06
Specific to Sanding Machines
CHECK
that the belts or discs are undamaged;
torn edges can pick up on the workpiece and
will cause the medium to tear, often very
rapidly with accompanying sharp flapping
edges.
ALWAYS
offer the workpiece to the belt/disc
so that the motion carries the work against the
restraining surface, (i.e. the work stop or the
table, (use the left hand side of the disc).
DO NOT
press too heavily against the sanding
surface, all this will do is slow the sander
down. Remember, sanders work by removing
small particles of material quickly and heavy
pressure works adversely to the cutting
process, further, it will accelerate the rate of
‘clogging’ of the abrasive surfaces, rendering
the machine less efficient.
If you are attempting to sand inside curves
(over the ‘tracking drum’) do not press at all,
other than to keep the workpiece in contact
with the surface, any pressure could upset the
tracking geometry. As there is no cushioning
effect to the belt passing around the drum,
expect an added vibration and compensate
for it.
Sanding of certain types of timber may make
the fitting of dust extraction mandatory in
order to comply with the directives of the
HSE. However, even if it is not mandatory, it
is strongly recommended that you consider
fitting dust extraction. It will certainly reducethe
level of dust and grit, and as it helps to remove
the waste quicker will certainly prolong the
longevity of the abrasive.
Above all,
OBSERVE….
make sure you know
what is happening around you, and
USE YOUR
COMMON SENSE.