15
SANDING TIPS
Technique
Grasp the handles firmly. Start the sander with the belt off the work (NOTE: never start or stop
the tool with the belt in contact with the work surface). Place the heel of the sander on the
work first. Then, with a forward motion, begin the sanding stroke as the machine is lowered
onto the work surface. This will prevent gouging. Keep the sander moving so that your work
will be smooth and even. The stroke is simply a back-and-forth movement with most of the
sanding done on the pull movement. Use a light touch. The weight of the belt sander is the
only pressure required. Too much pressure will slow the work by overloading the motor
and reducing belt speed. The result will be decreased sanding efficiency. Sand slowly and
systematically and, when you stop, lift the sander from the surface before stopping the tool.
Wood finishing
Take care to select belts wisely. For initial smoothing of rough lumber, use coarse or very
coarse grit and sand with the grain. On very uneven or hard wood, sand diagonally (across the
grain). Be careful to avoid gouging. Now switch to medium grit belt and sand with the grain.
This will provide a relatively level and smooth finish. Now insert a fine grit belt for final finishing.
Always sand with the grain to remove scratches left by coarser belts. Keep the sander moving
in long, light strokes during finishing operations. As a final touch, experienced sanders will often
insert a “used” fine belt to provide a smooth surface for filling, sealing, brushing or spraying.
Refinishing coated wood
Your belt sander will also help remove old paint, varnish or lacquer; however, if the coating
consists of several layers, remove as much as possible with a paint solvent or varnish remover
before using the belt sander. Use a hand scraper to remove the residue left by the solvent and
allow surface to dry completely before sanding.
For fast removal, start with a coarse grit, open coat belt. Change to closed coat belts, using
medium grits as the material shows through the coating. When the covering is thin, use
medium grit to avoid scratching the material. Use short, light strokes, moving the sander
rapidly. Excessive pressure or steady sanding in one place will burn the coating and load
the belt.
Metal finishing
For ferrous metals such as steel, stainless steel, iron, etc., use coarse grit open coat belts
or coarse to fine grit closed coat belts, depending on the finish desired. Non-ferrous metals
such as aluminum, solder, brass, bronze, etc., can also be sanded. Beeswax or tallow are
recommended as lubricants for metal sanding, polishing or satin finishing to minimize belt
loading and to lengthen belt life. To use, simply rub the lubricant on the belt from time to time.
SAE No. 10 or 20 lubricating oil can also be used to assure a smooth scratch free surface. Just
wipe the oil on the surface prior to sanding.
