bobbin sanders

[StevieB]

Is it just me, or are bobbin sanders very expensive for what they actually are? I was needing to sand to a line earlier this week and my static belt/disc sander was not quite long enough to do it in one pass. Idly perusing the catalogues as one does, I wondered if a bobbin sander might have been an option. Not too sure on the merits of it to sand to a straight line by moving the workpiece backwards and forwards, and at the prices they are I am not likely to find out. I do prefer to move the workpiece to a static sander than move the sander on the workpiece however. If anyone has a bobbin sander, what exactly do you use it for - curved pieces and internal radii, or can you use it for straight edges as well?

I do have a small set of drill chuck mounted sanding pillars but they are not particularly good even in a pillar drill.

Steve

 

[9fingers]

Steve, You're correct. They do seem expensive for what they are.

I've got the small Jet, bought secondhand. It is useful for curves and sanding to a specific angle by tilting the table but needs care on straight sanding. I prefer to use a portable belt sander for that. Either way you need to keep the work moving.

I think the bigger ones have an oil filled gearbox for the oscillating mechanism which may explain the huge difference in price between the small one and the large model.

Bob

EDIT:
Just realised mine is the SIP badged version not Jet as I originally stated.

 

[segovia]

Drum sanders are even more expensive for what they are.

I bought a draper bobbin sander and I am quite please with it - the street price is about £200.00 - £219.00

If you look around all these sanders look alike and cost about the same, I wend with Draper as it was a well known brand name. As usual all probably made in the same factory as China.

J

 

[segovia]

http://www.abbeypowertools.co.uk/wood-w ... 89340.aspx

Abby power tools 169.00

 

[OPJ]

I wouldn't recommend a bobbin sander for cleaning up a straight edge - isn't that what a hand plane is for??? :roll:

I own the small Jet model although, I admit that they are a bit of a luxury item in most workshops. Saying that, it's invaluable for sanding inner curves and tight radii on templates that I spokeshave cannot reach - I'd never sell it!!

You should find that the Jet model is a big step up from the cheaper badged clones.

 

[George_N]

These Carroll drum sanders work well enough in a drill press, for accasional use. I also have one of these from Axminster. I have a couple of old motors (1/3 hp) with 5/8" arbour that takes the Axminster drum sander. I am planning on making a mounting plate and "box" to allow me to mount it in my homemade router table. It won't oscilate but it should still work out ok. All I need is for the TUIT to arrive.

 

[Tony Spear]

George, won't that be a little bit fast?

Axminster say max speed is 1500 rpm and most Routers don't go much below 8000. :shock:

Edit: I just re-read your post and now I realise you're going to use your little 1/3 HP motor with the Router table!

 

[George_N]

Yes Tony,
the motor runs at 1450 rpm (I think) and it's not so little. I have two of these induction motors that came off defunct/obsolete Edwards vacuum pumps and they are rated for continuous running. I plan a bobbin sander powered by one motor and a faceplate sander with the other.