We have two Belt / Disc Sanding machines, a bench top model for smaller parts and a larger floor model for more aggressive operations. Both machines are similar in design and function, and incorporate moving abrasive surfaces. For clarity, the focus of this description will be on the floor model.
Belt / Disc Sander (Floor model)
This belt and disc sander is typically equipped with an 80 Grit Belt and Disc to accommodate the most commonly used wood and wood composite materials. It can be used to remove material to sand template forms, angles, freehand contours, and flats on edges, surfaces and ends. Keep in mind that abrasive sanding develops heat, so burns can occur on wood if you try to remove too much material too fast or put excessive pressure against the sanding surface.
Safety Precautions
- Wear eye Protection
- Contain or remove loose clothing items
- Tie back long hair
- Dust mask recommended
- Remove any extraneous materials or tools from the work area.*
(No metal, masonry products or cast materials!)
*Note: Be aware that both the Belt and the Disc work at the same time. Do not lay any extraneous materials, tools or personal belongings on the machine surfaces when using the machine.
Power Switch
The Power Switch is located on the lower left front of the machine. It’s a push-button type, with a green start button and a red, paddle off button.
Before putting power to the sander, inspect the machine thoroughly. Check to ensure that all knobs and screws are tight, all mechanical functions work freely, belt runs freely and tracks properly, and the disc runs freely, does not come into contact with the guard or table, and the abrasive remains firmly adhered to the sander’s metal disc.
Disc Sanding Table
The Disc Sanding Table may be adjusted from any angle from 15 degrees up, to 45 degrees down. To adjust, loosen the locking knobs on both sides, and pivot the table to the desired angle as shown on the trunnion scale on the left side of the table. Re-tighten the locking knobs. For quick standard settings, a 45-degree stop is located under the table, and a zero-degree stop block is located behind the disc. The block should be set for quick placement of the table to the zero position (90 degree table). The block must be swung out of position for the table to be tilted downward.
A slot on top of this table allows the use of a miter gauge for additional angled sanding operations.
Disc Sanding
The Disc is ideal for sanding convex or flat surfaces. When using the Disc, keep your material on the left side of the Discs’ face, or from the center over to the left. This is the downward side of the spinning Disc, and forces the work piece downward onto the table. The right side of the Disc moves upward, and can lift the work piece out of the operators’ hand, which could cause injury. The right side of the table is marked “DANGER” for this reason. Do not work in this danger zone!
Belt Sanding / Work Stop
The sander is equipped with a work stop for use with the belt arm in the horizontal position. The work stop is simply a metal bar with a shroud cover, attached to the end of the belt platform. When sanding the ends, edges or faces of a work piece, place the work piece against the work stop before lowering it onto the sanding belt. This will prevent a work piece from being thrown from the belt.
Dust Collector
The Dust Collector should always be turned on when operating the Spindle Sander. It’s located on the floor to the right of the machine. The paddle switch for it is on the side of its’ motor housing. Lift to turn on, press down to turn off.
Clean-up
Please be aware that there are 4 Trash barrels in this room, and that each one has a broom, bench brush and dust pan attached. You must use these items to clean up your work areas at each machine, when you are finished working there. Also, there are scrap barrels at each workstation to deposit scraps of material, which may be useful for someone else. Please do not put materials with stray hardware or glue on them, or food/drink items, only re-usable materials.