Technical Building brackets - oscillating spindle sander??

Building all the brackets for our '34 frame. Large holes like those for axle brackets have been cut using the plasma. Does a decent job but would like to improve the finish a little bit. Has anyone ever used an oscillating spindle sander for metal work? Seems a smaller diameter drum might work to clean up the holes a bit??

 

I usually use a die grinder with a carbide burr for that type stuff. You'll eventually need one for all the out of position stuff. Good Luck

 

I have on parts where it matters. Works great the oscillating action keeps the paper sharp. Start at 40 or 60 grit .

 

What I use for fine finishing. Labour intensive and time consuming are the drawbacks

 

I recently acquired one. The only real metal use I have put it to is fish mouthing exhaust tubing. But, I will be using it to contour brackets too. Beats a torch and a file!

 

Oscillating spindle sander do an awesome job of cleaning up parts especially parts cut on a radius. I like being able to use different size drums depending on what size radius you are finishing. Good luck post pics.

 

What brand did you buy Bruce ? I used one in High School on wood (over 50 years ago), often thought one would be handy for final fit, and finish on brackets and tubes.

 

I have a Ridgid with either a belt , or spindle http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-O...IhCMdn6sZvC2W-A1ntHmCxoCrbfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Fantastic tool for wood , but when I used it on some sheet aluminum for a switch panel , the metal chips went into the motor and blew the motor! DO NOT use this for metal, but great for wood projects

 

Here is what I use, not as "chattery" as a die grinder. (about 2" diameter) Screws on a 5/8-11 angle grinder arbor. I get them from my welding supply store.

 

those are neat, im going to look for them. I've used the small ones but they disintegrate quick.

 

Marty,
Mine is a Harbor Freight. (green, which I'm told makes a difference)
I bought it at a local car show/swap meet. Paid $50 for it and a 12" disc sander. Both were like brand new.
I do a little woodworkng in my spare time and figured I couldn't go wrong for the price.
First time I used the disc sander for steel, I caught the sawdust in the dust chute on fire. That thing shot sparks out about 3'. I have thoroughly cleaned it now, and seems to work fine. If I ever use it for wood again, I will take it all apart before and after for cleaning. No problems like that with the spindle sander. I cleaned that one first!