Yet another trademill sander

Hi guys!
I got this treadmill for cheap the other day and converted it to a sander. It has a 1.5 HP motor but it seems enough for the job.
Firstly I got rid of the base and handles.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...r/P1120622.jpg
I then bolted the control unit onto the motor cover, which is a convenient spot that allows me to work from either side of the sander.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...r/P1120614.jpg
I built a steel frame to get it on working height and reinforced the table by adding a 20mm plywood board. It's not a precision surface but I was able to make it reasonably flat by adding shims over the tabs on which it's bolted on.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...r/P1120627.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...r/P1120612.jpg

I will be adding a stop bar to prevent any workpiece from flying to the other side of the room :D I also want to build a 90 degree fence and the popular fretboard sanding jig that works with belt sanders!

That's a great idea. Thanks for sharing it.

Btw, how much do belts that size cost?

Fantastic job, immortalx. Nice idea keeping the control panel, has a professional look to it.

Al

I think I could sand the hull of my boat with that sander. :O) Great job.

Thanks guys!
GlennR I ordered this one from a local shop that does custom sized belts for 30€ ( about 31.5 USD)

BTW Captainleeward and all the other great builders here, you've been a great inspiration to all of us. I lack the time to be active on the forums but I check the central page regularly and I'm amazed at what you guys have achieved!

A good imagination is one of the prerequisites for great builds and you have one!!!....:O)
I just realized i need to get my calluses off my feet...:lol:

Thanks immortalx! I've added your Treadmill Sander to our Sanding category, as well as to your builder page: immortalx's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="/treadmill-sander"><img src="https://www.homemadetools.net/uploads/236878/homemade-treadmill-sander.jpeg" alt="Treadmill Sander" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="/treadmill-sander">Treadmill Sander</a> <span> by <a href="/builder/immortalx">immortalx</a></span> </div> <div class="tags"> tags: <a href="/tag/belt-sander">belt sander</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Thanks guys!
Captainleeward, 100 grit might be too fine for the calluses, 40 grit will get them off in no time :lol:

Good work on the machine. I actually kept the parts to a treadmill in case I ever wanted to do this but don't have room in my shop.

Great job, immortalx! Makes me want to build one too. :)

Welcome visitors from BeThePro.com :welcome:

sander | Pro Construction Forum | Be the Pro

Wao, it seems I completely missed thuis build, congrats immortalx, great idea !
Although, needs a little space in the shop, but great tool for the pros who often have instruments lining crowns to be sanded flush.
You could even do a double bass with that !

Thanks again Christophe! These treadmills can be found used for cheap. The whole project can be made for less than 100€ (including the sanding belt) which I believe is a lot less compared to a commercial sander! It's not as powerful though, but it's alright for hobby use!

And did you do something for dust collection ?
The size of the thing suggests a great amount of dust production, I suppose you don't like that too much in the shop ?

Indeed it produces tons of sawdust, just like every machine in a guitar shop (you know that better than me!), but I currently have no solution other than wearing a mask!