An extremely handy addition to any turner's armoury, the Sandmaster is used in combination with the lathe to give a fine finish on turned objects.  It uses the motive power provided by the lathe in rotating the workpiece to rotate the sanding disc or polishing mop.  This approach reduces the amount of dust raised during sanding, is quieter than using an external power source, such as an electric or air drill, minimises clogging of the abrasive and is very energy-efficient.

The Sandmaster is supplied with a 2" (50 mm) sponge pad (or 1"/25 mm in the case of the Modular Micro version) upon which standard velour-backed abrasive discs are mounted (see below).  This pad can be replaced by a 3" (75 mm) pad (purchased separately) quite simply, if required.  The rotating pad is mounted in bronze bearings carried on the end of a handle incorporating an articulated joint which can be locked in position after setting, in the most comfortable orientation for the job in hand.

The versatility of this tool is further enhanced by removing the sanding pad and replacing it with a pigtail mandrel upon which a choice of polishing mops may be mounted.  These mops may be used to apply or to polish wax finishes, giving a deep lustrous sheen to the workpiece, free of streaks and polish build-up.  If this form of finishing is of interest, then you may also wish to review the Beall Buffing System, elsewhere on the site.

The Sandmaster is fitted with an 8.1/2" (216 mm) handle, making it extremely manoeuvrable in the close confines of the inside of a bowl or similar closed form.  The overall length of the tool is approximately 11.1/2" (292 mm).

If this type of finishing appeals to you - and it should - then you are also recommended to take a look at the Beall Wood Buff system listed in our Finishes & Adhesives area.

Replacement pads and abrasive discs for the Sandmaster system are listed here.  In addition, some users may prefer to continue to use the original style of foam-backed sanding pad with velour-backed abrasive discs in their power sanding operations.  We supply both 50mm (2 inch) and 75mm (3 inch) pads and abrasive discs in a range of grit sizes, produced by Robert Sorby and others.  The 3" (75 mm) pad shown below may be used in conjunction with the Sandmaster (above) to replace the standard 2" (50 mm) pad supplied with that system.  These abrasive discs should not be used with the Grip-A-Disc system as there will be no foam insulation layer in the system to prevent the generated heat carrying back to the pad.

Tim Skilton is a highly respected Australian woodturner who, like most of us who use power sanding methods, became frustrated by the poor quality of the backing pads available on the market.  Unlike most of us, Tim did something about it and created "The Woodturner's Power Sanding Pad".  This fine product combines a hexagonal shaft so that it won't slip and can also be used in a power screwdriver, neoprene - a very durable closed cell rubber used in diving suits - which gives high heat resistance to defeat de-lamination, tapered sides to give improved access and enhanced flxibility  in awkward places such as undercut bowl rims, and a choice of two sizes: 50 mm (2") and 75 mm (3").  May be used with the abrasive discs of your choice, such as those listed below from Planet Plus or those from Robert Sorby, shown above.

If you are going to indulge in power sanding, then you will need something to power the sanding disc!  You may already have a suitable pistol drill, but equally may feel that this rather aggressive process might take a bit too much out of your existing machine. If you don't already have a power drill, or if you wish to protect yours, then this super Silverline SilverStorm hammer drill could be the answer.  It is neat and compact - unlike many such tools today - and so is likely to fit into places where other drills won't.  With a 550 watt motor, it has electronic variable speed from 0-3000 rev/min, hammer action (not that you'll need that for sanding), a 13 mm keyless chuck, a detachable front handle and a depth gauge.  It is so low cost as to be affordable to keep just for the sanding task - which is exactly what I have done with one of these.

©1997-2006 P. Hemsley.  The information on this website is the copyright property of Peter Hemsley. 
Coeur du Bois and The ToolPost are trading styles of Peter Hemsley.  Whilst reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, no liability can be accepted for errors in this information nor for contingencies arising therefrom.  If you are inexperienced in any aspect of woodworking, we would strongly counsel that you take a course of formal instruction before commencing to practice