doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DIY Gunsmithing @ doublegunshop.com Recoil pad sander

Which is preferred, a belt sander or a large disc sander for initial grinding of recoil pads? Why is one preferred over another? I note that there are combination units available for sale that incorporate both into the same machine.

Thanks, SRH

I use a 12in disc sander with a pendulum type jig. Heavy and smooth running makes for a nicer grind.

I agree completely. I tried one of the combo units and it wore out and didn't do that good of a job. Got a 12" and will never look back. Lots easier to do a good job.

Thanks. Do you use the standard 80 grit discs for initial grinding, then finish by hand sanding with finer grit?

SRH

Just a quick thought Stan. If you go with a disk grinder, you might consider a 9" disc. You can get precision, very true running disks with a 5/8" bore and standard 3/16" key. Then you can run it on a regular one and a half horse motor that you may already have around.

A huge reason to consider the 9 inch is that with cheap spray adhesive you can use standard 9" by 11" sheet paper. Once you stick it on, you just bring a shop knife to the edge of the disc and turn it by hand to trim the excess off. Goes on and off real easy.

The working area is big enough for jigged up pad contouring, but you get way more choices in abrasives with a much better cost. I think the 12" disc is a pretty narrow application woodworking tool that you may not have much other use for.

I'm not thinking it's a downgrade, a good disc is a solid tool. Only a thought is all.

I do have an old table saw that might could be converted to a disc sander. It has a heavy cast iron bed, which would be an advantage. I'll look into it.

OTOH, I can buy a new 12", 1 1/4 horse, that weighs 82#, for $160. Wouldn't take many installations to pay for that.

Thanks for the comments, Craig.

If I may, one more related question. Mark, you said you use the pendulum type jig. I watched a video of it in use, and from what little I saw it looks as if the adjustment is made in order to align the long rod with the axis of the grip.(?) If so, is that an "eyeball" adjustment? The Miles Gilbert (B Square) style jig is set using a square. Any thoughts about this?

SRH

Stan, I make 2 adjustments and grinds. One for the heel and one for the toe. I use a Jet 12in disc with a quality 120 PSA disc. Final fit and polish is done by hand with a sanding block. Like many things in gunsmithing it is not the only way to do it and others get good results with other methods but this is what works for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiUwiXb1Bss

And just to be totally different from everyone else....I use a heavy duty belt sander, 6"x48", 80 grit on the machine, final finish by hand, all pads ground in place on the stock. I learned that way in school and am very comfortable with it. I know most folks are not. I only use the jig for grinding leather covered pads undersized to compensate for the thickness of the leather.

Thanks very much fellas.

SRH