Delta 12" Disc Sander - Common Fix for Handle

[OldeTimeEtc]

Do any of you have a recent made (approx last 10 years) Delta 12" Disc Sander?.....
(Model 31-120 or similar) I have found a common defect that fails quite often with the handle that tightens the adjustable table. Part#913386

 

[zkling]

Get a nicer one from mcmaster or the like.

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

The defect lies in the internal construction of the handle. Being made of aluminum the "lines" you see along the inside wear out fast and then the handle slips when you try to tighten it while adjusting the table making it useless.

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

Since newer Delta machines are now being made in China I'm not surprised at this and ordering this part from Delta is also useless since this part is unavailable as is almost anything else you try to order from them I have found. In searching for a replacement part I have found a company (Renova Parts) that they claim is a replacement handle. Unfortunately when I received it in the mail, what I got was another chinese made plastic cheap piece of ****.

http://stores.renovoparts.com/913386-handle-913386-0/

 

[The Cobbler]

I would just replace it with a cap screw & keep a wrench handy. how often do you change the table tilt?

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

So after a long time of searching ...even for a used replacement part in good shape....I finally decided to just make my own handle based on Delta's design on their older disc sanders.,,,an example as pictured below

 

[The Cobbler]

nice fix!

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

In searching the local hardware stores I finally found these handles whicih were as close as I could get to what I wanted. Plastic of course but they at least had brass inserts. I also picked up a couple of metric bolts ( 8-1.25mm x 2") , 2 washers and 2 set screws (10-32 x 1/4)

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

I would just replace it with a cap screw & keep a wrench handy. how often do you change the table tilt?

I simply don't like the inconvenience of going to get a wrench when my way its built into the table like it should be

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

Get a nicer one from mcmaster or the like.

You want to go spend $100s and $100s of dollars on one at McMaster, be my guest....Overall this sander is well built except for these cheap flaws when they changed an already bullet proof design. I paid $60 for this machine in almost like new perfect working condition at an old tool swap. Until I find and can afford an older 20" sander this will suit me fine.

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

First I retapped the new handles with the proper metric taps. The SAE thread size on the handles was close so running a metric tap didn't take much effort and only altered the threads slightly.

 

[GarrettWeidman]

You want to go spend $100s and $100s of dollars on one at McMaster, be my guest....Overall this sander is well built except for these cheap flaws when they changed an already bullet proof design. I paid $60 for this machine in almost like new perfect working condition at an old tool swap. Until I find and can afford an older 20" sander this will suit me fine.

I'm not sure what the thread size of that handle should be but McMaster has a 1/4"-20 with a stainless handle for less than $25.

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

I'm not sure what the thread size of that handle should be but McMaster has a 1/4"-20 with a stainless handle for less than $25.

My mistake.....I thought you meant for me to go buy a whole new Disc Sander at McMaster......appologies

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

Once tapped and the bolt screwed in all the way, I then cut off the bolt to the proper length using the old handle bolt length to measure from. I then sanded off the burrs with my older craftsman disc sander.

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

Next I went to the drill press and using a V block I drilled a straight hole into the handle side with a #21 drill and about just over 1/16' into the bolt. This way the set screw will help "lock" the bolt into the handle.

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

Once drilled I removed the bolt, cleaned up the burrs and tapped the hole for my 10-32 set screws. The reinstalled the bolt making sure the drilled part lined up with the tapped hole. Installed the set screws and all finished!

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

I then installed my new handles on my Disc Sander not forgetting to use a washer for the knob to tighten against...here's a pic of my sander and the new handles installed. Later I may make another handle completely out of metal but for now these will do nicely.

 

[lilredex]

If you want to eliminate the plastic, make up something like these, with a cross handle.

 

[StillTooManyHobbies]

Nice Job! Very well done and looks appropriate for the age of the sander. Since you put time in it and it's working, I'd just leave it as is.

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

If you want to eliminate the plastic, make up something like these, with a cross handle.

I thought this out a long time before coming up with what I did. Cross handles won't work well...nor ones with the handle that slides from side to side...at least on one side of the sander since they would have to be short enough to clear the vacuum tube attachment on the right side....(look at pic above) and being too short means you won't get your hand around it to grip it to apply enough torque to tighten it well enough....especially with some guys with large sausage-like meaty hands. This is why they designed the handle the way they did in the first place as shown in the first post....its spring loaded to stay in one position so you can get a good grip on it. The basic flaw is internally in the handle design which is subject to quickly wear out. I already have an upgrade design in mind when I have free time and want a fun little project to pass the time someday. I'll make it and revisit this. For now this will do

 

[zkling]

First I retapped the new handles with the proper metric taps. The SAE thread size on the handles was close so running a metric tap didn't take much effort and only altered the threads slightly.

What tap wrench is that?

 

[OldeTimeEtc]

What tap wrench is that?

GearWrench Ratcheting Tap and Die Set.....is that what you wanted to know?

http://www.gearwrench.com/cutting-t...80-ratcheting-tap-and-die-drive-tool-set.html