Porter Cable 121 Spindle Sander

[semenza]

Looking at purchasing a used PC121 spindle sander. But it only has one spindle size with it. Anyone know if these are a standard item? Will other brands fit?

Seth

 

[rvieceli]

Seth is that the handheld be one?

 

[tsmi243]

If you mean the 121, then yes no problem.  The Powertec ones from Amazon work fine. 

It's a great machine.  Plenty of power, and the stock dust collection is way better than it looks.  A single layer of heat shrink on the dust port makes it a perfect fit for the 27mm Festool hose. 

 

[semenza]

If you mean the 121, then yes no problem.  The Powertec ones from Amazon work fine. 

It's a great machine.  Plenty of power, and the stock dust collection is way better than it looks.  A single layer of heat shrink on the dust port makes it a perfect fit for the 27mm Festool hose.

Are these the ones?

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-Osc...f=sr_1_1?crid=3BPGRJ46LTCM9&keywords=Powertec+sanding+drums&qid=1665197824&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjE3IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=powertec+sanding+drums%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1

Seth
 

 

[semenza]

Seth is that the handheld be one?

Yes, the handheld 121.

Seth

 

[Bob D.]

Are the Powertec drums the same height as the PC drums?

I found the drums from my old Palmgren spindle sander would fit my Jet, but the Jet drums are about an inch taller.
They still work, just not as tall. I got the full set of drums when I bought the Jet, but I figured it might pay to hang on to the Palmgren drums if they fit the spindle so I could run a different grit on them.

 

[rmwarren]

4-1/2".

I have one in the shop I seriously haven't used once in ~20 years. Probably a great tool for site work contractors.

RMW

 

[semenza]

    Definitely a once in a while tool except for specialists. But I could really have used one a few days ago. So I figured since I buy just about every other tool I might need ................  why not?

    Large radius curve in a 1 1/2" thick desktop. Too big and heavy to manhandle on a stationary machine, or drill press.  Sure, there are substitutes and work arounds. Ended up using a drum in a drill. Which works fine but opens the door for mistakes and off angle sanding etc.

    Used PC121 is on the way.  [smile]

Seth

 

[tsmi243]

If you mean the 121, then yes no problem.  The Powertec ones from Amazon work fine. 

It's a great machine.  Plenty of power, and the stock dust collection is way better than it looks.  A single layer of heat shrink on the dust port makes it a perfect fit for the 27mm Festool hose.

Are these the ones?

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-Osc...f=sr_1_1?crid=3BPGRJ46LTCM9&keywords=Powertec+sanding+drums&qid=1665197824&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjE3IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=powertec+sanding+drums%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1

Seth

Yep, that's them

These are the sleeves I bought- they're just OK.  Never did find any in Cubitron or anything special.  Just brown. 
https://www.amazon.com/Assorted-Spi...fe-ba99-cca4cd24e1a0&pd_rd_i=B06XQ3BZPM&psc=1

 

[rmwarren]

[member=1619]SRSemenza[/member] you prompted me to haul the tool down and clean it up (literally) so I could put it to use. It's been in a French cleat mount from the early days of this shop, but never had a clear area of FC down low to use it that way.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

This replaces a larger benchtop spindle sander, but it's a mod you might consider, it still works handheld if needed.

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]

I'd forgotten what a beast it is, no lack of power. Thanks for inadvertently nudging me to put it to use.

RMW

 

[semenza]

Might have to build a table set up for it to get more use from it. Woodpeckers use to make a router insert plate for it.

I have also seen  a picture of the 121 with an edge guide attached so that it could be used on straight edges. But I wonder if that edge guide might also help limit its depth in order to avoid uneven sanding on outside curves?

Seth

 

[xedos]

I've had this sander since it was first introduced - got it for smoothing / enlarging a round undermount sink cutout in a thick endgrain butcherblock.  Worked a treat and has dust collection port that worked ok'ish as I recall.  Plenty of power.

Haven't used it in a while but from my recollection:

Lots of 4.5" sleeves fit this sander.  For sure ryobi, craftsman and ridgid's drums and sleeves are compatible.  Pretty sure the grizzly ones are too.

In addition to woodpecker;  rockler and woodhaven made a plate for this to fit a router table.  I sent mine back because the sander is a bit longer than the plate and it makes it awkward to install.  YMMV

I suppose the edge guide could be used for outside curves of sufficient radius.  It's designed for the 2" drum.  Never tried it on curved work, and didn't really find it useful on flat either.

You did well finding one cause I rarely see them show up on the secondary market.

 

[rmwarren]

Might have to build a table set up for it to get more use from it. Woodpeckers use to make a router insert plate for it.

I have also seen  a picture of the 121 with an edge guide attached so that it could be used on straight edges. But I wonder if that edge guide might also help limit its depth in order to avoid uneven sanding on outside curves?

Seth

I saw this attachment from Stew Mac for drill presses, it would be easy to make as an add-on for a table mounted spindle sander.

[attachimg=1]

Just a couple pieces of MDF and a few holes/slots would do it. I like it for making spacers or fillers and sneaking up on the fit.

RMW

 

[semenza]

OK, now abrasives .......................  new old stock PC brand, cheapo, or other?

    I thought I saw someone post that the sleeve adhesive fails over time, but can't find it now. So maybe 'no' on the old stock?

Seth

 

[Cheese]

    I thought I saw someone post that the sleeve adhesive fails over time, but can't find it now. So maybe 'no' on the old stock?

Seth

If it was a recent post, the one I remember was adhesive failure on belt sander abrasives.

I've personally experienced a lot of adhesive failures on small width Scotchbrite belts...think 1/2" x 18".

 

[semenza]

    I thought I saw someone post that the sleeve adhesive fails over time, but can't find it now. So maybe 'no' on the old stock?

Seth

If it was a recent post, the one I remember was adhesive failure on belt sander abrasives.

I've personally experienced a lot of adhesive failures on small width Scotchbrite belts...think 1/2" x 24".

Ah, yup, that was it.  The small belts for the little PC belt sander.

Seth

 

[semenza]

Also, can 1/2" sleeves be run directly on the spindle?  I see that 1/2" sleeves were / are available but that would mean no rubber drum.

Seth

 

[Michael Kellough]

I expect sleeve splices are much more durable than belt splices. A lot more strain on a belt splice in operation.

 

[tsmi243]

Also, can 1/2" sleeves be run directly on the spindle?  I see that 1/2" sleeves were / are available but that would mean no rubber drum.

Seth

Yes you can.

 

[Dane]

Triton makes a version of this sander now.  Looks like you can by the sleeves at Rockler.