Does anyone remember who it was on this site that advocated sanding very fast? The idea is to use a modified angle grinder. I've been doing it for years now despite all the advice to sand at slow speed. I hooked up a variable speed rectifier for variable speeds. I don't get checking and get great results. A light touch is required to avoid burnishing.
Sanding at very high speed
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Re: Sanding at very high speed
#2
The late Bill Neddow was the turner who developed methods of using an angle grinder to sand. He even wrote an article about how to obtain the parts necessary to convert the angle grinder so that it could use a chuck to hold 2 and 3 inch hook and loop pads.
I have that article somewhere but Lord only knows where.
Re: Sanding at very high speed
#3
Re: Sanding at very high speed
#4Mention of Bill Neddow made me smile even though he is now gone. He was was one of the kindest, patient, helpful persons I ever met and his large bowl work and more artistic pieces are beautiful.
Re: Sanding at very high speed
#5Thanks for refreshing my memory. I have not had any problems with heat checking. I use Astro Dot, also. One thing I do that I don't see in these posts, is that after each grit, I use one of those rubbery things and clean the sanding disk while it's still spinning. The sandpaper lasts for a fairy long time. Lately, I've been using Abranet, and that works well, also.
Today I was sanding some wet pecan at normal speed, but it just wouldn't sand well. I switched to very fast, and it went like a charm. go figure.
Re: Sanding at very high speed
#6Been doing all my turning sanding at high speed using a Sioux 2,500 v/s close quarters drill for something like 20 years. Unfortunately, Sioux doesn't appear to be making them anymore; only the 1,300rpm version (mostly clones) are around. I've had to replace the bearing in my drill several times, but it still runs smoothly. I also use Power-Lock discs which are great and easily cleaned. Unfortunately the company was bought by a French outfit ("Merit") that seems to be narrowing their availability to industrial/autobody customers. Spoke to Packard who still has a small stock of 1" discs (I need 2") and was informed the Merit outfit takes only very large volume orders from retailers. I did find their website, but their minimum order is for 100 pieces per grit for about $100; way more than I can use.
Just a note on method: While I run the drill at high speed, the lathe is run on slow, 100-200 rpm. Also, whether sanding a jar (hollowform if you must) or a bowl, it's important to keep the disc's contact point running at 90* to the tooling marks to remove them.
McMaster-Carr carries a 3M version of the Power Lock system but you need to buy the mating backer and mandrel. Note that the 3M product is twist locking that may limit use to clockwise rotation only. They sell their discs at about $10 for 10 discs. https://www.mcmaster.com/products/sanding-abrasives/quick-change-sanding-discs-11/
As I only have 80 grit Power Locks left, I'll have to switch to the 3M system once current stock is used (if I live long enough 
)