Introduction: WOODTURNING BOWL SANDER

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What could be better than making your own tools? and saving about £40 on a ready made Bowl Sander.

Every wood turner at some time has had either the chuck or the work, clout their fingers (Ouch!) because they have been so engrossed in sanding the work, they have gotten too close, this little tool will help keep digits away from the spinning work.

This is a great fun project, easy to make - you can make it as simple or as intricate as you want, tilting handle, square handle, fixed handle the choice is yours.

Whats even better, if you make a mistake with the wooden parts all the metal parts can be dismantled and re-used time and time again.

Step 1: Parts List

The list below contains the bits & pieces needed to make your own Rotating Head Bowl Sander, you can make your own tool to your own specification using whatever wood you have to hand - often just left over pieces from previous projects.

All sizes will be metric either mm or cm and readily available off the shelf

The parts that you will need:

  1. A handle (I used an unwanted gouge handle that was spare)
  2. An Angled Quick Release Magnetic Bit Holder (from Ebay at £4.50 'ish)
  3. Epoxy adhesive
  4. Hacksaw or Dremel
  5. 15mm drill bit + Drill
  6. Metal file

Step 2: Other Bits

The list below contains all the parts needed to make your own bowl sander head, you can make your own tool to your own specification using whatever materials you have - often just scraps.

  • 50mm disc, 15mm thick neoprene foam
  • 45mm disc self adhesive Velcro Hook& Loop
  • 50mm sanding discs (grade as required)

and this instructable guide

Step 3: Drill Hole in Handle

Ensure that the hole is deep enough for the whole insert to be seated on the shoulder and there is enough space for the tail of the hex screw to turn freely

Cut off the tail of the hex drive (retain the off-cut) clean up the end that is going in to the hole with the file. Make some groves in the tail of the Angled Drive (about 4 cuts, 3 time around the circumference) This will help secure the adhesive and prevent slippage

Step 4:

Step 5: Prepare for Gluing Together

There is so much Epoxy adhesive available now just get enough for your needs.

Squeeze out the required amount of Resin and Hardener (read instruction) on a flat surface, mix well together and coat the insert to go into the hole that has been drilled. Word of warding do not get the adhesive on the end of the tail or it will not turn.

Insert the tail with a screwing action to ensure adhesive is all round the tail, clean off any excess adhesive with a paper towel and set the handle aside to cure.

Step 6: Job Done

If you have not already made your rotating head now is the time (you can incorporate the off-cut from your angled drive unit), if you already have a rotating head then you are read to start sanding

Enjoy