fiberglass sanders

[oldandtired]

I bought a couple fiberglass sanders a few years ago, and now I'm getting around to making one work. The tub looks new, and the conveyor is stainless steel and looks to be fine, but the rest of the drive system...... So I could put it back the way it was with a gas engine, magnetic clutch and chain drive to the spinner, or I could make it hydraulic, or maybe even electric. Since my only prior experience with sanders was about 15 years ago with a pull start gas engine and centrifical clutch, (couldn't get the conveyor started after driving a couple miles, drove me crazy) I am hoping I can pick all of your brains to come up with something reliable and corrosion resistant.
The spinner was rusted away, and the shaft has reduced dia, from rust except where the spinner was. I am thinking about making a 1" stainless shaft, turned down to maybe .750 in on the spinner end, with serrated washers on each side of the polyurethane spinner and a bronze castle nut to hold it all together, no keyway. How much power/torque does it take to fling sand? Do you think the spinner will slip on the shaft? Any thoughts on spinners with hubs vs. spinners without hubs?
Thanks

[wyldman]

Got any pics of these things,so we can get a better idea of what we have to work with ?

Just about anything can be rebuilt,and made better.A poly spinner would prevent any rust problems.I wouldn't attach it like that though,as it will slip,and tear up the spinner.Use a spinner with a hub,it's much easier.

Electric or hydraulic would be good options,as they are much easier to maintain,and have much better reliability.