Plywood turns belt sander into edge-sanding tool

When you need to sand something at a right angle, you should use an edge sander. But these specialized machines cost a lot of money and can take up valuable room in a small shop.

Make your belt sander do double duty as an edge sander by laying it on its side and securing it with a plywood cutout and clamps. Trace the outline of your belt sander on a piece of ³⁄₄ " plywood about 2' square. With a jigsaw, cut out the shape of your belt sander, and leave an extra ¹⁄₄ " clearance at the bottom of the template for the belt to move freely. If your sander cuts into the bench below, shim it up ¹⁄₈ ", and clamp the sander to steady it.
—Daniel Knippel, Ft. Huachuca, Ariz.