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It may take some experimentation to determine the proper depth of cut, given the variables of abrasive grit, type of wood, and feed rate. For best results, use scrap wood to practice sanding and to develop skill and familiarity with the machine before doing finish work. A combination of several variables will determine proper depth of cut to use, including the following:
- Abrasive type and grit size.
- Width of piece being processed.
- Hardness of piece.
- Feed rate of conveyor belt.
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A faster feed rate allows faster sanding but fewer revolutions of the drum per inch of sanding. A slower feed rate provides more revolutions of the drum per inch of sanding to allow a greater depth of cut and smooth sanding. Begin experimenting with feed rate set to about 40% to 50% of maximum. The best feed rate will depend on a number of factors, including type of stock, grit and depth of cut used, and whether the stock is fed directly in line with the conveyor bed or at an angle. If the drum motor is lugging down, if the conveyor belt is slipping, or if you observe a ripple effect on the stock, slow the feed rate. If the finish is smooth and the machine is not overworking, you can experiment using a faster feed rate.
The Feed Logic control continuously monitors the load on the drum motor, and automatically regulates the speed of the conveyor motor to maintain highest feed rate without overload. When “Feed Logic” flashes and “ON” illuminates on the display, the Feed Logic control has detected too great a depth of cut and/or too fast a feed rate. If load on the drum motor increases, Feed Logic will decrease the conveyor feed rate and will stop the conveyor under extreme conditions. If load on the drum motor decreases, Feed Logic will increase the feed rate but will not increase it faster than the speed the user has preset on the dial. The best and most consistent finish will be achieved if the conveyor does not change speed during operation. A change in conveyor speed may affect the finish surface. If the finish is affected, make another sanding pass without changing any settings. If the finish is still affected, make adjustments by slowing the conveyor and/or decreasing the depth of cut and run the stock through again. Also try a faster feed rate or less depth of cut if the stock you are working begins to show burn marks. With cherry, hard maple or other hardwoods, using a shallower depth of cut and a faster feed rate will help minimize burn marks.
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