Created by Gary W. Adams, Canyon Lake High School

Created by Gary W. Adams, Canyon Lake High School

Introduction The abrasive belt-disc sander is used to sand or shape edges and end grain of stock. The size of the machine is determined by the diameter of the disc and the width of the belt.

The revolving disc or belt moves past a stationary table that can be adjusted for sanding at various angles. In sanding, the work should be done on the down side of the disc or belt. The belt sanding unit can be adjusted to operate either in a vertical or horizontal position

Parts for Disc/Belt Sander

Procedure for Safely Operating the Abrasive Belt-disc Sander Select and properly adjust the correct disc and/or belt for the job. Adjust the table to the proper angle for the job and allow approximately 1/8-inch clearance between the table edge and the belt or disc.

Allow the motor to reach full speed and carefully move the stock into the disc or belt with enough pressure to maintain the cutting operation. Move the stock sideways, back and forth slightly to reduce the heat caused by friction.

Remove the stock when the job is completed, turn off the motor, and do not leave the machine area until the motor stops and power has been disconnected. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection at all times when operating the belt/disc sander. Wear a dust mask or respirator when using the belt/disc sander for prolonged periods of time.

Keep the sanding disc well glued to the disc plate at all times. If the sanding disc rotates in a counterclockwise direction, position the material to be sanded from the center of the disc to the left edge. If positioned in this manner the sanding action will help to hold the stock down on the table. If the stock is positioned from the center of the disc to the right edge of the disc the sanding action will pick the edge of the stock up and created an unsafe condition.

Do not reach across the sanding disc to turn the sander on or off. Your arm or hand may touch the edge of the rotating disc and cause a serious cut or entanglement. Move to the front of the sander and turn the machine off. Never wear loose or baggy clothes when operating the belt/disc sander. Disconnect the electrical power to the sander when changing the belt or disc or making major adjustments.

Try to position yourself so that sanding dust will not be thrown toward the breathing zone. Hold stock steady as it is being sanded, but do not put so much pressure on the sanding disc or belt that the sander slows down. Do not allow hands or fingers to touch the belt or disc when sanding.

Belt/Disc Sander Operating Procedures Adjust the disc table to achieve the desired angle on the stock being sanded. The table can be adjusted up to 45 degrees on most sanders. Use the miter head to hold and move stock when a precise angle must be sanded on the material.

Apply firm, but not excessive pressure to stock being sanded on the belt/disc sander. The belt sanding attachment can be adjusted from a horizontal to vertical position on most sanders. Adjust to best fit the sanding job being performed.

Adjust the belt tracking mechanism so the sanding belt does not touch the machine housing when rotating. Do not become over-balanced when operating the belt/disc sander. Keep the floor area around the sander clear of sawdust to reduce the possibility of slipping on a slick floor.

Practice Exam Safety glasses and tight fitting clothing should be worn when operating the sanding machine. The table should be adjusted so that the edge is 1/8 inch from the disc or belt.

Adjustments except for belt alignment should be made with power disconnected from machine. Sanding should be done on the side of the disc that is moving toward the table.

Excessive pressure of the stock against the disc or belt will not overload the motor. Be sure to keep hands and fingers away the disc and belt.

The size of the machine is determined by the width of the belt and the diameter of the disc. Place the stock in contact with the disc or belt before turning the motor on. False

The operator should remain in the safety zone until the motor has completely stopped and the power is disconnected. It is permissible to sand with a belt or disc that is torn or slightly loose. False

Move the stock sideways, back and forth slightly, to reduce the heat caused by friction between the disc or belt and the edge of the stock. Be sure the machine is operated in a safety grounded circuit, with all guards in place, and the work area kept clean.

Remove the stock when the job is completed, turn off the motor, and do not leave the machine area until the motor stops and power has been disconnected. Wear a dust mask or respirator when using the belt/disc sander for prolonged periods of time.

Keep the sanding disc well glued to the disc plate at all times. If the stock is positioned from the center of the disc to the right edge of the disc the sanding action will pick the edge of the stock up and created an unsafe condition.

Do not reach across the sanding disc to turn the sander on or off. Disconnect the electrical power to the sander when changing the belt or disc or making major adjustments. Hold stock steady as it is being sanded, but do not put so much pressure on the sanding disc or belt that the sander slows down.

Use the miter gage to hold and move stock when a precise angle must be sanded on the material. Adjust the belt tracking mechanism so the sanding belt does not touch the machine housing when rotating.