The November meeting of the St Joseph Woodworkers Guild saw the annual belt sander races, at Rick #1′s commercial shop in downtown St Joseph. The old king was deposed, and we have a new king, Rick #2.
This is the low-resolution video – 5:25 minutes of sheer excitement and head-butting of sanders into the spring-loaded stops at the end of the 48-foot long tracks:
We had a total of nine entries, including past winners of the event. The winner’s sander was a no-name machine bought at Big Lots, 1,345 RPM motor – a total brute that sustained a bit of damage during trials, before the contest started.
Congratulations, Rick #2! And thanks to Rick #1 for holding this year’s event in your amazing shop.
Note: The high-resolution version is uploading as I write this; I will edit this post to provide the link later today. Right now I must prepare for Papa duty with one of our granddaughters.
— Al Navas
About Al Navas
Great fun! That’s probably the best things to do with those machines.
I hate sanding and avoid it at all costs. If people can’t abide finishes that come straight from the tools, too bad.
A woodworking tools catalog arrived last week featuring sandpaper on the first 4 pages. I tossed it without looking farther. Anything that leads with sandpaper is outta here.
Good to see someone having fun with sandpaper! Thanks for the entertainment.
Bob,
It was a lot of fun – it is an annual event. Just like you, I relegate the bulk of sanding to the drum sander for flat stuff, and the sanding of curves to the oscillating spindle sander. But for finish work it is hand tools whenever possible, because the surface is gorgeous and finish-ready!