Emerson Electric Company

Emerson Special Products Division

James D Schroeder

Kiyoshi Hoshino

George E Hendrix

David L Davis

James B Watson

Daniel A Terpstra

J Douglas Alsup

Frederick B Jedlicka

A sanding apparatus is disclosed which includes a motor and mechanical drive system for imparting rotational and oscillator motion to an output shaft thereof. The motor shaft extends upwardly through a worktable. In one embodiment, the sanding apparatus is convertible between two or more modes of operation. In a spindle sanding mode, a sanding spindle is coupled to the motor output shaft, such that the spindle rotates and oscillates with respect to the worktable. In a belt sanding mode of operation, a belt sanding belt/pulley assembly is attached to the motor shaft. The belt/pulley assembly includes a drive drum and a driven drum about which a sanding belt is entwined. When operated in belt sanding mode, the entire belt/pulley assembly, including the drive drum and the driven drum oscillate up and down with respect to the worktable. In an edge sanding mode of operation, the worktable is articulated so that at least a portion thereof is angularly adjustable with respect to the belt/pulley system.

Oscillating combination belt, spindle and edge sander

Edge belt/spindle sander

An oscillating belt sander or spindle sander is disclosed. The sander includes a motor shaft that extends upwardly through a worktable that supports a workpiece. The motor shaft supports a belt sander or spindle sander sanding surface. A combined motor and mechanical drive transmits rotational and reciprocating motion to the motor shaft which includes input and output motor shaft ends. The motor operates to impart rotational motion through the output motor shaft end while the mechanical drive is connected to the input motor shaft end and also imparts reciprocating motion through the output motor shaft end. The output motor shaft end facilitates interchangeable mounting of a spindle sander sleeve or a sanding belt. Thus, the sander is readily adaptable for conversion to a belt sander or spindle sander, as may be desired.

Oscillating belt/spindle sander

Motorized table saw

A combined motor and mechanical drive that is used with an oscillating spindle sander is disclosed. The oscillating spindle sander has a worktable for supporting a workpiece. A spindle extends upwardly through the worktable and has a sanding surface. An electrical motor is supported by the worktable and includes a shaft for imparting rotational motion to the spindle. The mechanical drive is contained within a housing that is supported by the motor and is connected to the motor shaft for imparting reciprocal or axial motion in addition to rotary motion to the spindle. The mechanical drive includes a speed reducer that is coaxial with the motor shaft. The speed reducer drives a cam follower that engages a cam in the housing for imparting reciprocal motion to the spindle at a rate much less than the rotational speed imparted to the motor shaft by the motor. The speed reducer includes a cycloidal gear that engages a complementary ring gear provided in the housing. The combined motor and mechanical drive is disclosed as being particularly useful in connection with oscillating spindle sanders; however, other applications are also contemplated.

Combined motor and mechanical drive for use in oscillating spindle sander

Oscillating spindle sander

Growing community of inventors

St. Peters, MO, United States of America

James D Schroeder