Simple handheld Bow Sander

[Old Trapper]

Made this puppy in about 1/2 hour, not counting whittling the handle down smoother.
Overall length16"x3" high. 3 1/2"dowels,2-2" and the top dowel is 1&1/2" to stretch the belt more easily over.
I used a 30' 80 grit belt x1", but you can use any belts ya have and just cut them with some sccisors to what ever width you want.
You can also change my measurements to make a deeper arch to whatever suits you.
I used a 3/4" old piece of yellow pine, stretched the belt ,then set the 2 lower dowels , then stretched the belt to the top and marked and put in the top dowel.Drew a bow shape around the dowels , pulled them out and cut the bow with my jig saw, re-inserted and glued the dowels, smoothed with a carving knife somewhat. This primitive thingy works Bodacious!!
So simple a "Caveman can make one".
Tom

[Robert Cahill]

Neat idea will give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

[SeaLeveler]

Good job on the sander there.Tony

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Yep made one for myself several years ago......they do work great! I also took an extra coping saw and put those sanding strips they make for a scrollsaw and put those in the coping saw....they are only 1/4 wide and are terrific for small items....

[Ed Redwine]

Tom, excellent use of the forum to share some worthwhile information. This is a project sure to be copied by many. Thanks for sharing.

[Merle Rice]

Hi Tom, Neat idea. How do you keep the belt from turning or isn't that a problem. Merle

[DickB]

Great idea, Tom. This is why I like this forum so much. There are all kinds of creative carvers out there who put a new twist on something.
Thanks for sharing,
DickB

[Old Trapper]

Originally Posted by Merle Rice

Hi Tom, Neat idea. How do you keep the belt from turning or isn't that a problem. Merle

The belt doesn't seem to slip at all Merle.
I also aquired some free belts , but they are longer, so I just drilled another peg hole near the top peg and am using them on the same bow.
So it can be adapted to longer belts. I cut some of the belts to a 3/8", and 1/4" and use it in tight spots.
Thanks Tom

[Merle Rice]

Thanks Tom, You know I'm going to have to make one of those. Don't know where I would use it but if I had one I might find a use. I like new tools even if I have to make it. Merle

[Old Trapper]

Thanks Merle, I call it my portable belt sander runs on manpower!!
Tom