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Most woodworkers I know really don't enjoy doing any kind of sanding, (myself included). Especially when it come to leveling out large panels. Let's face it, it can be time-consuming, messy, and a bit tedious. That's why I've always been envious of woodworking shops that have a thickness sander.

The idea behind a thickness sander (also called a drum sander) is pretty simple. Sandpaper is wrapped around a large drum, and as the drum spins the workpiece passes under it and is sanded smooth. The result is a perfectly flat panel with a minimum of fuss. Of course, all this convenience comes at a rather hefty price. A sander that can handle a 16 "-wide panel can cost up to seven hundred dollars. So I didn't have any immediate plans for putting a thickness sander in my shop — until now.

In this issue, we're featuring a thickness sander you can build yourself for less than two hundred dollars in materials. You don't even need to purchase a motor — the drum is powered by your table saw. Not only does this help keep the cost down, but it makes the sander easier to store when it's not being used. For the complete story, check out the article on page 28.

New Face. I'm happy to announce, Dennis Perkins has joined us as an assistant editor. Dennis is an accomplished wood worker with a shop full of very nice tools. (He even has his own thickness sander.)

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Thickness Sander page 28

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in the shop

What's New in PVA Glue_38

It's not plain-old yellow glue anymore. Here are some new twists on an old favorite.

setting up shop

Outfeed Supports_40

Learn more about the latest stands for supporting stock safely while you work. mastering the table saw

Never-Fail Splined Miters_44

Want stronger miters? Here's a simple technique with guaranteed results.

great gear

Top Choices for Mallets & Hammers_46

Whether you need finesse or heft, you can find a hammer or mallet that's right for the job.

ultimate garage

Quick & Easy Shelving System_48

Customize your shop or garage with this inexpensive, but adaptable shelving system.

I Q&A_50

Sources 51

Cutoffs

www.ShopNotes.com

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