Drill Press Disc Sander

by Toolify in Workshop > Tools

19279 Views, 307 Favorites, 0 Comments

Drill Press Disc Sander

How to make a Drill Press Disc Sander

Transform a drill press into a disc sander with a few simple attachments.

Prototype

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.46.38 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.47.21 PM.png

Threw this together with scraps of wood and a few clamps. Proof of concept... check!

Design

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.47.36 PM.png

The disc sander is drafted in Fusion 360. This way I can refine the shape while quickly visualizing different designs.

Ripping, Sanding, Cross-cutting

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.48.06 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.48.54 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.49.16 PM.png

Everything is made from a sheet of 3/4" baltic birch plywood.

Assemble the Base

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.49.47 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.51.18 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.51.30 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.51.55 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.50.39 PM.png

3 pieces of material form the base. They're held together with drywall screws.

Tip: A workbench makes a fantastic 90 degree clamp!

Make the Sanding Pad

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.52.47 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.53.06 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.53.39 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.54.06 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.54.11 PM.png

Cut a 9" circle out of some more 3/4" plywood to support the sanding pad.

How the Sanding Pad Will Spin

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.54.40 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.54.50 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.55.07 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.55.18 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.56.54 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.56.49 PM.png

Drill press -> right angle adapter -> 2" screwdriver bit -> 1/2" set screw -> sandpaper (and a lazy Susan bearing holds the sanding disc in place).

ALL THE STUFFS

Drill Press - http://amzn.to/21pGQSL

Right Angle Drill Adapter - http://amzn.to/1SIdIAt

Screwdriver Bit (6 pack) - http://amzn.to/1Y2M4Sr

1/2" Set Screw (8 pack) - http://amzn.to/23iEJQ0

Sandpaper (10 pack) - http://amzn.to/1SFO82g

Lazy Susan Bearing (the 9" inch one) - http://bit.ly/1SIdMQz

Assemble It

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.57.44 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.57.15 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.58.26 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 3.58.20 PM.png

Connect one side of the lazy Susan to the base, and the other side to the sanding pad.

Stick Sandpaper

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 4.32.02 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 4.32.13 PM.png

9" adhesive backed pad of 80 grit paper.

Attach the Sanding Platform

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 4.32.44 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 4.32.55 PM.png

The finishing touch is to screw on the sanding platform. A few more drywall screws.

Lubricate the Bearing

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 4.33.18 PM.png

I used silicone spray here, but apparently that's not good for bearings. If you do this, use machine oil.

Attach to the Drill Press

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 4.34.20 PM.png

I tilt the drill press table 90 degrees, and secure the disc sander with a clamp from the side.

It's Sanding!

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 4.34.41 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 4.35.05 PM.png

This project worked much better than I expected.

HIGH FIVE for reading!