Gilbear
The Mar/Apr edition Vol. 15 Issue 86 of
Shopnotes has an interesting project on
" How To Build Your Own Thickness Sander " which would solve your dilema.
I've been eyeing this article since I first read about it, and it is on my things to build list, when I get the opportunity. It looks fairly simple and can be modified to operate on its own power source. ( In the article, they are using a table saw as the workbench and to power the drum sander )
You can see a picture of it by going to
www.shopnotes.com website or going to the following:
http://www.shopnotes.com/main/86-thicknessSander.html
If you have some time, this may be your answer and it can be built economically, using odds and ends you probably have kicking around the shop. LOL
Check it out!!!
Ric