Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Bat Making => Topic started by: Chad on October 28, 2013, 05:44:43 PM

Title: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Chad on October 28, 2013, 05:44:43 PM
Hi guys, I'm just wondering if anyone has used this orbital sander?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002X797QQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002X797QQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

I've purchased it, and I've switched it on. It just seems pretty darn powerful though, (Really was not expecting something so powerful from that size of sander) and I'm not sure whether or not it will be suitable for cleaning up bats. I'm also looking to trim the edge of a bat by 2mm, as the width is around 110mm, and the spine is off centre because of this.

Also, anyone got a vice they can recommend? :)

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: patriotscreen on October 28, 2013, 06:08:20 PM
Here is a decent vice: http://www.tooled-up.com/product/faithfull-woodwork-vice-7-with-adjustable-front-stop/197389/?Referrer=googleproductlisting&gclid=CIvN-amPuroCFbLHtAod0k4A6A (http://www.tooled-up.com/product/faithfull-woodwork-vice-7-with-adjustable-front-stop/197389/?Referrer=googleproductlisting&gclid=CIvN-amPuroCFbLHtAod0k4A6A) although you can get cheaper ones such as Draper which will be good enough but not built as well.

Also regarding edge reduction, why not use a spokeshave or plane? Cheaper and you have more control, it will also be easier to finish the bat more symmetrically.
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on October 28, 2013, 07:02:15 PM
I use a variable speed orbital sander which means I can have it buzzing like mad or barely ticking over. Really useful depending on where you're sanding. It should be pretty easy to sand the edges down to get it to width. Just take ur time and make sure your sanding it flat. Maybe practice on an old bat or scrap wood  first before to get used to the speed etc
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Number 11 on October 28, 2013, 07:10:37 PM
Definitely use a plane on the edge, easy to find a decent one secondhand or a cheapo new one. Either way, test it on something first.
You could do it with a sander but it will take more control and care to get right.
You can easily get a Record woodworkers vice off Ebay or Gumtree from £10.
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Chad on October 28, 2013, 10:28:32 PM
Thanks for the advice guys, I may try planing or using a spokeshave at a later date, I just don't have either in my possession at the moment! The reason I got a sander was also so I could do refurbs more efficiently, especially for those bats with stickers that leave a nasty residue!

Cheers
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Gingerbusiness on October 28, 2013, 10:40:00 PM
All I would say with any tool is "measure twice, cut once"... In other words, really take your time and don't force it and you will be fine.
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Vulcan Cricket on October 29, 2013, 09:16:35 PM
durm sander only way to do a proper job
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Ryan on October 29, 2013, 09:49:20 PM
durm sander only way to do a proper job

Have to agree with you Dean.
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Chad on October 29, 2013, 11:16:03 PM
durm sander only way to do a proper job

That would be the ideal thing, but are there any which aren't too costly (ie. under £80) which do the job well?  ???
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Number 11 on October 30, 2013, 01:02:49 AM
If you've got the space and get lucky
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WILSON-PEARCE-LTD-DOUBLE-ENDED-DRUM-SANDER-/261316895667 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WILSON-PEARCE-LTD-DOUBLE-ENDED-DRUM-SANDER-/261316895667)

Failing that, rubber block, sandpaper and elbow grease.
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: Vulcan Cricket on October 30, 2013, 07:13:23 AM
That's a big old sander maybe to big
Title: Re: Orbital Sander Question...
Post by: ajmw89 on October 30, 2013, 09:20:44 AM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spindle-Mounted-SandBoss-Inflatable-Drum-Starter-Kit-/251355309424?pt=UK_BOI_Building_Materials_Supplies_Carpentry_Woodwork_ET&hash=item3a85f1a570#ht_485wt_904 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spindle-Mounted-SandBoss-Inflatable-Drum-Starter-Kit-/251355309424?pt=UK_BOI_Building_Materials_Supplies_Carpentry_Woodwork_ET&hash=item3a85f1a570#ht_485wt_904)

This is the one I use.  Whack it straight into my drill and attach to the bench.  Does a good job too