Mechanical sanding machine

[PEU]

A few weeks ago I saw a russian video for a mechanical sanding machine (posted it in the videos thread) I keep thinking about it so I went to a scrap parts warehouse and checked if I could find a small and cheap reducer+motor, found it, so with its 3D model and solidworks I modelled my version of the machine:

I had all the remaining parts from previous projects so, taking time from other activities, I began the build, it took all the mornings of this week, and today I finished the main setup, it still needs a proper VFD support, mains switch and the palm rests on the side of the reciprocating arm, but being friday I wasn't able to wait until finished and I tested with a small knife I had almost finished.
It works, and it works very nice, the knife is hardened and had 240grit belt marks, so I cut a strip of 240 sandpaper and turned it on. Five minutes later and only half of the sandpaper strip I can go to the next grit, the effort is minimal. I'm happy.

Pablo

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

Wow, that's really cool! Thanks for posting.

Do you have any plans or parts lists? I also wouldn't mind seeing some more pics. I hate hate hate hand sanding.

I wonder if something similar could be rigged up with a variable speed reciprocating saw/sawzall...

 

[PEU]

Here are some photos:

Pablo

 

[Wil D.]

Very cool. Definitely a labor saver without losing the handmade touch.

 

[john april]

excellent !

 

[Drew Riley]

Interesting... I kind of want to build something similar now, but I certainly don't need any more projects!

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Brilliant!

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Orbital sanders work very well, and can be used on any length blade.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

A few older togishi ( Japanese sword polishers) use a very similar setup. Because of age and things like arthritis, they can't push hard and stroke the sword back and forth for hours on a stationary stone like they could when younger, so the stone moves and they hold the sword. The stroke mechanism looks almost exactly like yours has a stone holder on it. You change the stones as you go from shitaji togi ( rough) to shiagi togi (fine).

 

[Natlek]

It's not fair , now Pablo will drink beer while we hand sanding ..................

 

[PEU]

It's not fair , now Pablo will drink beer while we hand sanding ..................

Make more knives, earn more money and invite the next round of beers!!!

Pablo

 

[Maelstrom78]

Ok but you hold the sandpaper correct?

 

[PEU]

Ok but you hold the sandpaper correct?

Yes with a block, I wasn't able to video myself, will do a video when properly finished.


Pablo

 

[timos-]

very cool! thanks for sharing.

 

[Maelstrom78]

Thanks!

 

[PEU]

Not finished yet, here is a new video

Pablo

 

[Hengelo_77]

don't stab yourself with that machine

 

[PEU]

don't stab yourself with that machine

Already did Now I Use a taller and wider sanding block, wider is more important than the height because you are not risking the blade go fully across it thus having the chance of stabbing...


Pablo

 

[Hengelo_77]

Just an idea: set it up so you sit next to the blade and the point doesn't move towards your belly but from the left to right