I was very fortunate to come into the possesion of a homemade drum sander (thanks Jerry). I thought it was a no brainer that I should update to hook and loop sandpaper. In trying to find hook material I came across an article that described building a machine very similar to the one I have but in other comments I noted a discussion about hook and loop not being a good choice for such machines. It’s main point was that the cushion between the H&L created a void that eventually would create un-parallel surfaces. However, looking through a Grizzly catalog, I see their machines all either come with or include an upgrade to H&L. So what’s the deal? Does anyone have any real life experience with this? I would appreciate any feedback from this community.
Thanks,
remodlrj
Replies
Hook and loop sandpaper on a drum sander
Hi REmodlrj,
There is indeed a drum sander made specifically for the application of hook and loop sandpaper, from Stockroom Supply of Ontario. I have one, and have been reasonably pleased with the ease of use and the results. The one factor that is a significant advantage is due to the use of hook and loop, the paper does not heat up, nor does it load during the sanding of my projects.
The set up is touchy, yes, but once you have it set up, if you need to sand off more material, one simply changes the grit of the paper and off you go!
More information is available at http://www.stockroomsupply.com
I'm just a user, and have a consumer relationship with this vendor. I hope this is of help.
Gerry
Hook and Loop abrasives
The Abrasives you are looking for are avalible from Klingspor http://klingspor.com/
I have a drum sander made by Woodmaster Tools.
Hook and Loop vs adhesive Papers
Jay - I think that the fundamental issue with hook and loop vs adhesive backed papers lies in the intended use. A free running drum with hook and loop paper will have the paper standing clear of the drum because of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation. As a result if you take light removals, the paper will not contact the drum, run cooler, and have longer life. That is forced by the Stockroom Supply Flatmaster because the drum is below the table and proper set up does not allow the drum to interfere with the sanded surface.
With a Performax set up, (drum overhead) you can take a heavy enough draft so that the paper is forced against the drum. I suppose that this could cause some irregularity with hook and loop.. If however, you are using adhesive papers on an over head drum sander and the paper is coarse enough, then you could actually mill with it as opposed to sand!!
With light passes, on thin stock I see no reason why hook and loop can't work on your overhead drum sander.
Jerry
I bought one of Grizzley's 16" drum sanders and later converted it to hook and loop. Before the hook and loop it was a royal pain, after the hook and loop it was a pleasure to use. I have since bought a 26 1/2" Shop Fox drum sander which came with hook and loop. I've had the machine about four years and it works perfect including the dust collection system that leaves the face of the boards clean from sanding dust. Recently the biggest improvement I have found is in using a new sandpaper I am buying from Industrial Abrasives Company in Reading, PA. I most commonly use 100/120 on drum one and two. The paper is the difference of night and day
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled