BELT SANDER BAN – Why? Where? …and what to use instead.

The video “BELT SANDER BAN – Why? Where? …and what to use instead.” is by Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton).

For over a decade, James has been teaching woodworking and has discovered a common trend among hobbyist woodworkers—they tend to shy away from hand planes. Many woodworkers find the skill required for those delicate wispy shavings intimidating.

It’s true; there’s a tendency to have more sanders than planes in most workshops, and that’s perfectly fine. However, James has a strong aversion to one particular sander: the belt sander.

Stumpy Nubs expressing his dislike for belt sanders

Belt sanders, in James’ words, are “noisy, ham-handed tools” that create a dust storm in the shop and can ruin a project in seconds. If you’re using one, he urges you to consider a better alternative—a tool that’s quieter, cleaner, and more precise. This tool doesn’t require electricity or expensive replacement parts and can often be found for a bargain at yard sales.

A dusty shop filled with noise and chaos from a belt sander

The replacement for the belt sander? A hand plane, but not just any hand plane. James recommends a flea market plane with a special modification: a cambered iron. Unlike traditional planes, this one is designed to remove wood quickly and efficiently, without the dust and noise.

A hand plane with a cambered iron

James shares examples of how this modified plane has transformed his woodworking projects:

  • Leveling uneven workbenches without the mess.
  • Fixing tight drawers in old furniture swiftly.
  • Smoothing warped boards that are too large for standard jointers.
A workbench being leveled with a cambered iron plane

The secret lies in the cambered iron, which is ground with a radius on the cutting edge, turning the plane into a “wood hogging workhorse.” James guides viewers through the process of crafting this modification, from creating a template to grinding the iron.

Grinding a cambered iron for the hand plane

He emphasizes that this tool is meant for rough work, not fine smoothing. It’s about efficiency and practicality, making it ideal for tasks where a belt sander might be used. By adopting this approach, woodworkers can save time, money, and avoid the mess of using a belt sander.

For those who are ready to make the switch, James offers a step-by-step tutorial on modifying a hand plane and encourages woodworkers to give it a try. This small change could mean never reaching for the belt sander again.

Completed cambered iron ready for use

In conclusion, James presents a compelling case for ditching the belt sander in favor of a modified hand plane. It’s a shift towards a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient woodworking experience.

Video

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