Spindle Sander

The Spindle Sander in the School of Architecture is a large stationary machine, which utilizes a range of abrasive sanding spindles from ¼ inch in diameter to 4 inches in diameter. An installed spindle will rotate at 1,700 RPM and oscillate vertically up and down 1-1/2 inches at the same time. This machine is ideal for sanding concave surfaces or edges.

Safety Precautions

• Wear eye Protection
• Contain or remove loose clothing items
• Tie back long hair
• Dust mask recommended
• Do not sand metal or cast items
• Remove any extraneous materials or tools from the work area.

Description of parts / adjustments

The worktable is 24” x 24”, and has an opening in the center which can accommodate any of the supplied spindles. Depending on which spindle is being used, there are three metal insert (shroud) rings from which to choose to add support to the work piece near the spindle. Loosening the knobs underneath the table on the right and left hand side can allow the table to be manually tilted. To loosen, turn them counterclockwise a couple of turns, and then position the table according to the desired angle on the angle gauge trunnions located at the knobs, then re-tighten in position. The table can be tilted from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. There is a positive stop at each of these settings. The power switch is located on the front of the machine to the lower left it is a pushbutton type and has a red paddle type safety off switch, which is also a pushbutton. There are two spindle-changing wrenches located on the right hand side of the machine.

There are 10 Interchangeable Spindles:

• 1/4” x 5”
• 3/8” x 6”
• 1/2” x 6”
• 5/8” x 6”
• 3/4” x 9”
• 1” x 9”
• 1-1/2” x 9”
• 2” x 9”
• 3” x 9”
• 4” x 9”

The spindles each have a tapered hex shank at the bottom. This shank is called an “arbor”. The machine itself has a Collet with a stack of two hex nuts tightened against each other. This is called the “arbor housing”.

Spindle changing

Installation:

1. Thoroughly clean the arbor and arbor housing before installing the sanding assemblies.
2. Thread the spindle arbor into the arbor housing.
3.  Use the provided wrenches to hold the lower arbor-housing nut while turning the arbor nut clockwise.

Removing Sanding Assemblies:  

Use the provided wrenches to hold the upper arbor-housing nut while turning the arbor nut counterclockwise.

Table Inserts:

1. Disconnect the sander from the power source, unplug.
2. Choose the insert that most closely matches the diameter of the sanding drum.
3. Line up the notch in the insert with the spring pin in the table and press in place.

Operation

As stated earlier, the spindle Sander is ideal for sanding concave surfaces. It’s best to choose a spindle, which is slightly smaller in diameter then the curved work piece to be sanded. Before turning the machine on, place the work piece on the worktable away from the spindle, and then press the green power switch. Using moderate pressure against the spindle, pull the work piece against the spinning rotation. Do not attempt to place cut out objects over a moving spindle. Always turn the machine off between operations. Never turn the machine on with a work piece touching the spindle. Do not attempt to sand parts that are too small to be supported. Support the work piece adequately at all times during operation; maintain control of the work at all times. When sanding a large work piece, provide additional support at table height. Work pieces that are too large to manage properly should be supported outboard with T stands.

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.