13
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 3/4” wide or more
than 2” 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 few
inches of 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 accumulation of material inside the
drums which can throw off the centre of balance.
Leave the dust collector on when cleaning dust from
the drums. Also brush the conveyor belt after
cleaning operations. If not cleaned, the conveyor belt
could allow stock to slip during sanding operations.
NOTE: Bearings are pre‐sealed and require no
lubrication.
Lubricate elevating leadscrew (A, Figure 10‐1) as
needed.
Clean sanding dust from abrasive strip and brush
dust from conveyor belt.
Keep guide bars clean (B, Figure 10‐1).
Blow dust from motor vents and switch area.
Blow dust from inside of sanding drum, which
may cause vibration or offset the centre of
balance.
Check all screws for tightness on parts such as
bearings, conveyor table, and couplings.
Figure 10‐1
10.2
Drum maintenance
The drum should not require removal from the
machine under normal circumstances. Should
