New Babies in the Work Shop

[snkysnake]

Last week I managed to add two new tools to the work shop, a Ridgid 4424 Spidle/belt sander , and a new Craftsman 6 X 48 belt sander with 9 inch disc (and the stand). I almost forgot, the wife bought me a Firestorm
worktable , kind of a portable , collapsible , thingy, it works great for a work surface in the middle of the room. I just got the new blade clamps in for the P-20 today, I will get them installed tomorrow and be back in business ! Larry

[millwab]

Larry,
I've been interested in checking out the Rigid combo since I first saw it mentioned in another post here. It looks like the spindle oscillates but not sure about the belt. Have you had a chance to use it yet? Also, where did you buy it?

[snkysnake]

Hi Bruce , Yes the belt oscilates too. Seems like a great machine so far. I got it at Home Depot for $199 plus tax. I think that the only limit I've seen so far is the spindle size. The smallest on this machine is half inch, whereas the Jet has a quarter inch for the smallest spindle. I think I got that right, kinda early to be thinkin so hard. Anyway , two thumbs up for the machine. Larry

[Mick Walker]

Larry, not looking forward to doing it, but how difficult is it to replace the clamps on a P-20? Have had mine for 3 years and no problems yet.

[snkysnake]

Well it doesn't look too bad , course I haven't got mine done yet. The package that delta sent has some pretty clear instructions on how to do it without banging on your saw with a hammer and a drift pin. The new clamp comes with a little drft pin type punch tool , and if I remember the package right (it's out in the shop) you use a c-clamp and a shallow socket to push the old pin out and the new one in. I'll update the post for you when I have actually done it. Larry

[Kevin12]

I replaced the top clamp on my old Delta. Pretty darn easy to do, and the new clamp worked great!

[snkysnake]

Well I got a chance to change out the clamps on the P-20 today..what a piece of cake. I didn't need the tool they supply with the new clamps, I guess the tool is for other models of delta. With the P-20 you just remove a circlip from the top blade clamp, and the pin just slides right out. Hope this helps ya, I'm glad to be back in business...Larry

[Mick Walker]

Larry, that circlip is what I was wondering about. How do you remove and reattach that clip? Do you need a special tool for it?

[snkysnake]

well... I know absolutly nothing about circlips , LOL but I took the edge of a flat screw driver, and kinda pushed real hard and managed to pop it off. the second time I did one I had to use a screw driver edge on both sides at the same time, and it popped right off. Putting it back on is the same, just push it against the slot cut around the end of the pin till it pops on. If any one on here knows a better way to explain it, please jump in. Larry

[Mick Walker]

Larry, thanks for your response. Hopefully I will never have to install a new one. I broke a clamp on my old Delta and had to replace it but that was the old type that you had to press the pin out. I was tightening the clamp too tight, that was the reason it broke. I learned that it doesn't take that much pressure to hold a blade in those clamps.