Official Luthiers Forum!

The newest Tips du Jour video is up. This one is on Top Thicknessing
As always, comments and discussion are welcome.
Enjoy!

Robbie - Thanks for the very informative video!

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Steve Walden
Aspiring Builder,
Bartlesville, OK

Indeed, thanks Robbie.
I'm trying not to lust after your sander!
What brand/model is that?

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Another nice video Robbie. I did find the voice volume on this one a bit low, and I had to listen hard to hear it well. The music volume was fine.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Steve,
I am using the Steel City dual drum sander

Quality as always! A big thanks from us beginners

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Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

Good one Robbie. Even though I've been using ear protection more often little more volume would be great.

I've got the same sander although it's painted General green. It's pretty new and it's taking a little to learn what woods to run through at what grits. I wasn't overly happy when I ran the first stick, maple, through. It turned my new 120 grit outfeed belt into a piece of tar. Putting it through at an angle as in your side thicknessing video it a huge help. On that video I think you only had paper on the front drum. Do you use paper on both drums at times? I'd really appreciate knowing a little more on what works best for you. Also, when you get close to final thickness do you still raise the feed table on every pass or or run it through again at the same height. Mine seems to take a little off without raising the table.

Again, thanks for all your efforts with the videos. I for one really like those moving pictures.

All The Best,
Danny

Danny,
I am glad you are liking the videos. They are a huge drain on time and energy to put together, so I am glad you find them informative.
I switched programs to build the videos in and the audio needs to be dialed in a bit yet. I will try and do better on the next one. These machines really shouldn't be called thickness sanders but finish sanders. You have to take really light passes. Clean the belt often. I have found that putting the pieces in at an angle, increase the feed rate to max, and barely skim the board that I get the best results. We have thicknessed about 30 backs, sides and tops this semester so far on the same belt on the machine. I also take two or three passes before adjusting the depth of the pass again. The machine takes two belts but at the school I usually only run one belt on the first drum.

Excellent video and info Robbie. I am paying attention. Thanks for taking the time to post them.

Vince

Thanks, Robbie.
I think General makes a similar machine?
I'm in serious need of an upgrade, and yours seems to do such a nice job.
Good stuff, thanks again.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I have been very pleased with this machine. It was a donation to the program from our local Woodcraft and Steel City tools. I liked it so much I went out and bought one for my own personal shop as well. If you get one, have a small crew ready to help you get it into the shop. This thing ways 530 pounds!

Thanks Robbie.
Best advice yet might be to get the local Woodcraft (a.k.a. Rockler) to donate a sander to ME.
I like that idea the more I think on it.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Nice video I just watched it this morning along with the pipe bending video. I'm interested in that bracing one you have coming.
Chris