16
9.6.2
Multiple‐piece sanding runs
When abrasive planing (or thickness sanding) a run of
similar pieces that you want to have the same
thickness, it is best to determine the thickness of the
thinnest piece and process all pieces to that same
thickness in one session. Be aware that the sander
will remove cups and crowns in the workpiece;
consider this when measuring and processing stock to
the same thickness.
9.6.3
Simultaneous multiple pieces
When sanding multiple pieces simultaneously, make
sure to stagger (step) the pieces across the width of
the conveyor belt. This provides better contact with
the tension rollers. Try to process only multiple pieces
of similar thickness.
If there is a significant thickness difference, the
thinner pieces can slip on the conveyor belt if they do
not contact the tension rollers. Also note that pieces
thicker than 20mm should be longer than the
minimum normally recommended to prevent tipping
of the stock.
9.6.4
Edge sanding
When edge sanding, the sander will mimic the
opposite edge of the stock which is lying on the
conveyor belt. Because of this, it is important for the
stock edge to have been ripped at the proper angle to
the face before the sanding process. When edge
sanding stock that is less than 20mm wide or more
than 50mm high, it is good procedure to stack and
clamp several pieces together to prevent them from
slipping or tipping on the conveyor belt.
9.6.5
Sanding imperfect stock
When sanding stock with a cup or crown, place the
crown up. This will stabilize the stock to help prevent
tipping or rocking during sanding. After the crown has
been removed and the top is flat, turn the stock over
and sand the opposite side. To avoid personal injury,
take special care when sanding stock that is twisted,
bowed, or otherwise varies in thickness from end to
end. If possible, support such stock as it is being
sanded to keep it from slipping or tipping. Use extra
roller stands, help from another person, or hand
pressure on the stock, to minimize potentially
hazardous situations.
9.6.6
Face frames and raised panel doors
It is very important to have the proper abrasive
contact when doing this type of sanding. If the
machine is set to take an excessive depth of cut, the
result can be a gouge or dip as the drum goes from
sanding the rails at full width to sanding just a small
width on the stiles. To prevent this make sure, when
using abrasives finer than 80 grit, that the drum is in
contact with the wood but can still be spun by hand.
If there is room, angling the stock on the conveyor
belt can also help. Slowing the conveyor feed when
coming to a rail in the stock can help prevent a dip or
gouge. This allows the abrasive to work the wider
width with less effort, and to achieve better
consistency of the finished surface.
9.6.7
Stock feeding angle
Some pieces, because of their dimensions, will need
to be fed into the machine at a 90° angle
(perpendicular to drum). However, even a slight
offset angle of stock will provide for more effective
stock removal. The optimum feeding angle for stock
removal is about 60°.
Angling the workpiece for stock removal provides
other advantages, such as less loading of certain
areas of the drum due to glue lines or mineral streaks
in the stock, more even wear of abrasive strips,
potentially faster feed rates, and lighter loads on the
motor. Note that to get the best final finish, however,
the stock should be fed through the machine so it will
be sanded in line with the grain of the wood on the
final one or two passes.
10.0
User‐maintenance
Before doing maintenance on the
machine, disconnect it from the electrical supply
(pull out the plug), unless indicated otherwise.
Failure to comply may cause serious injury.
10.1
Cleaning and lubrication
For best results, make cleaning the sander a regular
shop procedure. Allowing excess build‐up of dust and
debris can adversely affect performance through
loading of the abrasives, slippage on the conveyor
table, and/or the accumulation of material inside the
drums which can throw off the center of balance.
NOTE: Bearings are pre‐sealed and require no
lubrication.
Brush the conveyor belt after cleaning
operations. If not cleaned, the conveyor belt
could allow stock to slip during sanding
operations.
Lubricate conveyor bushings as needed, and
check for wear.
Lubricate elevating leadscrew (A, Figure 10‐1) as
needed.
Clean sawdust from abrasive strip and brush dust
from conveyor belt.
Keep slide areas clean (B, Figure 10‐1).
Blow dust from motors and switches.
