that i'm trying out and it takes some good adhesive to hold them in place. when i get ready to change discs i take a scrap piece of metal and really hog at it until it gets hot. the disc will peel off leaving very little adhesive behind. mineral spirits takes care of the rest quickly. i also trim mine flush since my disc is slightly smaller than 9".

 

[SAR]

Maybe switch the 12" disc for a 9" disc. Then you could use the 9 x 11 sheets for economy.

Thats what I would do its much cheaper, hope you get something built

Spencer