Drum/Disc Sander #2: Sander design is complete, construction has begun

Two months in, progress has been made, but of course, not as fast as I would of liked.

Figuring out the motors and drives has been the most difficult part of this project. I have been trying to keep the out of pocket cost as low as I could, and provide the power and control that a sander project of this magnitude needs. I had ordered a 2hp 1ph motor on ebay, but that fell through when the motor was damaged by UPS.

Since then, what I stumbled upon was a motor controller that uses 220v 1ph input to drive a 240v 3ph motor, and provides speed control as well. This as allowed me to use some surplus 3ph motors that were available where I work.

The conveyor is driven by a very small motor, which had a 100:1 ratio gearbox. I have the conveyor assembled and tested and it works well.

For the drum and disc drive motor, I have found a 3hp 3ph motor. I will order the motor controller this week. This will also give me speed control on the drum.

I have the frame about 80% complete, with several of the components for the conveyor lift ready as well. I’m currently waiting on a few parts that the expert machinist here at work will help me with. I hope to be complete within 4-6 weeks.

-- Kevin May "Making wood useful and fun!" www.kevinmaywoodworks.com