Low-Tech Edge Sander

The Family Handyman

A belt sander clamped securely on its side makes a great hands-free sander for sanding workpiece edges. Just screw a 3/4-in. feed platform to a larger 1/2-in. plywood base.You may also need a thin 1/4-in. plywood strip as shown to elevate the sander body. Clamp the sander to the assembly (snug it—don’t overtighten). If you’re sanding a bunch of pieces, you may need to add a piece of plywood after a while to the feed platform to equalize the wear of the sanding belt.

Watch this video to learn how to make a belt sander sanding block.