15
sanding drum and sand stock at that same
position.
4.
With the drum operating, feed stock under the
drum from the infeed side and against the
rotation of the drum. Always maintain control of
the stock to avoid kickback and/or slippage.
For sanding with grits coarser than 80, you can lower
the drum slightly.
Always maintain control of stock. Through practice
you will learn the proper depth of cut considering the
variables above.
9.5
Selecting SandSmart™ feed rates
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 the feed rate set at about
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 table or at an angle.
If the drum motor is lugging down, if 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 SandSmart controller continuously monitors the
load on the drum motor, and automatically regulates
the speed of the conveyor motor to maintain the
highest feed rate without overload.
When the red indicator light (B, Figure 9‐2) comes on,
the SandSmart control has detected too great a depth
of cut and/or too fast a feed rate.
If the load on the drum motor increases, the
SandSmart control will decrease the conveyor feed
rate and will stop the conveyor under extreme
conditions. If the load on the drum decreases,
SandSmart will increase the feed rate but will not
increase it faster than the manual setting on the
speed adjustment label.
The best and most consistent finish will be achieved if
the conveyor does not change speed during
operation.
Figure 9‐2
This 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. Slightly angling the stock as it is
fed into the machine will also help prevent burning
the stock.
Because of the wide range of variables, it is important
to experiment with your specific conditions and make
adjustments to achieve the optimum feed rate. If
problems occur, first check and adjust the feed rate,
referring to the “Troubleshooting” section in this
manual.
9.6
Maximum performance tips
The versatility designed into the drum sander allows
it to be used for a variety of tasks that will boost
return on your investment. For example, it will speed
up fine sanding work often done with slower, dust‐
generating hand sanders, and will achieve fine
thickness adjustments not possible on some sanders.
It can be used to surface figured woods – bird’s eye or
curly maple, for example – which can be damaged if
fed through a planer.
Learning how to use its adjustments and controls will
allow you to fine‐tune the machine for maximum
results. The best results come from experimenting
with different abrasive grits and machine adjustments
to fit the job at hand. Following is a list of useful tips
which can help you improve performance of your
sander.
9.6.1
Dust collection
When connecting dust collectors, remember that
straight pipe will not restrict airflow as much as
flexible tubing. Y’s and elbows will restrict airflow less
than T’s. Hoses smaller than 80mm diameter should
not be used.
