Author Topic: Locomotive Belt Sander Racing  (Read 2670 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline JohnD

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 80
Locomotive Belt Sander Racing
« on: May 07, 2018, 10:11:49 AM »
I've sold some big old belt sanders on eBay for good money, the ones that resemble the old streamlined steam locomotives. Indeed the eBay market seems to refer to them as "locomotive" belt sanders. I'm curious if folks buy these to use? Or to look at on the shelf? Or do they hot rod them and race them? I remember seeing something on the tube years ago where guys were putting long cords on belt sanders and drag racing them down a wooden track / channel. Sort of like Tether Cars for tool junkies.

Offline Papaw

  • Owner/Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11221
  • Alvin, Texas
    • Papawswrench
Re: Locomotive Belt Sander Racing
« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2018, 06:01:32 PM »
Sounds pretty wild to me. :huh:
Member of PHARTS - Perfect Handle Admiration, Restoration and Torturing Society
 
 Flickr page- https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhankamer/

Offline lptools

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3069
Re: Locomotive Belt Sander Racing
« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2018, 07:10:21 PM »
Hello, I do believe that Belt Sander Racing is taken pretty seriously by some folks. There are regional belt sander racing associations, and there might even be an international association. I have heard of job-site races, no track, the sander switch locked ON, with a short extension cord. Cord was then plugged into the outlet, and the sander that went the farthest once the cords detached from each other , or the outlet, was the winner. Regards, Lou
Member of PHARTS-  Perfect Handle Admiration, Restoration and Torturing Society

Offline JohnD

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 80
Re: Locomotive Belt Sander Racing
« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2018, 07:24:10 PM »
I checked Youtube after the original post and found many videos of belt sander racing. Haven't checked them all but I didn't see any of the big shiny locomotive looking vintage ones yet. Some seemed pretty serious and others seem to take place in the back yard of drinking establishments!

Offline lptools

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3069
Re: Locomotive Belt Sander Racing
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2018, 07:41:09 PM »
The latter are the most fun!!!!!!
Member of PHARTS-  Perfect Handle Admiration, Restoration and Torturing Society

Offline Bill Houghton

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2808
Re: Locomotive Belt Sander Racing
« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2018, 09:50:20 PM »
Some folks love the locomotive belt sanders because the weight of the motor is centered over the belt.  If you want to see testimonials to locomotive-style sanders, go over to the Old Woodworking Machines and track down some of the threads on the various Porter-Cable sanders of that style.