I purchased a used old belt sander for $10, mounted it in a similar way and im using it to make blades... works awesome. I am totally going to steal this foot switch idea. Thank you so much for posting this.
👍👍 very cool Now days I'm kind of limited on space & my belt sander doesn't get a lot of use. I think it now has a new job ☺️ Thanks for posting this, it's a great idea .!.
"In anything at all perfection is not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away"... brilliantly simple. I was trying to figure out how to cleanly and simply mount my old Black and Decker for this purpose, and there you have already gone and done it! Thanks!
I built one of these from your video - had to make a few modifications - and it's perfect. Thanks for showing all of us your simple but very functional projects. I also love using scrap wood that's sitting around the shop.
I have an old Craftsman belt sander that I haven't used for years. I'll have to check it out to see if It could be mounted like this. I could really use a sander like this in my shop. I already have a foot switch that I picked up at Harbor Freight. I got it to use with my scroll saw. Great video Colin. Thank you. I always look forward to you videos.
Thanks for all your tips and tricks Colin. I love your videos and learn a lot from them. You also keep my enthusiasm for wood working going. Thank you.
Thank you for such a simple yet effective toolmaking episode. Many people think they need lots of tools to start. You don't you can start very simply and build up. Here is a perfect example of how to make something that would be great for a beginner and an expert without needing much more than some creativity and the desire to get the job done. Fantastic effort there mate!
Thanks Colin, good video. Converting a hand-held belt sander like this is incredibly useful, especially in a small shop. I have mounted mine vertically so the belt runs downwards. It requires the sander to be mounted in a hole in the platen which can be tricky depending on the model. However, this makes it easier to control the workpiece as it is pushed down onto the platen rather than being pushed away to one side. There may be safety issues with this approach so any feedback would be welcome.
A lot of people are like me, no room for a dedicated machine you might use 3 or 4 times a year. They are nice to have but why put out sometimes several hundred dollars. I have several belt Sanders and love them all, each with different grits. If that sander is a b&d "professional" then even old it's still a hoss, pre "DeWalt". Good idea and have been eagerly awaiting each and every vid you upload!!!!
Thank you so much Colin. I really appreciate all your vids. I'm from Mauritius and a Law Enforcement Officer and woodworking is DIY for. I'd been able throughout some four years bought some tools and made my woodworking shop. And your vids had always inspired me. AWESOME
Started to do this last week with a second 'Old' sander I had. Just my luck, as I was testing it out the motor burnt out !!!. I use an old sewing machine foot pedal for my scroll saw, they great. Thanks Colin.
I just picked up a Wen sander with slots and included clamps for mounting. Less than US$40. Planning a similar setup, but mine will be a bit easier to remove from the jig with the clamps vs. the bolts. Thanks for the tips!
Good video, Colin. Very informative. I really don’t like belt sanders, but I can’t deny how useful they are. This would work well for me as I rarely use it in a handheld fashion as it’s meant to be lol
Thank you for all of your wonderful inspiring videos. I've been debating on buying an oscillating sander or a good drill press. The more I think of it, I'd rather spend that money on a good drill press and turn my handheld belt sander into a benchtop tool since it works great. I'll buy that oscillating sander later on down the road when it's more needed. I just do hobby projects for now.
Using the eraser to clean the belt is awesome. I never knew that and looks to be a much better way than.... Well.... Any other way I have ever tried. Cheers!
Very nice setup Colin. I have a bit larger one that’s the one your showing and I made a “holder” or “jig” whatever you want to call it. Anyway it works just great and I use pretty regular. I would sure like one of those foot pedals thought. That seems like it would be pretty handy. Thanks for all your tips Colin.
Another outstanding video, need to check my belt sander(s) to see which one if any can be mounted like this, I have had the need to sand small parts and this would work out great for it. Thanks for the tip.
It’s my understanding that platten is the piece between the rollers on the sander. What you are calling platten is the table. I’m definitely making one of these. Good vid
Thanks so much for this! I need to make a small piece and can't really justify paying even $160 for a drum sander. Also, I have the same B&D belt sander as you, so it should be pretty easy now I hope
If you want to be able to remove the belt without disassembling the setup, you can mark around the belt and cut the shape out with a jigsaw or oscillating saw. Then replacement of the belt would be done from the underside, and dust wouldn’t be able to build up underneath the saw.
I've been thinking about this idea for awhile, but my older 3 X 24 RIDGID belt sander has motor vents on both sides and the top, tracking mechanism on another side, dust ejection on the other side and it doesn't have a flat top. My jig will have to be a little more complex to mount and allow air flow and dust ejection through the base board. Also, would have to be disassembled from the jig to change the belt. I still have a very old Craftsman Professional belt sander that would mount very nicely, but it's not running smoothly...probably just needs brushes, but I don't think they are available anywhere. Still thinking....
Great video again. Some weeks ago I saw a similar video, made by Chris Cute. I tried to make that one but it's not ready yet. Maybe I'll make a "best of both worlds" because each one has its pros and contras. Thanks for sharing. I need to read the article as well. I'm very curious about the foot pedal. That I only know from sewing machines.
I was looking to buy a stationary desktop belt sander for 150-200+ but now I can just buy a portable sander, save a bunch of money and use it freehand whenever I need!
The major advantage of the ridgid is that it has that round wheel to sand curves, do you think that o could cut a piece of the plastic case to make the belt sander wheel free?
i wanted to transform my belt sander to something like that, but i was worried regarding the heat management, still looking for a solution for that. Are you having any heat issues, regarding the air cooling gaps for the motor being jammed by the plywood sheet below it ?
I've been trying to make one of these for my sander. Trouble is, mine has a very awkward shape to it. Do you think you could do a video on mounting odd-shaped hand tools safely and securely?
I wonder ( and I say this without knowing a thing about it's shape) if could you perhaps cut a hole around the widest part and have it poke through the back panel and then fill out the weird shape from there onto another panel that is flat. Basically a crude moulding?
Colin, I saw you use an “eraser” near the end of the video to clean out the belt, but I couldn’t tell what it was made out of. Is it any particular type of material, and where can I find one, or how can I make one myself?
No. On my similar sander you push the front roller back and it locks, slide the belt off to replace, then use tracking adjustment knob to release lock.
I liked this video. But: 1)motor ventilation holes are closed 2)changing of belt sand paper will require to uncollect this nice and very simple device So maybe better would be to turn upper and underneath sides.
Your channel is the one of the best. Always, some theory and practice all along the videos.
I purchased a used old belt sander for $10, mounted it in a similar way and im using it to make blades... works awesome. I am totally going to steal this foot switch idea. Thank you so much for posting this.
This is so cool! I have an old belt sander just like this and this is going to turn it into a tool that I can use all the time. Thank you.
Colin of all the woodworkers on TH-cam, you provide the best advice and value of all of them.
👍👍 very cool
Now days I'm kind of limited on space & my belt sander
doesn't get a lot of use. I think it now has a new job ☺️
Thanks for posting this, it's a great idea .!.
Love those old B&D design
definitely, the simplest way to do it that I've seen. TY
Thank you! I've been looking for a way to make my belt sander a more useful tool and this is perfect. Thanks for the clear, simple directions!
It's more fun to build tools and jigs than to use them make stuff.
"In anything at all perfection is not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away"... brilliantly simple. I was trying to figure out how to cleanly and simply mount my old Black and Decker for this purpose, and there you have already gone and done it! Thanks!
As usual, another one of your great ideas thank you sir.
I hardly ever used mine until I made something like this. Very useful!
I built one of these from your video - had to make a few modifications - and it's perfect. Thanks for showing all of us your simple but very functional projects. I also love using scrap wood that's sitting around the shop.
Thanks Bud,,,Great Teacher!
DUDE, I'v watched a lot of "simple belt sander jig" vids. Your's is TRULY the best.
I like this idea. I've been putting mine in my vice. Thjs also lends itself to making a vertical style set up. Thankyou Colin
I have an old Craftsman belt sander that I haven't used for years. I'll have to check it out to see if It could be mounted like this. I could really use a sander like this in my shop. I already have a foot switch that I picked up at Harbor Freight. I got it to use with my scroll saw. Great video Colin. Thank you. I always look forward to you videos.
Thanks for all your tips and tricks Colin. I love your videos and learn a lot from them. You also keep my enthusiasm for wood working going. Thank you.
Thank you for such a simple yet effective toolmaking episode. Many people think they need lots of tools to start. You don't you can start very simply and build up. Here is a perfect example of how to make something that would be great for a beginner and an expert without needing much more than some creativity and the desire to get the job done. Fantastic effort there mate!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
You rock, thanks!
Thanks Colin. Really appreciate your demonstration and wonderful temperament. Rock on!
You're welcome, Sam! Thanks for watching.
Awesomeness
Thanks for the video, I still don't have one but I will remember this when I will encounter such a tool in a second hand or so
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing this.
Excellent, Colin. Very inventive and very useful.
Such a kind professional person. Thank you for the great tip.
Slick and simple. Great video.
Thank you. This was really a great video. Great tip
Awesome!! Real good info. Easy set up.
Just what I needed.
Thanks!
Great tip, and simple to follow!
Thanks Colin, good video. Converting a hand-held belt sander like this is incredibly useful, especially in a small shop. I have mounted mine vertically so the belt runs downwards. It requires the sander to be mounted in a hole in the platen which can be tricky depending on the model.
However, this makes it easier to control the workpiece as it is pushed down onto the platen rather than being pushed away to one side. There may be safety issues with this approach so any feedback would be welcome.
A lot of people are like me, no room for a dedicated machine you might use 3 or 4 times a year. They are nice to have but why put out sometimes several hundred dollars. I have several belt Sanders and love them all, each with different grits. If that sander is a b&d "professional" then even old it's still a hoss, pre "DeWalt". Good idea and have been eagerly awaiting each and every vid you upload!!!!
Thank you so much Colin. I really appreciate all your vids. I'm from Mauritius and a Law Enforcement Officer and woodworking is DIY for. I'd been able throughout some four years bought some tools and made my woodworking shop. And your vids had always inspired me. AWESOME
Another great tutorial! Thanks for the tip about the eraser. I didn't even know those existed until now. Really appreciate all the great tips. Thanks!
You're Welcome, Cauleen!
Amazon has them
Thanks for your videos, I usually learn a couple of hints/things I didn't know before.
You're Welcome!
Started to do this last week with a second 'Old' sander I had. Just my luck, as I was testing it out the motor burnt out !!!. I use an old sewing machine foot pedal for my scroll saw, they great. Thanks Colin.
Excellent, very good hack (I think that’s what they call it) but thank you for great idea Colin.
You're Welcome!
I just picked up a Wen sander with slots and included clamps for mounting. Less than US$40. Planning a similar setup, but mine will be a bit easier to remove from the jig with the clamps vs. the bolts. Thanks for the tips!
Darn you!!! Now I want to find one of those bad boys and make my own!!!!
Thanks for the great videos!!!
Thanks for the great video Colin!
Good video, Colin. Very informative. I really don’t like belt sanders, but I can’t deny how useful they are. This would work well for me as I rarely use it in a handheld fashion as it’s meant to be lol
That's a really good idea Colin! Thanks for sharing it with us. 😎👍JP
Thank you for all of your wonderful inspiring videos. I've been debating on buying an oscillating sander or a good drill press. The more I think of it, I'd rather spend that money on a good drill press and turn my handheld belt sander into a benchtop tool since it works great. I'll buy that oscillating sander later on down the road when it's more needed. I just do hobby projects for now.
Using the eraser to clean the belt is awesome. I never knew that and looks to be a much better way than.... Well.... Any other way I have ever tried. Cheers!
Great idea☺😁
Thanks
I just bought this same belt sander it is the loudest tool I have ever used with very high pitch to the running.
Great Video Colin , I have an old belt sander but it doesn't have those two bolt holes, but I think I could work around that somehow.
Cheers, Bram
I was just thinking of doing this. Thanks!
Nice little homemade tool thanks.
You're Welcome, Joe!
Love this video! What a great idea!
Thank You, Aaron!
Very nice setup Colin. I have a bit larger one that’s the one your showing and I made a “holder” or “jig” whatever you want to call it. Anyway it works just great and I use pretty regular. I would sure like one of those foot pedals thought. That seems like it would be pretty handy. Thanks for all your tips Colin.
Got mine at Harbor freight. Check it out.
Another outstanding video, need to check my belt sander(s) to see which one if any can be mounted like this, I have had the need to sand small parts and this would work out great for it. Thanks for the tip.
You're Welcome!
I was given a 3x21 craftman belt sander at a yard sale for free. I even have the wood to make the stand. Yahoo!
I have that exact same belt sander! I made a stand for mine similar to one John Hienz made. Works both on the vertical and horizontal position.
Great tip--thanks!
Great idea! Mine doesn't have the bolt holes in the top, so I'll need to figure something out for that...
Nicely done, sir. 👍
Thank You!
AWESOM I’m going to do this Thank you
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
It’s my understanding that platten is the piece between the rollers on the sander. What you are calling platten is the table. I’m definitely making one of these. Good vid
Thanks so much for this! I need to make a small piece and can't really justify paying even $160 for a drum sander. Also, I have the same B&D belt sander as you, so it should be pretty easy now I hope
I enjoy your videos 👍
Thank You, mac !
great idea do you have nay links for the eraser ?
If you want to be able to remove the belt without disassembling the setup, you can mark around the belt and cut the shape out with a jigsaw or oscillating saw. Then replacement of the belt would be done from the underside, and dust wouldn’t be able to build up underneath the saw.
I've been thinking about this idea for awhile, but my older 3 X 24 RIDGID belt sander has motor vents on both sides and the top, tracking mechanism on another side, dust ejection on the other side and it doesn't have a flat top. My jig will have to be a little more complex to mount and allow air flow and dust ejection through the base board. Also, would have to be disassembled from the jig to change the belt. I still have a very old Craftsman Professional belt sander that would mount very nicely, but it's not running smoothly...probably just needs brushes, but I don't think they are available anywhere. Still thinking....
Great video again. Some weeks ago I saw a similar video, made by Chris Cute. I tried to make that one but it's not ready yet.
Maybe I'll make a "best of both worlds" because each one has its pros and contras. Thanks for sharing.
I need to read the article as well. I'm very curious about the foot pedal. That I only know from sewing machines.
Thanks for watching!
I was looking to buy a stationary desktop belt sander for 150-200+ but now I can just buy a portable sander, save a bunch of money and use it freehand whenever I need!
Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!
Great video! Can you buy those switches in the UK for UK plugs? Also what is that belt eraser?
The major advantage of the ridgid is that it has that round wheel to sand curves, do you think that o could cut a piece of the plastic case to make the belt sander wheel free?
Simple but effective, I like it. You could put a cleat on the back of the board and hang it on a wall.
Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!
I need to make one of those
Cool thanks! Have you ever used a variable foot switch... I know they have them for sewing machines but I've never used one of the power tool ones!
Check out Harbor freight. That's where I got mine.
i wanted to transform my belt sander to something like that, but i was worried regarding the heat management, still looking for a solution for that. Are you having any heat issues, regarding the air cooling gaps for the motor being jammed by the plywood sheet below it ?
The foot switch is the best. 100% 👍👍🍻🇩🇪
I've been trying to make one of these for my sander. Trouble is, mine has a very awkward shape to it. Do you think you could do a video on mounting odd-shaped hand tools safely and securely?
I wonder ( and I say this without knowing a thing about it's shape) if could you perhaps cut a hole around the widest part and have it poke through the back panel and then fill out the weird shape from there onto another panel that is flat. Basically a crude moulding?
Yes sir, belt sanders certainly do have some grunt.
What type of eraser is that you use?
Colin, I saw you use an “eraser” near the end of the video to clean out the belt, but I couldn’t tell what it was made out of. Is it any particular type of material, and where can I find one, or how can I make one myself?
If you don't have one of those erasers then you can use the rubber sole of one of your wife's old tennis shoes! Works like a charm!
change belts ?need to take apart?
Most of the belt sander out there both hand held and stationary require some disassembly to change belts.
point being ....have to disassemble to change belts
No. On my similar sander you push the front roller back and it locks, slide the belt off to replace, then use tracking adjustment knob to release lock.
Hi thanks for the video, my question is:- what did you plug the foot switch into? does the belt sander have an extra socket??
Belt sander --> foot switch --> wall
Do you have a suggestion for a sander that does not have the bolt holes?
I liked this video.
But:
1)motor ventilation holes are closed
2)changing of belt sand paper will require to uncollect this nice and very simple device
So maybe better would be to turn upper and underneath sides.
You did it again Collin! Way to go!
Question: could this be used as a form of a jointer?
I've never seen an eraser like that. What is it called, so I can go to my hardware store and get one?
Oops, nevermind. I didn't catch that bit in the end saying to go check out the website. LOL
Damn I thought I was the only genius who thought of this
You are so adorable!
nice :)
Thanks!
I cried a bit on the inside when pulled out my belt sander and there was no holes on top.
Another video... another great idea... you’re getting boring - don’t stop!