Sanding discs

[Dalboy]

Does any one own a sanding disk tool like the Robert Sorby or Simon Hope type of thing make is not important. Anyway what I would like to know is do you buy the discs or have you found a cheaper way of buying and making your own.

I should also add where do you buy your sand paper from for the disk sanders

 

[Paul Hannaby]

I cut my own but I don't waste my time making them round. I just cut them octagonal.

 

[Dalboy]

Thank you Paul.


I have just added another question to my original post about where people buy their paper from

 

[petercharlesfagg]

I used to use the Simon Hope sander and purchased the rolls of Velcro backed paper, I then merely cut a square and folded the corners up, they were very useful under a lip for example.

Otherwise like Paul Hannaby an Octagon was just as good but it did waste small amounts of sand paper.

As for the sellers, I have used so many over the years that I can only suggest an internet search.

Regards, Peter.

 

[Dalboy]

Thank you Peter that is the sander I am hopefully going to buy when I go to the South East woodworking show next month. Many say it is better than the Robert Sorby one as it has bearings and not bushes in the head. I also like the idea of having different sized heads

 

[CHJ]

I think for most established turners it's not so much "Where they buy from" as "What they buy" I know it certainly is as far as I'm concerned.

And no I do not have what I consider an all embracing One Stop "Best Brand".

Over time I have ended up with a selection of Brands/Types that suit my way of working, and I can't truthfully tell you why or when I pick up a particular abrasive.
What I can tell you is that the grit and its ability to cut freely differs between brands and working life is influenced by the backing material as is suitability for wood type or form you are sanding.

For someone new to turning I would say don't necessarily buy on price, to start with, buy on brand and type.
Get a feel for the difference, then having decided which you prefer to use canvas suppliers for availability and price.

 

[CHJ]

.... Many say it is better than the Robert Sorby one as it has bearings and not bushes in the head. I also like the idea of having different sized heads

Yes, stay away from the plain bearing friction sanders, they rapidly become worn from grit and wood debris.
This old thread may be of interest

I do use friction drives occasionally but have myself migrated to using an old battery powered slow speed drill used with the Grip-a-disk or Simon Hope heads with Grip-a-disk pads or squares cut from Velcro backed rolls.

For me the slower rotational speed sees the abrasive lasting longer and appears to be cutting better rather than skipping across the surface.

 

[duncanh]

I used to use the arbour and pads sold by Hegner but I now use the Simon Hope ones and find them much more durable.
I usually use square abrasive but often find round ones useful for getting under lips or to the edge of flat sections.
To get perfectly round abrasive I made a large punch out of a hole saw - mount the saw in the lathe and turn it slowly whilst cutting the teeth off with an angle grinder. Then make the edge of the saw sharp with a grinder whilst turning it in the lathe. Use the punch over mdf and cover the back of it with a wide piece of wood to make sure that mallet blows are directed down the walls rather than into the middle of the metal (which could weaken it)