I was browsing an Meisel woodworking catalog and found a plan for holding a belt sander on its side and a small work table near the belt.  This looks as handy as can be for some cases.  I am just trying to figure out how to build it myself and hold the belt sander in place.  I have an oooolllldddd Craftsman belt sander.  It has the trigger on/off switch in the handle, a tracking knob on the left side.  So, my thinking is that I will place it on the right side so I have full access to the tracking knob.  I guess I can hold the tool with the handle and rest the belt drive housing in the cradle, then build a box to hold the work table so I had sometimes use it.  Does anyone have a plan or have you used one?  Do you like it or not?  Just kicking around some ideas.  Thanks for stopping and for your responses.

 

Here is a link:http://meiselwoodhobby.com/Products/ViewProduct.aspx?id=15135

Edited December 27, 20187 yr by FlGatorwood
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I use one of these.  No one has ever regretted getting one as far as I know.

 

I have a similar old Craftsman belt sander and made this “table” to do what I think you talking about. The photos are not in any particular order. 

 

 

I didn’t have any plans but if you have questions I’ll try to answer them 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you, Lew.  This is perfect.  I see what you did and will go through my measurements and engineer something.  It doesn't have to be pretty, just functional.  As she said during her first pregnancy.

 

Steve in Pensacola, FL

Nicely done & quite functional looking Lew.

27 minutes ago, lew said:

I have a similar old Craftsman belt sander and made this “table” to do what I think you talking about

Lew, that is a nice piece of what people tell me all the time, Garage Engineering.  On my to do list is to make this a sign and put in shop.  

 

2 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

It has the trigger on/off switch in the handle

You could mount one of these paddle switches and use that to turn on and off.  This way you can mount where it will work best for you.  If the paddle is not to your liking they are removeable.  My belt sander switch is on the back.  I really think the engineers were into SM because the only way you turn it off is if some hide is removed.  Put the switch on the front and works much better.

I was thinking of that switch.  Great idea.  You gave me something else to work on.  Thanks all.  I hope this thread will help someone else.

 

 

Gator, A couple of You-tube videos too. I hope the language is OK in them??? My PC sound is on the fritz...time to run CC Cleaner & Malwarebytes...

Both are similar to Lew's however Lew's really looks a lot cleaner and functional. First video, looks like it's made from recycled pallet lumber since he even left a nail in it.

 

Of course we'll want pictures of your build too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHmM5gRq0lI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj6SK8TtIdA

8 minutes ago, FlGatorwood said:

I was thinking of that switch.  Great idea.  You gave me something else to work on.  Thanks all.  I hope this thread will help someone else.

 

 

You could simply use one of these to switch it too. Less expensive.  Use a zip tye to hold the sander switch closed.

 

Thank you, Dave.  Both are excellent, but I may implement the second one.

 

BTW, Lew, do you still have your belt sander or is that you in the video on the first one.  Looks very much like the one you showed.  

This one is 16 amps, fine for most sanders

 

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-71054-Magnetic-Paddle-Switch/dp/B01IEM2DSM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545969451&sr=8-1&keywords=magnetic+switch+120+volt

 

This one is better, slightly more $$$

 

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-71007-220V-Paddle-Switch/dp/B00KPEEPAW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1545969622&sr=8-6&keywords=magnetic+switch+120+volt+20+amp

Cool, woodbutcher.  Thank you.

 

Dave, thank you for your idea.  I have a few new ones on hand left over from another project.  Hmmm!  What to do?

8 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

BTW, Lew, do you still have your belt sander or is that you in the video on the first one.  Looks very much like the one you showed.

No, that's not me. And, yes I do still have the sander and jig.

Perhaps this link will give you a few ideas.  Danl

 

Isn't it amazing what is on YouTube?  Thank you to all who have contributed to my question.  I have so many ideas and I will figure out what I want and how to build it.  Yes, I'll show my process and the final results.  It's going to be a little while.  I have some clean up and organization to do.  And, the weather needs to be dry enough so I can get outside and work.  Imagine that!  Thanks again.  This has been a wonderful lesson and I lave learned bunches.  

 

Steve in a busy little place called Pensacola, FL

9 hours ago, Danl said:

Perhaps this link will give you a few ideas

Nice find on that video.  Jay Bates is a good go to resource for stuff like that.  If I had need on one would go with his set up.