Build Your Own Drill Press Powered Belt Sander!

A full-size, dedicated edge sander is one of those tools that would be nice to have — if you have the space. As an alternative, we built the portable edge sander seen in this video. It’s a scaled-down version of a big, commercial unit with several advantages. First, it’s powered by your drill press. Since there’s no motor, it’s easier to store when it’s not being used. Plus, it uses a common 4" x 36" sanding belt. The long, wide platen provides support for smoothing straight edges and outside curves. Inexpensive hardware, including ball bearings, makes it a smooth-running, quiet machine. And the best part is, you’ll find that building the sander is just as enjoyable as using it afterward.

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[paul-ldvh]

That's really clever!
Excellent video!

[drobb]

OK, I think this is great! As a machinist who uses a powermatic (American made), drill press at work and a Taiwan one at home, you can't put enough hours of side load on that spindle to begin to hurt it. The press at our shop must have 50, 000 grueling hours on it drilling steel. They are tough but their paint is pitiful.

[mheermance]

The website has plans for this sander and a different one that also uses the drill press. Is one better or easier to Bui than the other?

[williamellis]

How long will that belt last going around that small diameter rod? Any plans soon for an oscillating belt sander?

[huwdavies]

Even though I have a dedicated belt and disc sander this is something I may well make. Does it have any dust extraction system port fitted? Cheers, Huw

[scott]

Are the bearings in a drill press made to take a "sideways" load like that? I don't know what bearings they usually use...

[davidbacon]

Greetings Woodsmith folks and fans ...
Got the plans. Ordered the parts in the parts list. Built to spec. When it works, it is wonderful!
Problem .... the small spindle consistently stops rotating after only a couple minutes of use. My fingers can easily rotate the spindle. Yet, when the 4x36 belt is moving over it, the spindle eventually stops rotating within about 2 minutes. The bearings are just a little warm but not hot.
Have others had a similar experience? Thoughts on cause or resolution?

[jeffoldham]

just wanted to say that i really appreciate you coming back to me, , , and everything you have told me, ,but i followed the direction to the letter and still no soap, , i cant even get it to hold in the drill press chuck, , , this is one plan that i would actually like to see in person, , , , but thats ok, , thank you again

[jeffoldham]

i hate to bother you but can you tell me how to get the rollers to grip the sand paper, , i turned a wooden roller on a lathe and it is perfect, , , , but it will not grip the sandpaper, ,

[homemadetools]

Cool! This is a good implementation of a drill-powered sander. If you want more views, feel free to embed your video on our homemade tools forum; looks like you're one of us :-)

[motorahead]

This is cool, but something like a Rigid benchtop edge sander seems more practical/cost effective; and takes up about the same footprint, maybe less.

[nnamerz]

What issue of Woodsmith Magazine are these plans in?

[jeffoldham]

as a rule i like woodsmith plans, , but i have tried 3 times to get a answer on one of their plans, , , talked to tammy twice and another girl and was told they would ask somebody, , , never heard a word back, , i think i might start getting plans else where, , ,