I would like to make a lam grinder to better control my lam thicknesses. Currently I use a sled on my planer but it only works well down to about .090".
I tried making one out of an old belt sander but I had issues with the lams feeding in consistently and thus they didn't turn out very consistent. I have seen some guiter makers (luthiers) make them using a motor, a drum sander attachment (thats commonly used in a drill press) and then they build an adjustable table. My question/doubts with this setup has to do with a consistent feed.
Besides spending some serious coin on a belt driven drum sander, are there any other decent options out there?
I use a belt sander set up similar to the one here (http://poorfolkbows.com/images/lamgrinder.JPG)
At first I too was concerned about the quality due to my inconsistent feed. But like all tools it takes some practice to master.
Here is one that uses a drill press Lame grinder (http://peteward.com/lam%20grinder/lam%20grinder.html)
I think I would like the one with the drill press I think the control would be better, but my drill press would laugh at me if I even suggested it was going to do something like that.
I know a profesional bowyer who hand feeds his lams and he builds alot of bows every year.
I hand feed all my lams and we build about 150 a year.
i use the lame grinder except i use a 1/8 aluminum L channel ...with that set up you get a perfect 90 degree... :smileystooges: