Belt Sander Safety
The belt sander features a continuous abrasive belt that works over pulleys at either end
of the main sanding table. Adjustments are provided for tensioning and tracking the belt.
The size of the sander is commonly designated the same as the width of the sanding belt
which it uses.
Safe work practices:
- Safety glasses or a face shield should be worn when operating a belt sander.
- Excessive pressure against the belt should be avoided. The designed weight of the machine should be the only pressure needed.
- Be sure the belt is properly tensioned and tracking true.
- All adjustments other than tracking are made when the sander is at a dead stop and unplugged.
- Ensure that sanding belts are checked before using them, and replace worn or torn belts.
- Small stock (2”x6”) or less should not be sanded with the belt sander.
- Be sure the work is held firmly against the dog or stop on the table.
- Belts should always be installed with the arrow in the direction of the motor rotation.
- The belt sander should be used at top (full) speed at all times.
- Keep your hands away from the moving sanding belt.
- Work to be belt sanded should always be held securely with a clamp, vise, etc.
- Never work on material which is not held securely, unless it is heavy enough to stay in place. Always make sure the piece you are working on cannot move.
- Tracking adjustment is made only when the machine is running.
- The sanding belt should be kept at the right tension so that it runs straight and at the same speed as the pulley drum, that is, without slipping.
- Ensure sanding belts are the same width as the pulley drum.
- The sander should be unplugged from the power supply before changing or adjusting the sanding belt.
- All sanding dust should be cleaned from the sander motor and air vents. Never let them get clogged, as the machine will over-heat.
- The sander should never be used without an exhaust system or a dust collecting bag or bin.
- The air vents on a sander should never be covered.
* Sand Safely – Sand Smooth *