What bobbin sander?

[Handworkfan]

It goes against the grain, but I'm thinking of getting a sander for quickly shaping profiles. If anyone's seen the book 'building beautiful boxes with your bandsaw' you'll know the kind of work I want it for - an oscillating spindle sander seems the most appropriate.
So: cards on the table.

I've had enough experience of cheap machines to be very wary.
On the other hand, I'd rather save the serious money to spend on hand tools
I want it to do a decent job but won't be giving it very heavy use.
Checking Axminster's site I've foudn the Jet JBOS-5 which looks pretty good. anyone have any information they can share?

 

[OPJ]

I'd advise you to go for the Jet. I've had mine for over six months now and, judging buy the comments from other members, it really is worth paying the extra money on this instead of going for the cheaper Charnwood, SIP or Record Power models. The Jet is very solid, quiet and smooth running. You will enjoy using it! :wink:

 

[wizer]

Yep, Jet is where the quality is. I have the Charnwood and I get by, it's not terrible.

 

[Handworkfan]

Thanks for the advice, folks. It confirmed my expectations so I've been and gone and ordered the Jet.
I can still hardly believe that I've ordered a bobbin sander, but even I can't get away from the obvious fact that it's a quick and effective way of cleaning up profiled edges. My suspicion is that I'll still carry on using the spokeshave for more leisurely work just for the sheer love of it - but when there's a lot to be done in a hurry the machine should make a big difference.
Excuse me while I go and lie down in a darkened room to get over the shock . . . :wink:

 

[Argee]

... I can't get away from the obvious fact that it's a quick and effective way of cleaning up profiled edges.

Yes, it certainly is and the Jet was my choice too, but they're not quite as easy to use as you might think, so practice first on some scrap.

Note the difference in material removal caused by the feed direction, the danger of feeding too slowly and the amount of concentration needed to sand to a line.

I'm not suggesting that it's degree physics, but it does take some getting used to, until you can achieve repeatable results.

Ray.

 

[woof]

I too have had my eye on one of these, but with xmas coming up and the credit cunch I still haven't taken the plunge.

One thing I don't understand, are they mainly useful for concave work? I guess I don't understand whether you would have enough control for convex shaping - such as roundover edges or convex curves. Am I wrong?

 

[Handworkfan]

Again, thanks for the advice. Yes, I always practise on scrap with any unfamiliar process - bitter experience!
I'm not sure about how good they are for convex work - but I do know a disk/belt sander woudln't be a whole lot of use for concave. :lol:
I'm expecting to find that as Argee says it's necesssary to practise to learn the art, but I don't personally see why I shouldn't be able to convex work with appropriate care.
Anyway, it shold arrive next week, so with a bit of luck, I'll soon be in a position to tellyou how I got on with it.

 

[OPJ]

Excellent choice - and the price is very hard to resist at the moment too! :wink:

I agree with Ray's points on getting used to the cutting action. It's not quite as straight-forward as using a disc sander as there is no fixed cutting 'point'. You need to be very observant of where the bobbin is in contact and try not to linger in one place for too long. Using the largest possible bobbin also helps.

By the way, I think Axminster replacement sleeves are a little pricey - but, I've been told you can use cheaper replacements (Charnwood, for example). Get yourself one of those cleaning sticks, too - they make the abrasives last much longer.

 

[Handworkfan]

Thanks, OPJ - would you be able to shed any light on the question about whetehr it's suitable for use on convex surfaces? My supposition is that it's just a matter of practice and care, but you may know otherwise.

 

[wizer]

Yes you can use it on any shaped curve you like. Just beware that there is a kind of rhythm to feeding the work past the bobbin. If you stop midway, you will sand a dip in the work and you will have to work hard to get rid of it. I am thinking about making a circle sanding jig for mine when I have time, similar to Ray's.

Here is an example of a convex curve formed on the bobbin sander.


Before:

After:

 

[p111dom]

Does anyone know how long Axminsters sale is on for?

 

[p111dom]

Sorry found it, 22nd of Dec.

 

[Ironballs]

They are very useful, I was using the college behemoth to finish the template for my Les Paul body, this has lots of concave and vex curves of differing radii. All you have to remember is that when you need to stop to move hand position you taper off and taper back in to get a smooth line. That and go a little at a time.

Has anyone got experience of the Woodstar sander? If it's decent quality for 99 quid then I may be tempted, the only odd thing for me is the shape of the table, why not have a square table or at least have the large surface area at the front of the machine, which is where you do the bulk of your sanding?

 

[p111dom]

I saw it at the Harogate show. I agree with you about the table, it would be better the other way around. It's a little more noisy than the Charnwoods etc but as there's no tilt it's all boxed in so extraction should be better. Vibration was about the same. I expect the woodstar is lighter so could be stored away and brought out accosionally much more easily. 6 bobbins and the quality looked ok, no woble when spinning etc. The only negatives are the depth of oscilation which doesn't seem like much at all and how good the motor is.

 

[OPJ]

Thanks, OPJ - would you be able to shed any light on the question about whetehr it's suitable for use on convex surfaces? My supposition is that it's just a matter of practice and care, but you may know otherwise.

It can be done, with patience and practice. Again, I'd advise you to use the largest available size (diameter) of bobbin.

 

[wizer]

IIRC the Woodstar does not have an extraction facility?

 

[p111dom]

Well it had a hole at the back on the one at the show. Can't think what else it would be for. It was unusually small though. I'd guess at about 30mm.

 

[wizer]

Praps I'm thinking of something else then. I'll have a look next show.

 

[DaveL]

Technical data: Motor 230V/450 watt. No load speed: 2000rpm. Oscillating per minute: 58. Table size: 370 x 300mm. Sanding sleeves 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2", 3". Dust port 40mm. Net weight: 14.6kgs.

 

[wizer]

Corrected I Stand