Sanding Machine From Electric Screwdriver (useful for Sanding PLA)

Important note: My project is for screwdrivers with special connector type (for usual screwdriver bits) it is shown on the picture attached to this chapter.

I've converted my old screwdriver into pretty handy sanding machine for my 3D printed models (mostly PLA plastic) by attaching header to it. I've named it a SandDriver!

Besides the fact that it can replace the missing tool in your workshop it is the only alternative to manual sanding when it comes to certain materials like PLA plastic.

PLA plastic melts at 60c what makes it very attractive material for 3D printing, but at the same time the printed model is very hard to work with if you use your usual tools like sanding machine or micro drill. PLA will melt and adhere to the working surface of the tool like a gum.

So, when it comes to sanding you need something that has high torque and low speed. An old electric screwdriver is perfect candidate in my opinion.

• Electric screwdriver
• 3D printer
• Filament (PLA, PETG, ABS or similar)
• Sanding paper
• Small cardboard or wood piece (optional)

Print two models attached to this step. PETG is the best choice in my opinion, but you can try any other materials as well.

Printing profile:

Layer height: 0.2

Nozzle: 0.4 or even 0.6

Material: PETG (or any other hard filament)

Infill: at least 50% is needed.

Support: yes.

Take out the support material. Sand the printed parts, so they can be attached and detached easily. Don't try to apply too much force when you try to attach the parts to each other or to the electric screwdriver, it may be challenging to detach them if you do so.

As the result attaching the shaft to the screwdriver should be harder that attaching two plastic parts to each other.

Just cut a piece of sandpaper and attach it like I did on the picture. If your sandpaper is not thick enough like the one, I had, just put inside the rim a piece of wood or cardboard or some plastic. You can fold the ends several times to make them thicker instead of putting some additional pieces. Main rule: the resulting surface should be round like a wheel.

Before attaching two plastic parts to each other I suggest you attach the shaft to your screwdriver first. It is easier to work with the shaft this way.

Just align the "T" joint of the coaxial mount (the one with sandpaper) with the slot on the shaft and slide all the way down until they look like one piece.

Initially I was going to model two different mounts: coaxial and perpendicular. But then I realized that coaxial mount when it is attached correctly could be used as a perpendicular one as well. You just need two-sided adhesive tape for that purpose. Attach the piece of sandpaper after you attach the adhesive tape on the perpendicular surface of the header. Then just cut all the excessive parts with your scissors to make it round.

To make it really reusable I suggest you use two-sided acrylic tape. It is my secret super tool!

In addition to the fact that acrylic tape better adheres to sandpaper, it is reusable! You can change the sandpaper many times without having to change the adhesive tape. Just adhere (like that acrylic tape LOL) to one rule: keep back of the sandpaper clean. The tape will not lose its adhesive properties too soon.

Just use this sanding machine without the fear of having jamming when you work with PLA like materials.

P.S: I'm upgrading this old screwdriver to support Li-ion batteries, but it deserves complete standalone instructable.