Downdraft Table Mount for SandStand

I recently ordered the new SandStand from Woodpeckers to add functionality to my palm sanders. Clamping the SandStand to a workbench is fine but I knew when I ordered it that I would want to add a platform in front of the SandStand to enhance the functionality. I also thought it would be nice if I could use this over my downdraft table to help control the sanding dust. Here is what I came up with.

While working on a small project making a couple of wooden trays for gifts, I wanted to be able to use the SandStand so I decided to go ahead and throw this together. The entire thing is made from offcuts from previous projects.

I started with a simple frame with two rails that run from front to back on the downdraft table. The width between the frame members is such that it fits securely on the rubber grommets in the downdraft panels and underneath the mounting holes for the SandStand. The length of the frame is equal to the overall depth of the downdraft table so that the front and rear supports have a loose friction fit onto the downdraft table. There is no fancy joinery – just butt joints and screws with the addition of some ½” plywood strips for stability.

I marked the locations of the SandStand mounting holes on the frame, drilled through holes, and tapped into place four ¼-20 T-nuts from the underside thus allowing me to use some ¼-20 star knobs with studs to attach the SandStand.

With this done, the last thing was to add the platform in front of the SandStand. The sides were made from some leftover poplar and the top from a scrap piece of ¾” SandePly. The small piece of plywood on the front was added to prevent the platform from racking.

The whole thing was quick and simple to make. It has already proven to be very handy. The combination of the dust extractor attached to the palm sander and the downdraft table does a great job of keeping the sanding dust under control.