Inside out belt sander?

[pendragon1998]

I have occasionally found myself sanding rods or columns. I typically do it shoe-shine style with strips of sandpaper, which is labor intensive but gives a good result. I can't always spin the column, which would be preferred. I always think how nice it would be to have an inside out (rough on the inside) belt sander that I could loop around the column. Know what I mean? Has anyone invented one?

 

[mikegt4]

That technique is quite common for round cross section sailboat masts. The last one I saw used an electric drill with a drum on it to power the inside out belt. The drum had a handle on the end for the operator to hold and apply tension to the belt.

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?95793-Sanding-a-round-mast-with-a-belt-sander-belt

 

[pendragon1998]

Interesting.

 

[the gypsy]

YES THERE IS A TOOL ON THE MARKET IT IS MADE BY MANY BUT THE ONE THAT COMES TO MIND IS METABO. i BELIEVE FEIN AND/ OR FLEX ALSO MAKE ONE. I will try to post the link later.

 

[jakemac]

What about using a pad sander ?
Cut a sanding belt to form a long sheet of sandpaper and mount it in the clips backwards so that it forms a large loop.

 

[the gypsy]

That is a good idea from mikegt4, if you can get the sandpaper on the cylindrical shaft. But if you can't then the Metabo or similar is the way to go.please forgive me for the delay I am working on it.

 

[R.Anderson]

Pipe sander/polisher

https://www.zoro.com/hardin-pipe-su.../i/G7525454/?gclid=CO2xs5SGwM8CFYE2aQodQggC4g

 

[the gypsy]

So basically what you need is a segmented loop if you don`t want to invest in the Metabo.

 

[the gypsy]

R. Anderson is correct those sanders work well. I know have one. The only disadvatage is that it requires some manuevering space. If the space is there it is excellent.