I've been using a Robo-sander with a bearing on the drill press for pattern sanding bow risers and matching parts. It works ok but it has it's limitations. I think it's kind of tough on the drill's bearings due to the lateral pressure. The small sanding sleeves load up quickly if pushed too hard and don't have much surface area for bigger sanding jobs. What sort of equipment are others using that utilize sanding belts or larger spindle sanders? Or something else? Photos would be helpful. Thanks!

That looks a lot like my setup. Couple things that might help, are a larger diameter drum. Idea there is more surface area takes longer to load up. Second is find one of those large eraser type blocks to clean your sanding sleeve. Helps them to work better much longer. They look like the same material that they make crepe boot soles out of. Harbor freight carries them.

Also, a more aggressive got will help. I use 60.

I converted a shaper with the help of a machinest. It is very nice, but I still would like to have a larger wheel on the contact end...Always wanting something better then I have :)

I use 40 or 50 grit on risers. Any sander with a belt will make a huge improvement over the drum style.

BigJIm

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There are belt sanders which use a long belt turned around a replaceable spindle. The spindles are different diameters. I have seen these belt sanders used by custom gun stock manufacturers and blade smiths. Norton Abrasives makes " Blue " CBN belts which are excellent and resist clogging ( expensive ).

Several people have converted 6x80 Grizzly belt sanders to profile sanders. Plan on doing this to mine soon.

You'll have to have the drive drum trued up in the middle 4" and Brandon Sthall is building tables and rub collars for them.

Would be interested in what Tooltech is talking about. Only type of equipment I've seen runs a 2" wide belt only.

A setup like yours will work for a while but the drill press is not designed for the side pressure being applied, it will damage it over time. As stated above a belt type spindle sander is a better choice.

Agree with above+add metal drum instead of rubber.

Thanks for the insight guys. I'm already using 60 grit sleeves and cleaning often with the eraser thing . It does an adequate job but... I'm convinced that the drill press is not the right tool for sustained pattern sanding, for several reasons already mentioned. I want to get away from it all together. That is why I asked about BELT type of sanding equipment. I have been thinking about the Grizzly 60x80 sanders for a while but haven't quite been ready to fork over the $800+ just yet. I do have several other Grizzly tools, including a 6x48 combo disk/belt sander. So, I'm already sold on Grizzly. I just want more ideas before I start buying or modifying what I have already. Thanks!

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