Building the 1"x42" belt sander

Building a 1"x42" belt sander out of wood, using wheels and bearings from inline roller skates.
woodgears.ca/st...
Plans here:
woodgears.ca/st...

[@damendaman]

I don't even do wood working. But I have been watching your videos for quite some time and I just enjoy them so much. Keep it up.

[@JeffreyLWhitledge]

+Damen Abbott Same.

[@BladeScraper]

+Damen Abbott same. this guy is a genius.

[@dogaflair]

i enjoy watching too, it's cool hahaha

[@dronus]

+Damen Abbott same here... until i went in my step dads garage lol. its like heaven, but its pretty fucking cold in there :(

[@Samsgarden]

+Damen Abbott Hey, I don't do any of the crafts I watch o You Tube! Nor do I drive exotic cars!

[@peggyt1243]

So, you have added to your collection of 100K tools with a used furnace motor, some scrap wood and old roller blade wheels. Very impressive and exceptionally well done.

[@RimstarOrg]

Excellent video! Got all kinds of construction tips but the way you drill perpendicular holes at 11:07 is gold. Thanks!

[@matthiaswandel]

+RimstarOrg I notice you live in Ottawa. We should meet up some time

[@RimstarOrg]

+Matthias Wandel We definitely should. I didn't realize you're in the area. l've emailed your woodgears.ca account.

[@MAGAMAN]

That's actually a really, really old trick from the days of hand drills (drills you turn using you hand, no electricity).

[@EspenLodden]

Great design as always, and I'm relieved that there is still at least one woodworker left on KZbin who doens't use a CNC.

[@cartoon80s90s]

I have no idea where these garbage cans that hold so many goodies (including a few motors) exist, but I wouldn't mind having a couple near my house. As always, watching you build a new tool was a delightful experience. As for me, I'll use the usual excuse (I have no tools or skill to make any of this - which is partly true) and go back to watching others building what I would like to own. :) Maybe one of these days ...

[@PaulScott_]

+cartoon80s90s Just go out to the shop and start building something and don't expect perfection because there will be mistakes and failures and wonderful unexpected successes too. I am guilty of paralysis by analysis and spend way too much time planning and not enough time building. I recently planned a small item to build but once I started building it soon became obvious that I only needed to build about 25% of what I had planned and it would accomplish the same thing in the end. Just as Matthias changed his alignment doahmahicky thing, there will be changes to your plans as you build. As one of my friends used to say - just go out and start making sawdust and some days that is all you will make but I guarantee you will learn what to do and what not to do the next time! :)

[@jaytechCFL]

+cartoon80s90s motors from the garbage are usually in the form of refrigerators, washing machines and other household appliances. Harvesting these parts usually means doing a disassemble right there on the spot.

[@stygn]

+cartoon80s90s Well, for the motors it's mostly people throwing away motors that just need some elbow grease to get running again. The easiest problem to fix is a stuck fan. Usually it's just a couple of screws to get the perforated cover off, then use some WD-40 or equivalent on it, get it loose, clean it, put it back on, and it's done. Other fixes require a bit more work and a bit more "knowhow", but I'm fairly sure that Matthias has made a couple of videos on it. If not, it shouldn't be hard to find out how to fix them, just ask google for help : )

[@mckenziekeith7434]

+cartoon80s90s I do see defunct clothes dryers for free on Craigslist all the time. Those have motors in them. Of course it could be that the motor is bad, but often it is the heating system that is bad, or a broken belt.

[@DBYNOE]

+Jason Bourdon I wonder about those motors also, except for those tiny hand motors used in fans, all of the household appliances except the main climate control units (i.e. furnace and a/c blower motors) are mostly built ins, or in sealed compressors, neither of which have housings. The closest I can think of are used in discarded power tools, and even then most Diy-ers that toss their tools, toss the really cheap ones with universal motors. A source for these "junk" motors continues to slide me :-(

[@MrLiveEra]

Thanks for making this a one part one build video, Too many KZbinrs would have turned this into a 20 part series.

[@johnnguyen7587]

Matthias, I'm a thirteen year old guy who loves using his hands, ever since I started watching your videos, I've had much more knowledge on wood working and I absolutely *LOVE* your work! Now and ever since I've been getting straight A's on my woodworking. Thanks matthias and keep up the great work!

[@TobiasAcker]

Same here:) im just 15 :D

[@MyGarageWoodshop]

I wish my mind worked the way your does! Seriously. Fantastic build, Matthias!

[@lrgadv]

+My Garage Woodshop "seriously", for real!!!

[@juangessinger5393]

+My Garage Woodshop I guess we all wish.

[@mprziv]

I love how wonderfully obsessive you are!

[@donknotts650]

Your engineering skills are god-like. You da woodmasta.

[@lavejim11]

Some people are "naturals" at what they do..natural pilots, natural musicians, natural actors, etc. You are a true natural engineer!!! I really enjoy watching your videos!!

[@lonniehand1386]

i just bought me a new sander and your home made sander is ten times the tool i bought i am so impressed in the quality of things you build cant wait to see more thank you

[@austinharris5913]

I wonder if there's any other 13-year-olds that watch these videos

[@matthiaswandel]

+austin harris I'm sure there are.

[@Parker_Garage]

does 14 count?

[@emilijasavuskina8439]

are you one of those 13 year olds?

[@austinharris5913]

+Kristīne Sulima yes

[@emilijasavuskina8439]

+austin harris me too 😂😂😂

[@TomHowbridge]

Really enjoyed this ! who else did ?

[@Magnussen92]

+Tom Howbridge Everyone!

[@BradleyWilloughby]

I always enjoy Matthias' videos!

[@QuadDoc]

You are my HERO MATTHIAS!!! I've been watching your channels for years now and for some reason I never saw this one. I loved when you were building your own shop tools! Those were the days! But I also love the different directions you've taken through the years. You truly are a man after my own heart because guys like us have many different interests and we try many new things often. But sometimes it's fun to look back on old projects to see how passionate we were at the time about that specific subject matter. Keep up the good work brother!

[@CarlosGlatzos976]

Matthias, I just bought the plans from your website and just need to say: thank you for this great tool! Times when I abused my 4" belt sander trying to sand something small without ruining the contours are hopefully over soon. I must admit that I watch your channel ever since but did not have the time or skillset to try to make something (that actually works :-) yet. Your sketchup model is really great. In relation to the low pricing (where one could assume a lot less to get for) the quality of the package I got from you is worth every dollar. Can´t wait to start the build. Thanks again, cheers! Carlos And no, I´m not paid from Mr. Wandel to say that publicly!

[@doksfrommars]

Wandel green, the best shade of green there is.

[@you-tubejunkie2926]

I think it's vomit green.

[@toolify]

Your homemade tools are awesome! The interchangeable backing plates are so cool :)

[@paullund34]

I love the little impromptu guides you make to locate drills and the Angle Grinder. Also that special plattern to shape internal curves. The little refinements you added as the project developed make your narrow belt sander better and more flexible than the units people go out and buy. One point. I seem to remember a woodorking lathe in your shop. But a metalwork lathe might have been more appropriate. Sometimes I feel like saying "Hang on mate. We could do that bit in aluminium or nylon on my Myford." It's just instinctive to offer a helping hand. Then I see your work around for the problem, actually has several benefits. Its a great new tool you have made Matt. Interesting video, as always.

[@jonathanvanverdegem1157]

You are a woodworking genius. I don't even know how you make some of the things you make. When I get older and get my own woodshop set up I will have to get the plans for your machines. A lot of what I have seen looks better than what you can buy in the store.

[@Doooooof]

Very nicely built, love watching your videos.

[@karlkelley9103]

*Garbage* motor. *Scrap* wood. *Used* skate wheels. ...and this little sander is *still* waayyy better than my Harbor Freight Tool!

[@iancraig1951]

Greetings from Oz--I like the way you get 110% out of basic tools when you build something--keep the videos coming they are very enjoyable..

[@HavokTheorem]

This design is awesome Matthias, I'm impressed that you built a better sander than a store bought one. The dust collection, tracking adjustment and modular platen were really well thought out.

[@edmay1166]

4 years later, is this still operational? Any maintenance required for it? I like it.

[@QuadDoc]

It sure is! We see it in his shop being used in his current videos. It looks like the same motor, frame, covers, control systems and same adjustments. I wouldn't be surprised if its even the same sanding belt! Lol!! Usually if he finds a fault in his DIY shop tools he'll post about it on one of his channels. Cheers

[@KishorJoshiMCh]

@14:55

[@yosyp5905]

I can barely put a LEGO brick on another LEGO brick. They have to be squared or it would be too difficult for me.

[@williamdawson3353]

As usual your concept and design defy description. VERY interesting approaches to wheels, tension, pulley etc. I'm always amazed at your skills in developing an idea, video capture and narrative. You're a very clever and smart guy.

[@macsheldon]

Brilliant, Matthias! I just bought your plans for $8, not so much because I'm going to run to my shop and build this sander but because I love your videos and want you to keep them coming. I've used a cheap little belt sander for years but never imagined the curved platen idea. That's downright genius!

[@Einungbrekke]

"Safety trolls will leave me alone" LOL

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Awesome machine! I've been thinking of building one, and you've given me plenty of ideas. I don't think its a replacement for a spindle sander, but it does have some major advantages. Having both would be great.

[@matthiaswandel]

+Jer's Woodshop I'm not keen on spindle sanders myself, so this will be my substitute.

[@Jer_Schmidt]

+Matthias Wandel The strip sander will sand about ten times as fast too.

[@kwinters5550]

@@matthiaswandelLike you, I found a motor that someone threw out, only it's a ¾ horsepower 1725 RPM. It was in a dumpster. I plan to use it for a homemade disc sander.

[@junitono1]

I know nothing about wood working, but I can't stop watching these videos.

[@Sebastopolmark]

Always amazed how easy you make things "look". GREAT project. And a blade guard too.

[@TheKopakah]

the legendary lathe reply: "No. Spinning the pulley on it's own shaft avoids all issues of centering it later. And using a saw blade instead of a chisel avoids potential snags and tearing it loose off the shaft."

[@juanez8]

“Making a belt guard just so the safety trolls leave me alone” 😂😂😂😂🤣

[@rillesfotogresik1003]

Very nice!! There were so many tricks used in this project. Especially the way you make the wooden pulley. Thanks.

[@sjt275]

You have taught me in watching your videos that whatever works just works ! thank you

[@huldu]

I love watching these videos.

[@GraysonZimmer]

"I was just going to be awesome, then I was more awesome and made my own belt sander." You. Are. Awesome.

[@deanaoxo]

I so enjoy your videos. I love that you don't mind showing your whole design as you go process, warts and all, with tiny quips about the safety trolls. I'm always amazed that no matter how great we do at anything, someone, usually someone that doesn't do much, will find something to criticize. I guess it's human nature. Meanwhile, thank you.

[@timhitt5934]

You are very clever and a real natural mechanix.You have confidence and that's what it takes.Love to watch you work.Do you ever do fine woodworking?

[@MariusHornberger]

Cool from start to end. Gave me some ideas for my strip sander version that I wanna build someday. But did you really have to mention the thing with the CNC?

[@matthiaswandel]

+Marius Hornberger Yes. I may even make a video one of these days about why I think CNC for the home shop is stupid.

[@silver965]

+Matthias Wandel I would argue that it depends on what you are doing and how you plan to use the CNC, though. In your specific situation, it might be stupid, but in others it may not be.

[@superdau]

+Marius Hornberger I had to smile at the CNC thing. It's similar to pocket holes, safety trolls and smashing hand planes on the cast iron table. There's always someone in the comments who knows better. I like his attitude of slightly trolling these people ;) . And yes, please make a strip sander some time, even if you use your CNC (but would be nice to keep the parts table saw/band saw friendly). I think you, Matthias and John Heisz make the best build videos (I like the technical approach) and even if you all build the same thing everyone of you always has some unique ideas.

[@AusFin316]

+Matthias Wandel I want to see that video. You make so many awesome things without a CNC. Perhaps because you are so good at using the band saw? Maybe I just need more practice... or think a CNC would be cool... Not sure.

[@rasmis]

+Matthias Wandel could you perhaps get into a habit of giving measurements in both proper and ancient / “freedom” units? :-P Every time you say something like “found this 42 inch” my attention goes off on a conversion adventure: “Is that a lot? Is it less than my shoe size? Oh, no, it's inches. That's a lot. It's longer than a sandwich. But how much?”

[@benlaing360]

"Safety troll's" Haha, I love it!! As always love your work sir.... You are a genius and very inspirational.

[@mcorrade]

Finally,,, I've been eye balling this design for a LONG while now and finally bought the plans. Out of all the utubers selling plans, I like your style the best. You explain the simple things which I like :) I did build myself a belt sander of my own design but I like this one better. Thanks for all your great vids.

[@bellevuesnekkeri]

Great sander Matthias. Love the use of the roller blade wheels and most of all the interchangesble platen for inside curves. Well done

[@denelvo]

Matthias, may I remind you that you have a lathe? ;-)

[@matthiaswandel]

+denelvo See previous answer about lathe

[@intjonmiller]

+Matthias Wandel That can be difficult to do as KZbin displays comments in different order for different people, different times, etc., especially as the number of comments increases.

[@intjonmiller]

Ilan Avramov Please tell me more about the control button on my phone.

[@intjonmiller]

Yeah, right. I'm going to use a mobile app for KZbin instead of their feature-rich dedicated app.

[@intjonmiller]

* mobile browser

[@williamhayden7711]

Did I mention I love this sander? I'm hunting for an old washer or heater motor.

[@matthiaswandel]

+William Hayden Heater motors are the easiest to reuse. This one has a 1/3 hp furnace motor on it.

[@williamhayden7711]

Matthias Wandel I'll find one! Somewhere. :) Serious though you went all out on this sander. It's Beautiful. I've watched the video at least 4 times. Thanks.

[@Mittau]

+William Hayden These days more and more washing machines (and even some clothes dryers) have the motor integrated into the washtub/tumbler instead of an off the shelf motor hooked up with a belt. Makes scavenging motors a real pain.

[@StripeyType]

it's always such a pleasure to watch Mr. Wandel work.

[@marcoschwanenberger3127]

Absolutely amazing machine, build it twice already, would - and will - build it again! Thank you Matthias!

[@minihjalte]

Lol safety trolls. Great video.

[@DanT10]

+minihjalte Out damn troll!

[@howder1951]

+minihjalte Tubal Cane calls them Safety Nazis! Of course the rules are only broken for display reasons of course.

[@dorothysmith2972]

Step by step plans makes any project super easy! facebook.com/woodmasterplan/?sk=app_190322544333196

[@williamlingane2637]

Workbench u. S. A

[@radheshyamprjapati1964]

+William Lingane yssj

[@SkiDooRydr]

@1:20 ... reaching over the blade with that saggy shirt made my knees weak for a second..

[@donuteddie]

+SkiDooRydr he made a video on that

[@gaurdians1]

When I first started watching your vids I thought you were just some quirky guy with a good idea and a camera. But the more I've watched, the more I really admire your work. I've watched you build maybe 6 different power tools now, and I'm convinced you're either very very experienced in building power tools, or you're some sort of a genius. Either way, props to you and thank you for making these videos! You've certainly earned my subscription.

[@manuelmota9285]

The creativity combined with professionalism equals a wonderful result! I really enjoyed, CONGRATULATIONS !!!

[@DaveGatton]

Great job and I'm glad you thought of the safety trolls. :-)

[@woodsmokeWS]

All the great machine tool brands come in the olive green.

[@mauriciobob]

OMG! no words to describe how incredible is to watch such a genius create those wonderful tools! congratulations!

[@oBseSsIoNPC]

I am speechless Matthias, I love the design and the rounding feature. Great tool you built there!

[@homer655]

Imagine if Izzy Swan and Matthias had some kind of 50/50% clone of some sort? We would have wooden Skynet robots dominating this planet within 40 years.

[@AndreaArzensek]

Great job! I love how you troll people with the CNC machine (even I'm one of them).

[@gorp27]

I picked up a Delta Shopmaster sander at a pawn shop for $10 that has a bad tension idler that is no longer available, so came here looking only to see what you used but ended up watching your entire video. You do nice work.

[@1anthonybrowning]

Another fine machine built by MW. I really enjoy watching the builds.

[@qigong1001]

Do you know what I find in my trash...TRASH! Mathias found a motor, exotic wood, a Corvette, an engagement ring, and much more. Sheeeeeez.

[@ciarfah]

Slap Stick Legend says he found his entire house in a dumpster while out cycling one day.

[@qigong1001]

Haha..like Oscar the Grouch. He is a bit of a grouch...lol!

[@pumpkinheadghoul]

Every time I watch this guy's videos, I walk away with a slightly lower opinion of myself.

[@cosmoslogic9088]

It is very easy to see why you have over a million viewers, you are very talented for fabricating most anything known to man, i love it when talent and genius come together and changed the world.

[@mosmicke]

I have absolutely no use for this in any kind of way, buy OH what joy to see your work, your skill and ingenuity! Keep it up Matthias!

[@squidman0390]

if possible could you email me the blueprints for this I'm very interested in trying it myself

[@matthiaswandel]

+nathan groth woodgears.ca/strip_sander/plans

[@andrewoconnor6824]

Matthias maybe you should put it in your description; your reason to not use the lathe

[@matthiaswandel]

+Andrew O'connor It's covered in the article linked from the description. Can't help it that people can't be bothered to read.

[@Motovader72]

+Brandon S He admits openly to being an engineer on the home page of his website.

[@MRrwmac]

Thanks Matthias! I was Great to see you building another machine again. A joy to watch you build and give commentary plus see it revolve from you plans! I had forgotten how nice your Baltic Burch was to work with (as you have done in almost all your projects). Wish we could get that type with the thick laminates here in the USA.

[@sfosnot85]

Me too. All the plywood I find is anything but flat.

[@tomwyrick2824]

Fantastic! You must have sawdust in your veins! I find it fascinating how you can make even machinery it self with almost no metal!!!!Wow! You are an artist and a craftsman.

[@anatolytitov4169]

- How much plywood do you want to buy, sir? - I'm Matthias Wandel!!! - Oh, I see! Dear, we are rich now!! ... - And put it here and heeere!

[@TXDomer]

My favorite comment, "I'm making a belt guard just so the safety trolls will leave me alone." It's hilarious and sad at the same time. Fight ignorance Matthias!!

[@GeneTakae]

As always excellent design, build, and video. I was already impressed with everything but when you broke out the curved platen I was REALLY impressed!! Thanks for sharing.

[@soniaaparecidabraccialikik6878]

you are the best: you have a workshop that every guy want to get; congratulations. GOOD WORK.

[@coolmackerel6]

1:51 Bet it's fun trying to clean that up.

[@matthiaswandel]

+coolmackerel6 Yes, always lots of chips around the drill press. I vaccuum them up from time to time.

[@gordonsewell7244]

+Matthias Wandel q

[@teremoanatangamaki3658]

:-? ，

[@matthiasschroter1158]

h

[@woodaddict1]

Wouldn't a lathe be much easer to make pulleys ?

[@matthiaswandel]

+woodaddict1 No. Spinning the pulley on it's own shaft avoids all issues of centering it later. And using a saw blade instead of a chisel avoids potential snags and tearing it loose off the shaft.

[@scottbingham1907]

Beautiful workmanship there. I'd never have thought it possible to make a DIY belt sander, Let alone out of plywood. I'm pretty impressed with what you came up with mate.

[@tomwyrick2824]

That's awesome!! To make a machine like this using only minimal steel parts is fascinating!!!! Truly a craftsman!!!!

[@Nichoalsziv]

can someone explain to me how the bevel on the belt makes it more stable

[@mckenziekeith7434]

+Stragemque You mean the bevel (or crown) on the wheels/rollers? Old machinery used to use this extensively. Matthias wrote up an explanation. Go to woodgears.ca/bandsaw/crowned_pulleys.html.

[@ThumpertTheFascistCottontail]

+Stragemque Do you mean the v-belt and v-pulley at 6:50? That type of belt /pulley creates more surface area contact than a flat belt/pulley, which results in less slipping and better power transfer. That's my understanding, anyway. I might be wrong.

[@Everfalling]

+gamerathebrave actually it's because a crowned pulley wheel will auto-center a belt running on it.

[@Everfalling]

+Seth Manley no that's not the answer at all.

[@ThumpertTheFascistCottontail]

Everfalling You've misunderstood my comment. I wasn't referring to the crowned pulley, I was referring to the v-pulley.

[@pypes84]

You'll be surprised what you can pull off with a CNC and a bit consciousnesses. Getting those parts out of that scrap is certainly doable.

[@metamech7383]

Matthias brilliant. You have blown me away again.

[@woodstoney]

That came out wonderfully as do most of your creations. Make me want to try my hand at one. I really have enjoyed your videos over the years! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheNuubi]

THE EXPOSED BELT IS EXTREMELY DANGE ...... well damn it

[@andypughtube]

Safety-Troll says: Is that self-extinguishing, zero-halogen, fireproof wood? Just kidding, that looks like a really useful tool.

[@WOODS-Working]

Dear Vandel I learned a lot from your video sharing and experienced it. I watch every video you share at least twice. I look forward to watching your videos. have a nice day

[@marcoschwanenberger3127]

I build this Sander a few months ago now and I absolutely highly recommend building it. Although I have a disk sander and an edge belt sander it has found so many uses. Additionally beeing powered by a 2 hp dust collector motor may be a little overkill, but no matter how I abused it, it is yet to slow down. Very nice.

[@womaninwood9177]

Are you from Germany? If so, where did you get the matching belts?

[@marcoschwanenberger3127]

@@womaninwood9177 That was a bit of a hassle. I found some 2" wide belts on Amazon in the correct length and ordered them; they came from america though, so it took a week or two. I then cut it in themiddle to get a 1" wide belt. Kinda annoying getting them here. But I ordered a 10Pack and had 20 belts after cutting so they lasted a while.

[@preston_dion]

U need to change your channel name to "The wood god" 😂

[@firstgeer]

Very nice, I especially like the curved platen. You've inspired me to repair and upgrade my old 1x42 sander. I've been using a Wilmont 2" x 72" sander I assembled from a kit and have been using it for knife making for the last year.

[@Droolzgaming]

It's very fascinating / satisfying watching someone with great problem solving skills.

[@davidperry2136]

impressive word working, really great use of common tools and materials as table saw, band saw and plywood. thanks for inspiration.

[@jthescruff]

Elegant solutions to simple problems. Lovely to watch.

[@rkoriginaldesign]

Well Matthias, you've really outdone yourself this time.

[@brianregner5209]

As always, you never fail to amaze me with your ingenuity. Keep up the good work, Matthias!

[@AlekseyLeontev]

Отличный станок вы сделали! Очень интересно смотреть все ваши видео. Есть чему поучиться. Спасибо!

[@howder1951]

Great project Mathias, I'll have to make one of these. I especially like your flourish on the belt guard, and the dust collection. That radiuses platen looks like you should patent it too, cheers, H

[@JGUNW1R3D]

Pretty inventive. Love that you built this out of reclaimed material.

[@maximumiq158]

just amazing what You can build with wood and how well You make it all fit nicely together.

[@amirhouseingholinia2023]

The Einstein of woodworking design and build

[@Yackhammer75]

I realize the belt guard was for the safety trolls, but it also gave it a very nice over all look. Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming. I love to see your machines.

[@emremutlu44]

I loved the fast forward part that MDF cutted through desk saw. It gently flows, like cutting butter.

[@thomaspigg306]

A very, very neat and well thought out process for making the sender. Cudos to you.

[@tribulia43]

Matthias, ti faccio i miei più vivi e sinceri complimenti per questo tuo progetto e opera che hai portato a compimento. Bravo. Uno strumento facile da costruire e utile nell'officina del fai da te.