sanding mop

[lucky788scroller]

Today while using my sanding mop, I got to thinking (scary huh?) There was a sticker on it stating max rpm 3200. I am running it at about 1000 rpm, and that almost seems fast to me. So.. for those that use the sanding mops a lot.. What speed do you prefer to use? And , have you noticed any difference in longevity of the mop at different speeds? Mine are Klingspor brand.

[Marsha]

1st I'd like to know how you know how fast your mop sander is spinning. I read so many different threads regarding speed, I wonder how you know what the speed is.
My drill press runs top speed of 1700 rpm so I quess that's the speed my mop sander spins at. I've been using my sanding mop for years, it's still in pretty good shape, but I don't do intarsia so maybe I'm not using it as often as someone else might.
2nd I'd like to know why you would adjust the speed of your drill press? Why not just use it at full speed. I must admit the only speed I adjust is on the router.
Marsha

[lucky788scroller]

Well, I have a diagram inside the belt cover on my drillpress that tells me what rpm I am running depending on which pulleys the belts are on on three pulleys (two belts).And, I do adjust the speed of my drillpress very often actually. That depends on what I am using it for. For drilling the tiny holes with the wire size drillbits for fretwork, run it real fast, but I slow it down as I go to larger drillbits, and especially slow for the bigger forstner bits so I dont heat the bits up when drilling, and because a 2 3/4" forstner bit spinning at a high rpm could really do damage if something went wrong. Also, I sometimes use a large circle cutter, if I run that thing fast my drillpress will walk across my basement floor. The reason I got to questioning the speed thing is because I dont think I have over about 4 or 5 hours of sanding time on this particular mop, and it already is looking fairly weathered.

[edward]

I have a speed chart under the cover, my speed is set at 1100, and have never changed the settings, for the mop or for drilling, and never had any problems. 1100 seems good to me, maybe too good. Edward

[wood-n-things]

I agree with Dale. The drill press has variable speeds for a reason...he stated most of those. I change mine frequently as well. Especially after i ruined several forstner and hole saw blades/bits due to high speeds. I thought faster was better/smoother cuts. Not the case. This was an expensive lesson learned several years ago.

I use my mop sander at around 1100 rpm as well.

[rja]

I have my sanding mop running on an old washing machine motor, rpm 1725.

[greatdane2]

I use a home made sanding mop that I made with 100 grit that is cloth backed. I use it on my Foredom machine with a flex cable. The first one I made blew apart at high speed and now I try to keep it at 1000 rpm. At the higher speeds it seemed to polish the wood, and the slower speeds lets more wood get removed.

[Marsha]

Thanks Dale, for your very informative answer. I too have a map inside the lid of my drill press, and I knew it's for changing the speed, I just didn't know why I would. Now for the most important question how do I do it. How do you move the belt so the drill slows down. I have lots of trouble using fortner bits in my press so maybe I need to know how to slow it down.
I apologize if this turns into a discussion about drill presses but I need to learn.
TIA Marsha

[will8989]

Since I have recently started using sanding mops, and have had many pieces ricochet arcoss the shop, I figure I am using too high a speed, you think? LOL Anyway, I have a spare drill press, and want to set it at a reasonable speed that would sand and not send the part flying out the window, but don't know what it is. I have no idea why I didn't try this wonderful item sooner, but I just love it!! Now, to get it to stop flying around the place.

Betty

[lucky788scroller]

Originally Posted by Marsha

Thanks Dale, for your very informative answer. I too have a map inside the lid of my drill press, and I knew it's for changing the speed, I just didn't know why I would. Now for the most important question how do I do it. How do you move the belt so the drill slows down. I have lots of trouble using fortner bits in my press so maybe I need to know how to slow it down.
I apologize if this turns into a discussion about drill presses but I need to learn.
TIA Marsha

I am afraid I cant walk you through it hun, each DP is different. BUT, generally there is a way to loosen the belt, or belts depending on the DP. Check for either a knob to loosen the motor bracket, or maybe some way to release tension off an idler pulley. Then, with the belts loose, you should be able to move their position on the pulleys to either slow it down, or sped it up. Then, retension it, and thats about it. The bigger the pulley on the motor, the faster your bit will spin. On my Harbor Freight DP, I have one thumbscrew on each side to loosen, and a lever on the right side to slide the motor forward and back to loosen or tighten up the belts, then I just tighten the two thumbscrews again after moving the belts to the pulleys I want..