Day 8, Disk Belt Sander
Sometimes you happen upon a tool that you don't really think you need, but it's a "good deal" and you have to take it home with you. Such was this Duracraft Disk/Belt Sander which I think I got for less than $20 at a garage sale. You can't read the date code for it on the picture I took, but if you catch the light just right, you can see that it bears a date code for October 1961, making it very close to an age where it could be drawing Social Security. And much like many objects (or bloggers) that are nearing that age, it's showing signs of wear and use. And this is not a tool that I was specifically looking for, or use every day. It is usually stored under a bench and drawn out when I need it, and then stored away when am done with the task. It is the kind of tool that you do not give much thought to. "Hmmm. I want to sand a corner of something to the marked line." "I want to round over the end of this piece of rod." "I want to debur the end of this rod I cut off." What is nice about them is that you can use both hands to hold the work, rather than the sander. This makes for a positive "feel" that lends to the possibility of some precision. But it's also good at roughing material removal: an #80 grit belt will take material off quickly.
In preparing for this impromptu photo shoot, I realized just how dusty and full of sawdust it was. I probably should take some time to disassemble and clean the bits, but honestly? I don't think it cares. It fires up with its powerful little motor and does the job.
I hope I will do the same when I am sixty five (not that many years off now.)
Note to self: get some new 6" adhesive backed pads for it. I appear to be out.
Hope you all are having a good Tuesday.