Description
These instructions are a complete step by step guide that will show you how to build a 9″ drill powered disc sander, and it should only cost you about $20 in materials.
This project is designed to be an EASY build. You can probably get most of it done in a couple of sessions. The most time consuming part will be waiting for epoxy and polyurethane to dry!
About the plans:
- Formatted for normal sized (8.5″ x 11″) printer paper, so you can print them at home.
- Includes Metric Version
- Includes French Version (thanks to Jean-Jacques, a French patron!)
- They include:
- A complete shopping list for the materials you need.
- A complete list of parts you need to cut with all the dimensions necessary (with images).
- Step by step instructions that accompany and compliment the build video.
About the Disc Sander:
- Dimensions: 17″ long x 10″ wide x 10″ tall.
- Disc Diameter: 9″
- Uses a corded drill to turn the disc (not included).
- Do NOT use a cordless drill, as it may not be able to handle the load!
Tools required (or at least strongly suggested) to build this project:
- Table Saw
- Miter Saw (Recommended, but not necessary if you have a table saw sled or another way to make good cross cuts)
- 23 Gauge Pin Nailer (Recommended, but not strictly necessary)
- Router (or some other way to make perfect circles).
- Drill
- Drill Press (Recommended, but you could get by with a regular drill)
- 5/64″ or 1/16″ bit
- 22mm or 7/8″ Spade or Forstner Bit
- 1/4″
- 5/8″ Bit
- 5/16″ Bit
- 5/16-18 Thread Tapping Bit
- Sander/Sandpaper
- Flat File
- Coping Saw (you can get by without this, but it sure made my life easier)
Because this is a digital product, no refunds are allowed.
mehardin347 (verified owner) –
Just finished this build and am delighted with the results. A great addition to a poor mans workshop. Love how Tommy goes about his business, he gives you the chance to follow along with what he is doing. He is also very responsive to any questions you may have. 5 stars.
Mike – Thank you for the wonderful review! Check out Mike’s build in the customer gallery! – Tommy
Tony Bullard (verified owner) –
Holy smokes, these are the most detailed, thorough plans I’ve ever purchased from someone. Not only does Tommy give you step-by-step instructions, he explains WHY you’re doing what you’re doing as well.
Can’t wait to get everything together and make this!
dnwggns (verified owner) –
Great plans!! Don’t use cheap bearings (Learned this the hard way)
Tommy is extremely detailed is his plans and has very reasonable prices.
Subscribe to his YouTube channel.
Thumbs Up!!!
Tommy Rich –
Thank you for that awesome review!
Matthias (verified owner) –
Hi Tommy,
This build is the real deal. I am a woodworking novice, and this thing was the perfect project to start a second life for an old, but merely used drill I’ve had lying around for quite some time. Your plans are super accurate, it’s a pleasure working along these. I’m looking forward to attacking the next project soon. And btw: with 120- paper applied, this sander kicks b****! Keep it up! Greetings from Munich, Germany
Tommy Rich –
Matthias, thank you for sharing about your experience! I’m so glad you enjoyed the project!
Amin (verified owner) –
This project was super. I just had difficulty finding a good epoxy.
Tommy Rich –
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! It sounds like you’ve finished the project now, but for the future, I recommend JB Weld Original, that takes 24 hours to fully cure. It has a long working time (several hours) and it cures VERY hard and durable. I hope this helps! Thanks again!
Steve Shelton (verified owner) –
Wow! I am hoping even a beginner like me can make this project. The plans and cut list and materials are the best details I have seen in any woodworking make up. I am stoked to get going on this project. I will probably have Tommy’s video going in slow motion while I try to put this together. Very professional grade. Thanks.
Steve Shelton
July 30. 2019
Tommy Rich –
Thank you for that review! Good luck with the build – keep me posted, and let me know if you need anything g along the way!
Tom Vinge (verified owner) –
Nice Video
After watching the video I bought the drawings. I have only had one small problem but easy solved. It has been a fun build and good result (not as good as Yours).
I can only recommend to try it out.
Tommy Rich –
Thanks for the review, Tom!
Tom Paulley (verified owner) –
Well documented and detailed plans. I found actual SAE dimension bearings instead of skate bearings (which all seem to be metric), which made for a much better fit for my 7/8″ hole and 5/16″ axle. Straightforward build and excellent results.
craigneave (verified owner) –
Very well written and easy to follow.
Stefan Geissbühler (verified owner) –
The plans are easy to follow with clear step-by-step instructions. The only (very small) hiccup was on page 30 with part J being marked as part I, but that’s small potatoes. The drill alignment and mounting (for my corded drill) took some figuring out, but once it was done I was ready to go. I love this tool! It is now one of my favorite tools in my shop and I find all sorts of great uses for it. I wonder if I could peel potatoes and carrots with it?? Thanks Tommy!
Tommy Rich –
Stefan, thank you for that awesome review! I have fixed the error so that future customers will not encounter it – thank you very much for pointing it out! I’m glad to hear it’s one of you favorite tools; it is one of my favorites as well. While I don’t recommend peeling vegetables with it, if you decide to do so, make sure you video record it 😉 Anyway, thanks again!
Dave Jackson –
Tommy has written very detailed instructions for this build and as a European I obviously downloaded the metric version. The conversions are as calculated inch to centimetres but don’t be put off by the decimals, a DIYer can make it all fit with a bit of forethought. Many may have been put off by the 5’x5′ plywood board that is on the shopping list. Don’t be, I made this all from a 120x60cm plywood board with spare.
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
Dave, thanks for the awesome review! Also, if you have any pointers for how I can make better metric conversions, send me an email and let me know – thanks again!
George Dennis (verified owner) –
I have bought, and built from, a lot of plans from the You Tube stars, Wandel, Stumpy Nubs, Heisz you name it. Tommy Rich easily belongs in that crowd for plans and videos that are complete and anticipate most of the questions anyone would have. Extra points however go to the OMW for going metric. I just switched over myself. At first just for piece dimensions, then bits, blades and hardware that one can accumulate with each project. Accuracy went way up, material waste way down. Detailed, accurate plans in decimal. This is heaven for the fractionally challenged.
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
George, that’s a very nice compliment, and I very much appreciate it – thank you so much!
Taz Patel (verified owner) –
This is the first time I’ve built my own tool. Thanks Tommy really simple but attention to detail build plans.
Really happy with the end product.
Thanks
Taz
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
Taz, I’m so glad you enjoyed the project – thank you for taking the time to write a review!
Cees Boots (verified owner) –
Dear Tommy, I bought your design because it was / was what I wanted the best for me, I almost finished it, I even managed to close the dust cover at the bottom of the turntable with 1 piece of multilplex. When it is completely ready I will send a photo of the result. thanks for your nice and good plan! Kind regards from the Netherlands … Cees
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
Thanks for the update – I’d love to hear when it’s done! Keep me posted!
Jim Harris (verified owner) –
When I saw the video for the sander, and that there were plans for iti too, I had to get them. Now I can Make my own unit, and easily transport it around the work area.
I love the ease of which all the parts fit together. The dimensions were all correct and the cut list made the whole thing just fly together. No more seven trips to the store for a little piece of wood. Super thanks Tommy. Once again, you have brought excellence to the table. Stay Safe and cut straight.
Jim Harris
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
Jim, thank you so much for trying the project, and for the awesome review!
David Henderson (verified owner) –
I am very pleased with my new disc sander! Tommy has done a fantastic job creating detailed and easy to follow step-by-step plans. These plans are totally thorough and nothing is left to the imagination. The project was fun to make and went together fairly quickly once all the materials were gathered. I used ABEC-9 skateboard bearings and they work excellent. The dust collection works great and this was very important to me. Than you so much for the plans! All the best1
Dave Henderson
Michael (verified owner) –
I have three of your projects plans. They are super. I like that they aren’t complicated. If you read the plans and watch the video you can’t mess up. I love how he shows the cut lists. It’s all great.
Armando (verified owner) –
My best review is that my new disk sander, works. Great job
Bj (verified owner) –
I just finished making the sander. I found the instructions very easy to follow. I love my sander.
Shelley (verified owner) –
Great plans. Very easy to follow yet very detailed and reasonably priced. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
Shelley, thank you for sharing!
Jakub Nosal (verified owner) –
The plans are great! Very easy to follow, everything explained perfectly. The sander works great! Thank you so much, wish I will use more of your products in the future 🙂
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
Thank you, Jakub!
Larson Bennett (verified owner) –
I haven’t built this disc sander project yet, but it’s definitely on my list. However, I would like to compliment Tommy on the well-laid-out plans; they’re very comprehensive and simple to follow. As soon as I get a corded drill I can dedicate to the project, I will be building it. Well done.
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
Larson, thanks for the review! When you do get to it, let me know how it goes!
Arnold Truck (verified owner) –
The vacuum idea is brilliant. I used a pre cut set of 9″ wooden circles that you can get on amazon and hobby stores for picture mounting, and a Diablo 5″ disk kit for a drill and mounted the two together instead of cutting circles and rods and gluing. It’s a little faster and easier for people who don’t have a band saw just a stubborn jig saw.
Lloyd Chung (verified owner) –
Very detailed and concise instructions. Now I just need some wood and time to build it. And maybe another drill from a second hand store or something so I don’t need to use the one from the lathe I’ll be building. (Although, I’ll probably use the sander more than the lathe) We’ll see.
Robin Clifton (verified owner) –
A great sander and great plans, the JB Weld works brilliantly. I really enjoyed making it. I have made a small modification by attaching the dust box with snapdown clips to make it easier to change the sanding disc. Thank you Tommy and God bless you.
sam grannon (verified owner) –
VERY GOOD PLANS AND EASY TO FOLLOW NICE TO GET THEM BY DOWNLOAD AND A GOOD PRICE. BUT THE ONLY DOWN FALL IS I NEVER RECEIVED THE EMAIL WITH A SECOND SET OF PLANS THAT WHERE TO BE SUPPLIED I DID NOT GET THEN BUT YOU LOOSE SOME AND WIN SOME WILL DEAL AGAIN AND GET SOME MORE FROM HIM. HOPE HE READS THIS AND SEND ME MY PLANS BY EMAIL . SAM HULL EAST YORKSHIRE UK
Tommy Rich (verified owner) –
Sam, thank you so much for ordering plans! I appreciate your support very much. Sometimes emails get sent into spam folders, or tucked away in other places. That said, I’ve just sent you an email containing all the links from both of your orders. Thank you again – please feel free to let me know if you need anything else at all!
Ghani Dykes (verified owner) –
I am a retired electrical engineer who likes to build and tinker with things also. I am on a very limited budget and a very limited space. I took the plans for the sander and adapted it to my needs. It is still a work in process. The plans were great, accurate and detailed enough to follow easily. I especially liked the tip about the original JB Weld. I really like your YouTube channel and I watch it almost every night. Keep on building.