We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.
One of the earliest machines I remember Dad having in the shop , besides a table saw and a radial arm saw , is a 12″ disc sander. I hated to change the disc on that thing. Peel the backing off then work like the dickens to slide it in place and get it adhered before the glue stuck on something other than where it should. Every time, the results were the same.
Finally, I discovered a simple step-by-step method to get the job done without nasty consequences. I know that many of you will think this a foolish waste of blog space, but heck, that’s what I do. So here goes.
Begin by using a knife to slice the film on the back of the sanding disc. It’s not a Herculean event. Don’t cut all the way through.
Peel off one half of the film
Slide the still-filmed portion of the back into the slotted area between the machine’s disc and the table (or covering) while you keep the un-filmed area away from the surface. After you get the sanding disc positioned, press the sticky portion to the machine’s disc to adhere one half of the sanding disc to the machine. Half the task is complete.
Next, spin the disc so the stuck part is down inside the machine and the still-filmed part is at the top. Bend the sanding disc out from the machine’s disc and simply peel away the remaining film.
Press the second half of sanding disc to the machine’s disc and you’re ready to work.
Granted , this is not undiscovered woodworking knowledge. I almost thought this technique too simple for the blog, but it’s small techniques such as these that keep the blood pressure down. Do you have any similar ideas that make shop life easier? If so, add it to the comment section. I could use a few more points shaved from my stats.
Save money and time in your shop with “601 Woodshop Tips & Tricks,” from a guy with 50 years of experience in woodworking, Graham McCulloch. Click here to order a copy.
