I make "Put me in a plain Pine Box" type of basic caskets.
Spending tooo much time sanding pine.
Need ideas to reduce my time.
My product is made of lumberyard SYP #2 S4S 1x6" w pitch set KD to the "19%".
They are probably avg of 15-16% when I work them.
Due to the high MC, I use individual 6" boards, NOT glue ups.
I am mostly needing to remove the grade stamps and minimal, yet present planer ripple.
Currently use 5" RO Bosch $70 sander w Klingspor Blue discs 120 grit.
120 final finish is fine enough for my specific product need,and I use ONLY 120 start to finish.
No pitch loading problems, no disc life complaints.
Remember, my work is "Rustic"
IF... IF it was a viable solution, I could in future spend ? 1k on a used drum or somekinda machine... BUT I am VERY concerned about short belt life w this wood... even though current supplier is apparently set pitch.
Also another issue - Some of my boards have a slight cup that plays well w a 5" medium back pad sander, but will not sand full width on a wide belt w/o multiple passes, so bringing in another complication.
So, how can I speed this up ?
Bigger ? better ? sander ?
Start w 80 grit ? ( silly, but never tried that yet)
Hmmm... just thought maybe I need open coat discs ? duhhh...
Lastly, a separate question - - A technique, or machine, or jig that would sand my edges while also easing "breaking over" the sharp corners ?
I'm thinking one of those inflatable bladder shredded flap sanders on like a Baldor grinder that are used for canoe paddles... but mounted under a long table similar to a jointer.. I would just slide the board through 2 times for the 2 edges.
Going to find and post a few photos that may help.
Thanks all !
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