Oscillating Spindle Sander?

[BMK]

Does anyone use one of these in knifemaking applications?

 

[Rick Marchand]

I would think you would go through a hell of a lot of abrasives. I use a barrel sander in my drillpress sometimes... this would definately be more efficient. I would like to rig up a horizontal unit that uses 2x72 belts.

Rick

 

[BMK]

Good point - not much surface area there. This "swing rig" looks like a very good design - both horizontal and vertical.

I would think you would go through a hell of a lot of abrasives. I use a barrel sander in my drillpress sometimes... this would definately be more efficient. I would like to rig up a horizontal unit that uses 2x72 belts.

Rick

 

[bigbcustom]

Rigid makes an oscillating horizontal belt sander, but limited by 24" belts.

 

[grelcar]

I have a Ridgid oscillating spindle sander (http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/Oscillating-Edge-Belt--Spindle-Sander/EN/index.htm) which also has a 4 X 21 belt attachment. It is useful for handle work and some light metal touchup. The small spindle sanding tubes get eaten up really quick on metal, they can also get used up pretty quick on wood. I find it real useful for shaping handles. I have also used it with the belt attachment to do some light blade profiling work. The sanding tubes are rather expensive for how much use you can get out of them.

If I had a belt grinder I doubt I would use it much for knifemaking.

 

[Kentucky]

Id say that would be nice to profile handles with..

 

[blindhogg]

Ive never tried a spindle sander, I imagine the sanding drum would wear out pretty quickly especially when using it against steel. But that is just a guess, I use a vertical 2x72 crudely attached to a wooden hinge plate to convert it to a horizontal. Works for me.