Disc sander project

While cleaning up the tool cupboard came across some vintage stuff from the early sixties! I remember now...my dad and I caught the train into the city to visit McEwan’s to purchase a complete Sher ShopMate work shop system – the ultimate at that time. I still have the Sher PowerMatic drill (later on became Skill Sher).

Note the mounting collar at the front of the drill. There is also a blind hole at the back on the same centre line to support the drill in the ShopMate stand.

The collar diameter is 42mm and the nearest hole saw is 44mm. Here I’m drilling a test hole, as expected it’s a bit to big so I will need to find something to shim the gap.

 

 

 

Looked around the shop, I usually keep stuff that may come in handy as shim material, even pull tab cans. This time grabbed some iron-on edging to shim the gap - let’s drill the mounting hole.

 

 

 

The drill is mounted, changed my mind with the iron-on edging and used purlin tape with some duct tape around that. It’s a nice snug fit and the the purlin tape helps to reduce vibration.

 

 

 

Making sure there’s enough room to unscrew and lift out the 8” aluminum disc.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprising how many Taurus and Work Zone tools I’ve got from ALDI over the years, they are usually supplied by Einhell and of good quality.

Interesting to note that in the UK Einhell not only supply ALDI but also Lidl with tools under the Parkside brand.

 

 

Next we need to sort out a guard/dust cover.

 

 

 

 

 

Poked around under the garden potting bench and came up with a 8” flower pot saucer – perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

Starting to take shape...

 

 

 

 

 

 

While moving the drill handle back and forth a little the roofing screw in the centre recessed hole is screwed down until it just nips the collar.

 

 

 

 

Nearly there, back in the sixties I can’t remember what dad and I used to glue the sandpaper onto the disc. Never mind this Chinese sticky stuff will be fine with a GMC 24V battery sitting on top.

I will search around for a Velcro pad and sanding discs.

 

The Sher Shopmate mitre gauge  - is NOT plastic!

After measuring everything carefully with (ALDI Work Zone) digital calipers I routed the mitre channel with a (A0LDI Taurus) router. Note the grey storage box with tab (middle bottom) for dust collection – simply pull it out and empty.

The disc turns clockwise so if you sand to the right of centre most of it ends up in the dust box. However when using all of the disc for longer work pieces then for anything left of centre the dust is thrown upwards.

So...I need to work out some additional dust extraction at the back.

No...I am not snorting in the workshop, the white stuff in the track is talcum powder.