12" Disk Sander

Features:

1. Large workspace 
2. Variable speed 
3. Miter Gauge
4. Uses "over the counter" disks
   

What can you say about a disk sander? They're all pretty much the same no matter who makes it. Right? Nope! With the variable speed headstock the disk sander on the Shopsmith can be used on a broad variety of materials without risk of burning or burnishing. The Shopsmith also allows you to use your rip fence and miter gauge for jigging up for repetitive sanding operations. Again, to see what I'm talking about the free DVD is a great place to watch it in action.

I have used the standalone, stationary disk sanders on many different materials. Some burn real easy and other don't. Sometimes I just want to remove a hair from the piece being sanded. The solution for both of these scenarios is to lower the speed of the disk. The standalone machines can be modified for variable speed by wiring a  rheostat  on the power input. These rheostats can run anywhere from $75 to $150. Be careful to use a rheostat rated for the motor that you are using. A mismatch can cause fire or damage.

Most disk sanders do have the slot for a miter gage as does the Shopsmith. What other sanders don't have is the large workspace and  fence for mounting jigs and fixtures.

The replacement disks can be bought at most hardware and lumber suppliers