Tool Talk#19: Hammer HS950 Edge Sander

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[@davecurda2350]

I bought one and it took 2 years to get one because they kept selling out before I could buy it. I absolutely love it ,one thing you didn’t mention was how much fast it is to change the belt compared to the grizzly. There is a video on line of a guy changing them on his grizzly and then on the new hammer hs 950 he had just bought to replace his grizzly.

[@Cameron2874]

I replaced my adjustable feet with low profile casters. (same thread as feet and weight rated) have had on for over two years with no issues with stability and mine gets moved constantly. Made mine so much more versatile than it already is. Did the same as you and got a wide range of grits and same as you I only use mostly 100 grit. Great machine.

[@pkwoodworking]

Jay, I have the same machine. I agree with everything you have explained here. This machine has crazy value compared to the competition. The base of the machine is open. If you rotate the base 180 degrees as opposed to the top (will require a few holes to be drilled to align the base to the top section) and you leave the panel off the base, you now have a great space to build a cabinet or drawers to keep sandpaper or the other parts when not in use. Including the stop and the miter gauge. Also, the adjustable side table is a great way to make a two tier sanding scenario to keep the full use of the belt. Nice work!

[@nickkropat8857]

the benchtop version of the Grizzly 89" goes on sale for 900 a couple times a year. I got one a while back and I agree with all of your points, its probably the most mundaine game-changer in my shop. I use it for everything, constantly.

[@WillyBemis]

I'm just setting up the mitre gauge and your explanation is very helpful. Thanks!🙂

[@FearsomeWarrior]

The miter stop gauge impressed me. Very nice.

[@halsti99]

the belt direction is a problem on bands, because the glue connection is weaker in one direction. so, if the band is worn out, you can try and run it the other direction, but the bands glue connection may fly apart if you do.

[@MattFormoso]

This is mostly a myth now adays

[@steinbierz]

Great video. I have one on order and still waiting to see when I can take delivery. One question regarding the 800 grit belt for metal. This is what I found in the Hammer HS950 manual: "Prohibited working techniques are those which must never be carried out on this machine! - Grinding of metal parts e.g. planer knifes." Just figured it was worth noting since I thought this would be perfect for light metal grinding but am now leery of using the Hammer for that. Regarding the miter gauge, I have a Felder bandsaw that, when I bought it, I passed on the miter gauge. When I ordered the HS950, I decided to get the miter gauge for the reasons you mention and how you use it. As it turns out, it is the same exact miter gauge as what Felder sells for their bandsaws so bonus...one miter gauge for two pieces of equipment.

[@shawnmurray5452]

I have the Jet version and yours is much more refined than the Jet.

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Great video and explanation of this tool.

[@abluishgray2244]

I still get nervous using my edge sander. I've sanded my finger tips pretty good more than a few times when the piece in my hand was launched across the room. It's a beast of a tool.

[@JayBates2]

Ouch! I've gotten bit once. Wasn't too bad luckily.

[@GrabouwAl]

Belt direction depends on the joint, if it the old style lapped joint then you can only run it one direction as indicated by the arrow, if its a taped joint (usually with a sine wave joint) then you can run it in either direction.

[@pmelchman]

Great information as usual.

[@inspectr1949]

Hammer is a step above all other tool manufacturers except for Felder of the brands I'm aware of.

[@plasticmotif43]

If money were no object, I'd have Northfield everything. I'd take Cantek over Felder and then Martin over Cantek. So, for machines that Northfield doesn't make, Martin. Those are the peak woodworking companies.

[@jimpackard8059]

The idea that Felder is better than Martin is laughable in my opinion.

[@stevewurster]

Nice review, Jay. I've been wanting one of these for a while but don't have the room for it in my small basement shop. Presumably you don't run the dust collection when grinding metal.

[@JayBates2]

I do not.

[@mrgruisinge]

Well done. Good info

[@Kapt6911]

thank you ....awesome review

[@TheSharkeyandgeorge]

its the join seam, youre not supposed to run the belt so the overlap catches

[@shoubhikdoss]

My shop ate it... LOL can totally relate

[@Mr_B_Piano]

Thanks Jay- Unless I missed it, what brand is the miter gauge, place of purchase. Thanks for your time.

[@JayBates2]

Hammer

[@bradstooks6181]

Very informative video! Would you recommend the A3-41 combo machine and if you had to do it over would you buy it or get something different?

[@JayBates2]

Fantastic machine. Switching back and forth is incredibly annoying after the 5 years I've had it. If space is a premium it's a good situational fit.

[@mksdesigner]

I would guess the non-oscillation is used for sanding the consistant / directional hairline on the objects especially large one.

[@KrisCT200]

Thank you for the great video. Did you assemble the machine yourself, was it shipped and setup right as functioning unit or did you have a specialist come over?

[@kraken509]

I’m torn between this and the South Bend offering. Very similar cost. South bend has VFD and weighs quite a bit more than Hammer but it’s still a Grizzly. Hammer seems more simple but refined. Any thoughts here now that the South Bend is a contender?

[@damianlewis1103]

I would guess that non-oscillation is a little less aggressive.

[@RedsWoodDesign1]

It seems like Felder is in production of these currently. No availability for at least 6 more months. Does anyone know of any retailers selling the one in this video by any chance? or earlier models available anywhere?

[@qwerty3663]

Artificial wine corks also make good belt cleaners. Did you consider the belt size availability/commonality across machine vendors and price when picking a machine?

[@JayBates2]

This was my starting point and I compared from this size.

[@JakeThompson]

👍👍

[@hobifurniture3101]

I received mine a few weeks ago. It’s a three phase machine. My workshop powers is single phase. I need help how I can run the machine

[@tomspare3573]

I'm curious about your desk collection. It looks like you have an 8in flex hose, 6in metal ductwork, and a 6 to 4 in metal funnel. Who was your source for these products?

[@JayBates2]

Nordfab. California air seems to be cheaper tho

[@brucewelty7684]

Oscillation removes less material at the (especially) bottom and top of the object?

[@JayBates2]

Same material removal through its thickness. The entire face of the wood is engaged in the belt at all times with oscillation on.

[@dagwood1327]

Do you use dust collection with metal work?

[@JayBates2]

No