End grain sanding

EJW

Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2016
Messages
3
I am in the process of making quite a few end grain cutting boards. I recently acquired a drum sander and sanding out the grooves left by that is really annoying. Needless to say I am now in the market for a sander that will cut down some time on this process. I am thinking about the Rotex 150 or the ETS EC 150. I am thinking that the Rotex could be overkill for what I need but if it will save me a decent amount of time I will get it. Does anyone have any experience sanding end grain that can chime in?
 
I've had great success using the ETS-EC 150/5 on end grain cutting boards.  If you're going to be breaking/rounding the edges, the RO150 would also do a fine job, since you don't have to worry about rolling the edge while sanding.

You might even look at the RS/2 for this application since you won't have to worry about dishing/flatness -- though if it's a choice between that and the ETS-EC 150/5, I choose the EC just for its greater versatility.
 
If you want to keep it absolutely flat, the RS/2 (or an equivalent sized sander from another manufacturer) is your best bet. I plane mine down with a router sled and a huge bottom cleaning bit instead of a drum sander and this leaves a fair amount of tearout to deal with afterward. The half sheets are no speed demons, but it's worth the extra time when nothing wobbles on the counter.

This one was 8/4 cherry:

 

Attachments

  • IMG_0468.JPG
    IMG_0468.JPG
    1.9 MB · Views: 308
Thanks for the replies. I was looking at the RS2 as well but I figured the RO 150 and ETS EC 150/5 would both be more aggressive than that.
 
My 450W 1/2 sheet that is takes about 50% longer than the Deros which is equivalent to an ETS EC 150/5.
The RO would be in between speed wise if not using the geared mode, and most people want it flat.

Another possible option could be a belt sander, but the router sled was mentioned and seems a wiser choice.
 
Back
Top