edge sander conversion fail

[jim simpson]

After seeing a video of neck shaping using an edge sander, I checked my budget and determined insufficient funds for one. I thought I'd be clever and convert my belt sander into an edge sander. I turned it on and started shaping a neck then the smoke and smell came. Not sure what's the cause yet. I opened up the garage door and let it air out and then moved on to my bandsaw.

[mirwa]

No reason it should have failed.

I think you just had bad luck and it decided to die on you just at that momment.

Steve

[jim simpson]

You're probably right, I've had it a long time and have used it hard over the years.

[sunburst]

There is no rule that says the sander has to be on it's side with the fence lying flat. The fence can be vertical and the belt sander in it's normal position. In other words, if you turn that whole rig 90 degrees to the left you're back where you started with the belt sander except that you've added a fence.

[jim simpson]

Found a nice Delta belt sander locally. I drilled some new holes in my jig and mounted the sander. The floor stand and jig places the sander in a great position for sanding while standing.