So I have been researching how to make my cut my own lams....As a HVAC contractor I have many motors laying around just begging for use. My prob is finding adapters from 1/2" motor shaft to a chuck style bit. Any ideas? I have found a few build alongs but nothing that really speaks of specific parts. Any ideas? I currently have several 1725 rpm 1/2 to 3/4 motors but need a way of adpating to sanding drums. I just can't seem to find a good par to do it. Any help is appreciated.

http://www.buildyourownbow.com/build-alongs/how-to-make-a-simple-thickness-sander-build-along/

Maybe something like this?

 http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G5552-Arbors-2-Inch-Keyless/dp/B0000DD4B2/ref=sr_1_13?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1385008079&sr=1-13  

Then you can get a sanding drum like this:

 http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G1286-Large-Sanding-Drum/dp/B0000DD0IV

Or you could use something like this, although I don't know how well it would work.

http://www.amazon.com/Climax-Metal-1C-050-S-Stainless-One-Piece/dp/B00207SX1Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1385008416&sr=1-1

Here's a cheaper one.

http://www.amazon.com/Climax-Metal-Two-Piece-Clamping-Plating/dp/B001VXS9KS/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1385008563&sr=1-7

Sam,

Thats awesome - the first reply is exactly what I need. I searched for hours and couldn't find one...the drum sander you recommended is actually one that I just purchased, and plan to use for this project. The problem is it's shippped with a 3/8" male shaft and I need to adapt that to my 1/2" electric motor shaft. (although the grizzly part says its a 1/2" shaft, they are referring to the shaft that's inside the drum, not the one that you turn the drum from)

Dustin,
Thanks for the link, this is exactly the build along I have followed up to this point. I wanted to do it just a bit different though. My plan is by using a drill chuck I can use the motor for not just a thickness sander, but also spindle sander. Thanks

NYArrow, I've got one of those keyless arbors you can have if you don't mind paying the shipping and waiting until I get home on Saturday to mail it.

Sam,
That would be awesome. Let me know the shipping cost and ill add in $10 for the arbor. Thanks! Ill pm you my address.

I just love trad guys helping other trad guys...

If only the whole world was like that...

Nyarrow let us know how it worked out for you.

Will certainly post my results. Could be a month or so before I actually attempt my own lams...just received materials for my 2nd glass bow from kenny and that will keep me busy a while.

It should be simple to use a V belt to drive the drum.