Running A Sanding Drum In A Router

[knifenutz2008]

Is It The Safe Way To Go The Drum Sander Says Max Rpm 5000. Since The Routers Max Speed Is Below That I Am Thinking Its Possible Whatcha All Think?

 

[blgoode]

I say no way!

 

[Ilovetoolsteel]

Is It The Safe Way To Go The Drum Sander Says Max Rpm 5000. Since The Routers Max Speed Is Below That I Am Thinking Its Possible Whatcha All Think?

Your routers speed is probably between 28,000 and 30,000 rpm. I've never heard of a router running below 10,000 rpm. The drum is not balanced for running at those speeds, (probably not balanced at all) It will shake your router like mad, and probably cause the drum and sanding belt to disintegrate. Might even damage your router.

 

[STR]

The sanding drum mandrels and the drums themselves have a max speed that is recommended and the router is simply way too fast. You'll just throw the drums off the thing would be my guess because they'll rip off from the excess friction created by the increased speed.

STR

 

[LonD]

All I can say is NOT A CHANCE!!!!!

First, I’d suggest you double check the max (no load) rpm on your router. Most routers operate at a much higher rpm than you noted. Good variable speed routers usually only have a range between 10,000 – 25,000 rpm, and cheap routers like my Black & Decker run at 30,000 rpm to make up for lack of horsepower.

As noted by others given the weight of a sanding drum setup at router spindle speeds you’re going to generate some significant centrifugal forces. The balance of the drum you intend to use had better be spot on perfect. Any imbalance in the mandrel or materials and it’s only a matter of time before it comes apart. It’s late, so you can do the math on how fast those pieces of abrasive, rubber, and possibly steel will be traveling.

My take on the idea is not to try it.

I understand the impulse for people to improvise. There are some truly ingenious improvised tools and fixtures created by many members on this forum. However, remember Murphy’s Law? Well, Murphy is alive, well, and standing right next to you when working on a blade and he’s looking for a chance to ruin your day. If there’s machinery, sharp edges and flames involved, ol’ Murphy is sure to be close by and grinning.

 

[howiesatwork]

Is It The Safe Way To Go The Drum Sander Says Max Rpm 5000. Since The Routers Max Speed Is Below That I Am Thinking Its Possible Whatcha All Think?

You state the drum is marked 5000 RPM Max...
I've never seen a router that would run that slow.
I've got five routers, and the slowest variable speed is about 8000 RPM.
How fast are Dremel sanding drums rated?
They might do okay in the smaller sizes, as they are less likely to fragment at those speeds.
IIRC, slow on my Dremel is above 5000 RPM...
The answer to your original question is NO, in case you got confused by my superflous post...

 

[J. Shorter]

If you do decide to give it a try be sure to take a video, Who knows maybe you will end up on a Vonage commercial.

 

[TJ Smith]

I put a router speed control on my router to slow it down. The sanding drums lasted about no time. They wore out so fast thet I spent more time changing drums than grinding. One of the only uses I have found for the speed control.
Not worth the trouble.
Take Care
TJ