Anyone use a sandflee?

[handibunny]

The heavy-duty drum sander in the community shop has been out of commission for weeks, and I am considering buying a back-up for sanding small glue-ups, abut 8" square, for my bowls. Since I have only a small all-purpose bench at the end of my one-car garage, I need something compact, that can be used with a shop vac to contain dust. I've seen the sandflee advertised for years, but I'm leery of a drum sander that does not exert pressure as the wood goest over the roller. My glue-ups often need a fair amount of sanding to obtain a completely level blank.

I'd appreciate feedback from anyone who has one of these tools, as to whether it's appropriate for my use, and if not, any portable alternatives that might work. One of these days, the damaged part for the shop tool will arrive, but I'd still like to have my own backup. Fortunately, no one but me uses the scroll saw, so I'm safe there for the time being.

[wood-n-things]

I think kevin...jedi has one.....

[Forester21]

I have one.
Most of the sawdust actually falls into the base part of the sand flee. I'm not sure how you would use a shop vac to contain the rest of the dust.

You would have to exert the pressure on the wood as it goes over the rollers. Right now my sand-flee has the finest sandpaper on it I believe, so it takes a LOT of passes to smooth things out. But there are 3 grits of sand paper that goes on it. I don't like changing the sandpaper -

One major thing I have noticed if you want a panel that is totally flat - the edge tends to dip a little as you first push the wood across, leaving a little dip at the edge of the wood. It might be how I push the wood, but maybe not.

Theresa

[Rolf]

I have one. I have the roller split 1/2 is 120 the other half is 240. I use it to level my inlays and alot of pre sanding and post sanding of my fine ornaments. If you connect the vac to the exhaust there is no dust. It has to be set up properly if the drumm is too high in the slot you will get what Theresa describes. Also I think the new ones have a stiffer table where the older ones seem to deflect a bit if you push too hard.
I am very pleased with mine and use it all the time. But I still want to buy a drum sander also.

I think that it would do what you want with say a 120 grit paper on it.

[handibunny]

Thanks, Rolf and Theresa. Now I have to figure out if I can convince Santa to bring me one . . . .

[Forester21]

Rolf - I will have to have my husband check the height of the roller - thanks!
Theresa

[Rolf]

Theresa,
I was told originaly that my roller stuck up too high. I now use a flat piece of wood on edge and slide it across the roller with the machine off. It should just kiss the roller not clim up on it.
When you turn it on the paper expands a bit and that is supposed to do the sanding.
I have suggested to RJR that they should include a setup dvd with the machine. especialy for the price.

I just copied this from their FAQ web site
How do I adjust the top (lid), when I am using more than one grit paper?

You should adjust the lid to the highest grit you are using.

"The tabletop can be fine tuned relative to the drum by using the lifter bracket (provided). We recommend using 220 grit sandpaper and adjust the lifter plate until the sand paper is just touching the wood. Place a one inch board on its edge and moving it the length of the drum, there should be no rocking at any point along the drums length. The SAND-FLEE® works best when just the grit of the paper does the sanding."

I don't know what the lifter bracket is, it might be new?

[RichZ]

I use mine all the time. I think the braket in question is the lifting slide adjuster. I have 240 grit across the entire roll.

[Wood Dog]

I built the kit drum sander look alike somewhat to the Sand Flee, there are good videos at this site if you want to see how they adjust the drum. Click on drum sander setup.
:: The Online Woodshow - Stockroom Supply

[Out of The Woods]

I have one and love it. It works great for delicate projects if used correctly.