Simple solution for cutting, just flip your belt so the grit is down lay your old belt on top, grit down and then cut. This will make your cuts straighter save your blade and perhaps a finger or two. Happy sanding!
I agree with cutting your own sander belts. From what you describe the belt is a bit over 8'. Let's say 9' (3 meters). 3 pre-cut belts are $30 whereas an 18 meter roll is $36 (Klingspor). The cost savings for cutting your own is $4 per belt which is significant.
Measure the width of the drum multiply it by the circumference of the drum divide that number by the width of the sanding roll. That's how long you need of sandpaper. But you need to cut your angle first and measure from the blunt end of the angle not the sharp tip of the angle. The length of the angle is the same as the circumference of the drum.
@@BitsandWood I just did mine today. Took a couple tries because I couldn't get an accurate measurement on the diameter of the drum. But I was only out by a little over an inch the first time. Also you have to wrap the sanding roll on the drum using the angle side. Don't try to start wrapping it with the straight long side. It doesn't work.
I like your method.....If you have an old pair of tin snips around, that works as well....just mark the end with chalk or a magic marker if you are working from the back and Bob's yer uncle. -
I use 80 grit and 120 grit. Mostly, I keep it loaded with 120 unless the wood needs a lot of work. In that case, I swap out the 120 for 80 till it's flat, and then go back to 120.
Good video. However, anything is easy to cut if you have a template. How do you cut the first belt if you've just made a home made sander for your lathe, your drum diameter is different from a manufactured machine and you obviously don't have a belt to use as a template?
I don't know. Maybe tape one end of the belt to the end of the drum and try wrapping it till the drum is covered, tape the tail end, then mark the underside of the belt with a sharpie and cut along that line? Not sure if that would actually work, but it makes sense in my head. :)
Exactly. I haven't done the math yet to see how much this method saves, but every penny I skip spending on consumables is more money I can spend on lumber :)
Simple solution for cutting, just flip your belt so the grit is down lay your old belt on top, grit down and then cut. This will make your cuts straighter save your blade and perhaps a finger or two. Happy sanding!
Good idea! I'll try that next time.
I agree with cutting your own sander belts. From what you describe the belt is a bit over 8'. Let's say 9' (3 meters). 3 pre-cut belts are $30 whereas an 18 meter roll is $36 (Klingspor). The cost savings for cutting your own is $4 per belt which is significant.
Measure the width of the drum multiply it by the circumference of the drum divide that number by the width of the sanding roll. That's how long you need of sandpaper. But you need to cut your angle first and measure from the blunt end of the angle not the sharp tip of the angle. The length of the angle is the same as the circumference of the drum.
That’s a good tip, thanks! I’m going to try that out 👍
@@BitsandWood I just did mine today. Took a couple tries because I couldn't get an accurate measurement on the diameter of the drum. But I was only out by a little over an inch the first time. Also you have to wrap the sanding roll on the drum using the angle side. Don't try to start wrapping it with the straight long side. It doesn't work.
I like your method.....If you have an old pair of tin snips around, that works as well....just mark the end with chalk or a magic marker if you are working from the back and Bob's yer uncle. -
What grit do you run in your sander? And do you change it for different tasks?
I use 80 grit and 120 grit. Mostly, I keep it loaded with 120 unless the wood needs a lot of work. In that case, I swap out the 120 for 80 till it's flat, and then go back to 120.
Good video. However, anything is easy to cut if you have a template. How do you cut the first belt if you've just made a home made sander for your lathe, your drum diameter is different from a manufactured machine and you obviously don't have a belt to use as a template?
I don't know. Maybe tape one end of the belt to the end of the drum and try wrapping it till the drum is covered, tape the tail end, then mark the underside of the belt with a sharpie and cut along that line? Not sure if that would actually work, but it makes sense in my head. :)
If you have something homemade, I am guessing you are going to have to come up with your own solution
A penny saved is a penny gained
Exactly. I haven't done the math yet to see how much this method saves, but every penny I skip spending on consumables is more money I can spend on lumber :)