Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Sep 10, 2011 10:11am | #1

   "About this much," he says, holding his hands up with palms facing each other.  ;-)

   I think estimating abrasive life is going to be difficult, considering the number of variables involved - especially with items coming in from the general public. I think I'd lean toward assuming a new set of belts for each project/customer, and then be happily surprised if they last longer.

2. 
   hammer1 | Sep 10, 2011 01:19pm | #2

   One of the problems with some drum sanders is that they don't occilate. This means it's very easy for one small spot to load up and start burning. With older cabinet doors, there may be grease or other contaminents on them. Different finishes may also be more prone to loading than others. It's possible, you won't get all the way through one door, also possible you may do several. Of course there are other issues. Raised panels may be proud of the frame, recessed from the frame, there are the raised molding areas to do, beads, edges and maybe backs. If your sandpaper loads, even in a pin head size spot, it can burn and burn deeply, which may ruin a door, then what? A non occilating drum also leaves straight striations from the sandpaper which are not likely to be accepted for any finish other than paint. It will require a second opperation to remove the marks. You had better do a few doors of different types before contracting out. I don't think you'll find you want to deal with the potential problems or want to get involved with stripping areas that the sander won't touch. Finish removal is best done with strippers not sandpaper.