flynnstone Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 I'm interested in getting some suggestions from you guys related to what tool you feel is the most cost effective & efficient when it comes to sanding down pine 2x4's? I'm starting with 10ft lumber, cutting it into 10" pieces, and then i've been sanding the blocks down with a handled random orbital sander...This method has worked OK...it's just taking quite a bit of time. Should i invest in a belt sander, or something else?? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 If you're talking about a stationary, table top (I'm sure there's a better name) then yes, definitely. It would certainly help and is also justification to buy a new tool. If you're talking about a hand held belt sander, then the answer is no, you would loose all kind of skin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 If you're talking about a stationary, table top (I'm sure there's a better name) then yes, definitely. It would certainly help and is also justification to buy a new tool. If you're talking about a hand held belt sander, then the answer is no, you would loose all kind of skin. I have a Makita 9903 belt sander, not stationary, but since the top is flat, it can be set on the bench with the belt facing up. I made a small jig to keep it from moving around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Are you attempting to make those jenga blocks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynnstone Posted June 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Are you attempting to make those jenga blocks? The sander is for other household projects, but i would like to make a set for the kids. Any recommendations or advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Try sanding the boards before you chop them up into smaller pieces then you only have the end grain to finish up it's easier to sand a bigger board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodbutcher74 Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Something like this would make your life a lot easier and more enjoyable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynnstone Posted June 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Something like this would make your life a lot easier and more enjoyable. I think you are right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keggers Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Are you rounding the edges and ends with your sander? If you are, it seems like a job for a router and a round over bit. Sure would save alot of sanding time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missioninwood Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Check out the Rikon models. Woodcraft has them on sale with some frequency. I use a 6x48 with 10" disc daily. miw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 So not knowing what "other household projects" is, I would be going the random orbital sander route if you don't already have one. Yes a belt Radner is nice but can't really be used to make things finish ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 How about a block plane? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 Some good answers above.. A belt/disc sander is good to have around. Lots of good options out there from Rigid, Grizzly, to Powermatic.. Just depends on your budget. If you're just looking to round over corners then, the router or router table would be the way to go. Keggers mentioned that above and is spot on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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