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Belt/disc sander weak performance

  • 1.  Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-30-2021 21:27
    Who knows about electric motors, etc?

    My 4" craftsman belt/ disc sander has progressively become so weak that the slightest pressure on the belt bogs it down to practically a complete stop. Basically becoming useless. Belt is not binding (already checked that and lubed rollers). 

    Does anyone know what might be going on here?  Brushes? Bearings? Any and all suggestions will be tried.  True, I could just replace it but if there is a simple fix I hate to throw away an otherwise decent power tool. 

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 2.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-30-2021 22:11
    Hi Peter.  Weak torque on an electric motor is usually a sign that it's toast.  The bearings on each end of the armature wear to the point that the armature is no longer centered between the field.  You've used it a lot and it served it's purpose.  Toss it.

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    Larry Fisher
    Owner, Chief Grunt, Head Hosehead
    Vancouver WA
    503-310-6965
    Working the gravy zone for the rest of my days.
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  • 3.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-01-2021 09:38
    Thanks Larry, yes...perhaps so. Bummer.

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 4.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Posted 05-01-2021 10:28
    Not sure what you are using it for, but I bought this https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/oscillating-edge-belt-spindle-sander a couple of hears ago for hammer weight control. I really like how the oscillating drum works, and is actually the only sander I have been able to find that does not stain hammer felt. That is, if I need to reduce the taper even more than my tapering method removes.  I use it for other sanding jobs now, and am quite happy with it, even though it comes from cheapo-home depot.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 5.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-01-2021 10:39
    This sander is no longer available. I used to have one and liked it a lot. You might find one used somewhere.
    Paul McCloud
    San Diego

    Jim Ialeggio
    Not sure what you are using it for, but I bought this www.ridgid.com/us/en/... a couple of hears ago for hammer weight control. I really like how the oscillating drum works, and is actually the only sander I have been able to find that does not stain hammer felt, if I need to reduce the taper even more than my tapering method removes. I use it for other sanding jobs now, and am quite happy with it, even though it comes from cheapo-home depot.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026





  • 6.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Posted 05-01-2021 11:19
    Figures...geesh.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 7.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Posted 05-01-2021 11:41
    Yes, you can replace bearings, if they are faulty.
    They are cheap. You can test if motor axle moves freely, if it doesn't, you can try with wd40 if It works. It worths  a try

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    Davide Marchi
    Pianist and restorer

    Italy
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  • 8.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-01-2021 15:16
    So what I have done thus far is to lube the bearings governing the belt and disc, and lightly lube the platen under the belt. It is working "better" at the moment, but interestingly I now hear more bearing like "noise" which supports what you all are saying that the thing is slowly  biting the dust. 

    Jim, 

    That sander you have is in fact ideal as I have used one just like it in another shop. Got to keep my eyes open for one like it. 

    Thx

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 9.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-01-2021 16:56
    That Rigid model doesn't seem to be available but there are other brands. I have a similar oscillating spindle sander. When researching it I noticed that many brands seemed to have identical designs and specs. As near as I can tell they are all manufactured by the Chinese tool company Wen, who usually has the same model under their own name at the best price. I have a few of their products that have held up well so far. Always worth scrutinizing the specs when comparing models. Often the only difference is the color scheme but sometimes motor size, accessories, etc.

    Peter, if it's an older Craftsman the motor may well be very standard with respect to power, size, mounts etc. Might not be too hard to find a duplicate.

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    Steven Rosenthal
    Honolulu HI
    808-521-7129
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  • 10.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-01-2021 17:02
    Here's the Wen version on Ebay:
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/132109990414?hash=item1ec25e7a0e:g:NoEAAOSwuxFYtFWV

    Used Ridgid model:
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/303980649944?hash=item46c6a89dd8:g:RBkAAOSwE7VgiJro


    Paul McCloud
    San Diego




  • 11.  RE: Belt/disc sander weak performance

    Posted 05-01-2021 18:07
    i own a WEN sharpening stone (much cheaper than the Tormek) but it is not even close to being as good.  WEN tools are made in China and the Ridgid is made in the USA. There certainly is a price difference but that is reflected in the difference in quality in my experience.
    Peter

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    Petrus Janssen
    Peachtree City GA
    678-416-8055
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