BELT/DISC SANDERS

Belt Sanders are identified by the width of the sanding belt and the diameter of the sanding disc.

The TRADESMAN Model #8185 uses a standard 4" wide by 36" long sanding belt. This particular Model also has a 6" diameter sanding disc. Therefore, the full description of this unit is a 4" X 6" Belt/Disc Sander. The TRADESMAN Model #8190 PRO Floor unit is a 6" X 9" Belt/Disc Sander. This description advises the user that 6" X 48" width sanding belts and 9" diameter discs are required.

BASIC FUNCTIONS

The Belt Sander functions in various ways. The belt can be used at either a 0 degree horizontal or 90 degree vertical angle. The belt is supported by a steel table surface at 0 degrees for flat sanding. When the machine is tilted up to 90 degrees, the unsupported underside of the belt works well for curved pieces.

The sanding disc moves at the same time as the belt, and has a side work table that can be tilted from 0' to 45 degrees for bevel sanding. Most units have a miter gauge, which when used allow for end grain miter or compound sanding operations. This side table can also be moved to the end of the sanding belt for additional work support when the machine is in the 90 degree upright position.

OPERATING THE SANDER

The sanding belt should never be too tight. To check proper tension, place a straight edge lengthwise on the belt touching the two drums on underside of machine, Belt should be easily pushed in 1/2" in the middle of the straight edge.

For best results, a light and firm pressure should be used to hold work against the belt. If work is longer than the table, it should be started at one end and gradually pushed to the other end.

Contour sanding and inside curves can be done on the end drum.

Flexible belt sanding can be done on the back side of belt when the machine is in the upright 90 position. This is a good way to sand gradual curves such as the outside curve on rockers. Keep the work moving while sanding to avoid burning the surface. Belt tension can be adjusted to suit curve of work.

Circular work can be done on the disc. Be sure that all sanding is done on the "downward" side of the disc. Hold the work lightly against the disc, and move slowly back and forth to avoid burning the wood or damaging the abrasive. The miter gauge is very useful in all squaring, chamfering and angle sanding operations.

BE CAREFUL. Hold the work firmly so it may not be driven from your hands allowing them to come in contact with the sanding belt. For best results, always sand with the grain. If it becomes necessary to sand against the grain, try to hold work so that grain is at a slight angle and feed work with a little more care. Be sure that the wood or other materials you wish to sand are thoroughly dry.

The sanding belt should rotate in the direction of arrow as indicated on the inside of the belt. AVOID WEARING LOOSE CLOTHING, OR NECKTIES. KEEP SLEEVES ROLLED UP. Adjust motor so that pulleys on sander and motor are in line.

Check set screws in motor and drive shaft pulleys to see that they are tight at all times. Maintain proper tension on "V" belt to prevent slippage. Too much tension will cause unnecessary wear on the "V" belt and bearings.

Keep your sander clean - remove sawdust regularly, especially before sanding metal, as this will avoid any fire hazard.

Do not put too much pressure on the work, as this tends to clog up the belt, thereby decreasing the life of the abrasive. Never use belt dressings on drums.

SANDING BELTS AND DISCS

The abrasive used on your belt and disc sander depends upon the work that you wish to sand. For most woodworking operations on soft woods, garnet belts and discs are used. However, on hard woods, aluminum oxide belts and discs are usually preferred.

Both aluminum oxide and silicon carbide are used for sanding metal. Aluminum oxide is used for sanding metals of high tensile strength, whereas silicon carbide is recommended for metals of low tensile strength.

For miscellaneous work on glass, porcelain, tile, stone, composition and rubber, use silicon carbide abrasive belts and discs.

When sanding plastics, either aluminum oxide or silicon carbide may be used.

Since the work done on the sander belt is of general nature, it is usually best to use a (80-0) grit sander belt. The disc sander is mostly used for edging operations and therefore you should use a coarser abrasive, usually an (80- 0) or (60-1/2) grit. Where fine cabinet work is being done it is always best to use (120-3/0) or (100-2/0) for the final sanding operation. In general abrasives are classified as follows:

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