Anyone here own a Brush Sander?

[jeffreymcgrew]

So we're (as always) looking to speed up our sanding. We do tons of stuff with lots of fancy cutouts and profiles, as well as 3D and v-carved surfaces. While they are made for sanding cabinet doors and such, I'm wondering if one of these: http://www.supermaxtools.com/products-superbrush-bush-sanders-24-36-49.php

Would speed things up. Or if there is something similar that I could just make myself after buying the brush drum thing from someone.

I figure someone here probably has either used one of these or something along the same lines...

[Brady Watson]

Jeff,
Here's the DIY version: http://www.stockroomsupply.com/V_Drum_Sander.php

I saw one of these in action (haven't bought one yet) and they are really good...especially considering the price compared to a wide belt etc.

-B

[joe]

Jeffrey,

I'm going through the same questions about a sander. I've been looking at a 18" open end oscilating belt as opposed to the drum. I have two friends with them and they say a drum sander is as good.

Drums cost about half as much though.

[ed_lang]

For what is is worth, here is my post..

I had a drum sander. Sold it. I now have a 18" wide belt. Cost a LOT more, does a LOT better job. Next I will be adding a brush sander. Why? They do two different things. The wide belt will give a much more random scratch pattern and is faster at sanding. Drums clog due to the small drum size and the fact that the paper does not flex to allow dust to get free. Brush sanders are not for making the part smooth and uniform thickness. They are for breaking the sharp 90* edges and softening them before finishing. They also scuff the layers of finish between coats. Brush sanders also work well on detail sanding such as 3D CNC carvings. So, you might need both types as I do or just one type. Depends on what you are trying to do. The SuperMAX machines were demoed to me in Fredericksburg, VA a few months ago and I even took samples of my parts back the second day. I was shown exactly what they could do for me. I was impressed and have one on my short list of equipment to buy before the year is out.

Hope this helps. Feel free to call or email.

[carlhopkins]

For what it's worth, I have worked with both.
I bought a two drum sander 25" Powermatic, off the show floor. Budget was the reason for not getting a wide belt.
So in my experience with it learn the machine very well. Don't expect too much but it does do a great job, especially when compared to all of the hand sanding with a portable.
When I do upgrade a wide belt it will be.

[jeffreymcgrew]

We're not a production cabinet shop, so while the wide-belt is a cool-looking beast it's not really what we need.

The brush sander breaking all the edges and being able to deal with more complex surfaces is more where we're at. It sounds like it lives up to what they say it does, so I guess I'll mail them some samples to run through there machine & see if someone local has one I can take a gander at.

If only I could make my Shopbot sand edges effectively...

[ed_lang]

Jeffrey,

I spoke to several folks at the show who make sanding "mops" for lack of a better name right now. Yes, they can be put into the ShopBot. I don't think a router would be the right choice, but a spindle would be due to being able to run is much slower. then you could sand the edges while holding the work up on a puck or pod.

So many choices!

Good luck.

[henrik_o]

Here's a thread (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/312/28528.html?1205121087) on a pretty basic brush sanding setup.