inflatable drum/cushion sander query

[Stewey]

Hi Folks, I've seen a few inflatable drum sanders, or also called cushion sanders, where they fit on a bench grinder motor, and are 6 to 9" wide, by about 4" diameter. You can increase or decrease the firmness, by the amount of air you pump them up to be. Does anyone know where in Australia these drums can be bought, and sanding sleeves too? I've searched these woodwork forums, and fleabay, to no avail... Thanks!

[Arron]

Carbatec sells pneumatic sanding drums. Isn't that what you are after.
http://www.carbatec.com.au/pneumatic-sanding-drum_c1030

[Stewey]

Thanks - I wonder why Mr Google couldn't find it for me?

[steamingbill]

Hello,

I have seen plans somewhere where they chopped up a car tyre inner tube or a wheelbarrow tube then wrapped it around a spindle, somehow sealed it all up , to make an inflatable sander like you are looking for.

Here is one variation http://lumberjocks.com/projects/49024 he has posted the plan on the site, there are other ways to do it, google will find them for you.

Its an option to consider if you cannot buy the size you want.

Bill

[skot]

Stewey,

I have one of those & yes you can alter the firmness depending on the inflation level. I have at times let air out to get a "softer" sanding but be aware, if it is too soft you can tear the sand paper if you apply too much pressure and in turn the pneumatic bladder.

Check spindle size on your grinder. A 6" grinder may have too small a thread. I had to buy an 8".

[Stewey]

Thanks very much! The wheelbarrow tube and belt sander belt sound great!

(we have 3 of 8" bench grinders- the 5/8" shaft is fine. 2 are Old Skil 2hp ones- plenty of guts.)

[steamingbill]

Thanks very much! The wheelbarrow tube and belt sander belt sound great!

(we have 3 of 8" bench grinders- the 5/8" shaft is fine. 2 are Old Skil 2hp ones- plenty of guts.)

If you like that sort of stuff then there are two very good books you can either get over internet or through local library

40 Power tools you can make - has some of the plans available on the Vintage Plans site - very similar to old Pop Mechanics and Pop Science plans which are searchable and available on the Google books site.

Making and Modifying Machines - this has a different method of making an inflatable drum sander.

I think this is the original plan of what that other chap built http://books.google.com.au/books?id=...page&q&f=false


Bill

[Stewey]

Thanks - yes, I found that link - I'll have a go at making one, but I'll make it a 4" wide one.
We do have 2 stroke sanders, so I don't need a solid wheel - I like the idea of the slight flex in these.

For the flange, the simplest thing I can think of is to get an aluminium cast V-belt pulley, and just turn off the V on the side away from the grubscrew, in the lathe, so it's all flat. I'm sure I have a couple of spares in the 3 to 4" category somewhere.