Pete,
The only drawback to my belt sander is that it's too heavy (Porter Cable 3x24) to use as a one-hander. That's why I like the idea of flipping it over as you've recommended or suspending it from the ceiling. It's also more difficult to mis-place if it's hanging in the middle of the shop. I also have a cut-out in a roll away table to flip it over, because mine doesn't sit straight when it's upside down.

Good luck on your launch, if you get a chance today. Keep in mind that you don't need a digital camera to share pictures, just use a regular film camera and get digital copies (jpeg), if that's available, onto a CD when you develop the film. Find a way to get the images on the net and share the link. Guillemot S&G is a sweet design, please get some pics of it (them). Thanks.
Smf

: Yo Scott

: Yeah, I know the unside down belt sander trick sounds alot like strings and
: chewing gum and smacks of: "the flinstones, the flinstones .. yabba
: dabba doo ..". I guess I was just surprised because up until now my
: belt sander has been regarded as a coarse work device. Generally used
: gingerly in my hand on big projects resulting with frequent gouges. This
: way I can use it to make micro bits, like reasonably presentable deck
: fittings.

: No digital camera yet, but a posting and photos of the guillemot will be a
: must. It has an inset cockpit and 'informed?' :w 'shaped' chines which may
: or may not work one iota. Building the same thing twice just resulted in
: different mistakes, but I was more comfortable about making the mistakes
: and having 'one in the bag' building was a much more relaxed affair.

: Anyhow, I think a not sanded or varnished launching trial is possible/inorder
: this morning.

: Cheers Pete