Belt Sander

(NOTE: After reading this article, you may want to take a test on its content. To do so, follow this link: Belt Sander Test)

Safety Rules

• Make sure switch is in the "OFF" position before connecting tool to power circuit.
• Do not wear loose clothing that might become entangled between the abrasive belt and sander frame.
• Keep sander away from your body while the abrasive belt is in motion.
• Always disconnect sander from power circuit before changing abrasive belts.
• Use proper safety equipment. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes and wear a protective mask to minimize breathing in the fine dust created while sanding. NOTE: some wood contains preservatives, which can be toxic.
• Sanding of lead based-paint is not recommended. WARNING: Extreme care should be taken when removing paint. The peelings, residue and vapors of paint may contain lead, which is poisonous.

Installing and Removing the Abrasive Belt

• CAUTION: Disconnect sander from power source.
• Lay sander on its left side.
• Pull lever (right side) out and towards rear of machine. This retracts idler pulley and releases tension on abrasive belt.
• Install new belt so that arrow, printed on the inside of the belt, is on the top and pointing toward the idler pulley (front). NOTE: Some sanding belts are bi-directional. These bi-directional belts will not have arrows printed on them. They may be installed to run in either direction.
• Engage front pulley by pushing lever back to its original position.

To Start and Stop Belt Sanders

• Make sure switch is off and power circuit voltage is the same as the voltage shown on specification plate on the sander. Connect machine to power circuit.
• Squeeze trigger switch to start motor. Release trigger to stop motor.
• Lock Button - A lock button is provided to keep motor running without holding the trigger switch ON. To unlock lock button, squeeze trigger and release, leaving lock-button free to spring out.

Tracking the Abrasive Belt.

• NEVER allow abrasive belt to rub on frame of sander. This causes excessive wear to both the sander and belt. To prevent this, track the belt in the following manner:
• CAUTION: Make sure trigger switch is OFF before connecting machine to power circuit.
• Turn machine over, grasping rear handle with left hand so last two fingers rest on trigger switch.
• Start motor by squeezing trigger.
• Turn the belt aligning screw in either direction until edge of belt runs flush with outer edge of rear rubber covered pulley. The edge of the belt will extend beyond edge of the front pulley.
• Turn motor OFF and allow sander to come to a COMPLETE STOP before setting it down.

How to Use the Sander

• CAUTION: Secure work and maintain a firm grip on sander. Friction between sanding belt and work will try to move the work backwards and the sander forwards.
• CAUTION: ALWAYS be sure switch is OFF before connecting sander to power circuit.
• Hold sander off the work and start motor.
• Lower sander to work, letting the rear part of the belt touch first. Level the machine as it is moved forward.
• Guide the machine over the work in overlapping strokes allowing the sander to do the work.
• AVOID applying excessive pressure when sanding. The weight of the machine is usually sufficient for a fast smooth finish. A slight increase in pressure may speed removal of material, while too much pressure will slow the motor and decrease removal.
• Work back and forth over a fairly wide area to obtain an even surface.
• Do not let the machine tilt or the edge of the belt will make a deep cut into the surface.
• Do not pause in any one spot during the sanding operation because the belt will quickly remove material making the surface uneven.
• Lift sander from work before turning OFF motor.
• Always be sure motor has completely stopped before setting sander down.