Thanks to Ali for the bearings....
Pics of the first prototype in a.b.p.w
The only problem was I used gorilla glue to hold the bearing in place -I think it expanded and got into the bearing - b/c it doesnt turn that good.
Im going to use normal tightbond on the next one and try to make sure none gets into the bearings.
The fixture was easy enough to make. The bearing hole was 5/16" - so I used a 5/16 x 1 1/2" carrage bolt for the "axle".
I then took a peice of some scrap laminated ply I had and turned it to the shape needed to match my 3" sanding pads - basically a 3" face tapered to
1".Countersunk the head of the carrage bolt into it w/ a washer and nut on the top to make it tight. Then put the bearing on it - followed by another nut.
Then took a peice of scrap for the handled - made a hole for the bearing and the nut - then turned the handle. Glued the bearing in place and that was it. I had some 2" velcro strips left over from another project - so glued a strip of that to hold the sanding pads. Total cost - about $1.00
The next one is glueing up now so Ill let you know how it goes.
Any comments welcome.
-Rob