-26-
Model W1843 (For Machines Mfd. Since 3/17)
O
PE
R
ATIO
NS
Belt.Sanding
The sanding belt is used to sand wood or metal. We
recommend using aluminum oxide sanding belts for wood
and silicon carbide for metal. Refer to
Accessories on
Page 34 for options from Shop Fox.
Always be sure the sanding belt is properly installed,
tensioned, and tracked before connecting the machine to
power (refer to the
Sanding Belt subsection on Page 23
for detailed instructions).
Always adjust the tool rest so that it is no more than
1
⁄
16
" away from the belt. This helps to ensure that the
workpiece does not get trapped between the rest and the
belt.
Make sure the platen is centered on the sanding belt.
Adjust the platen by loosening both cap screws securing
platen to the vertical rod, then re-tighten the cap screws.
Note: The platen provides a solid back rest and helps
reduce friction as the belt passes the tool rest. Platen
should be lightly touching backside of belt, but not
bowing belt outward.
Figure
23
shows a typical wood sanding operation with
the tool rest perpendicular to the belt surface.
The sanding belt is also used for knife grinding and
sharpening.
Figure
24
depicts a typical knife edge
grinding operation. Generally, this is done with the tool
rest removed.
Note: There are many different techniques for using the
sanding belt to grind and sharpen knives. Whichever one
you use, make sure that you hold the knife firmly and
ease it into the belt without excessive pressure to ensure
a safe operation.
The belt is also used for contour sanding. When doing this
type of operation, it is best to remove the platen and the
tool rest so the belt can flex to better conform to the
shape of the workpiece (see
Figure
25
).
Figure
23
. Typical wood sanding
operation.
Figure
24
. Typical knife grinding
operation.
Figure
25
. An example of contour sanding.
