Craftsman table top belt/disc sander
4 x 36-in. belt / 6-in. disc. Belt operates at 1100 fpm. Disc rotates at 2200 rpm. Miter gauge, 45 degree tilting worktable.
Belt sanders are the rough guys in a woodworking shop. Belt sander design allows them to remove large amounts of material in a very short time. However, in controlled and capable hands, these tools don't run amok.
Belt sanders work on a continuous loop principle. They use a fully looped sanding belt instead of static abrasive sheets such as in disc, orbital or finishing sanders. Sanding belts fit within the tool housing and surround the motor’s driving wheel at the rear and a free-wheeling guide wheel at the front. Tension controls and alignment guides keep the belt in place while the electric motor spins the sanding belt in a forward motion.
They are commonly used for trimming to a scribed line (photo), sanding very rough surfaces, leveling surfaces (like a replacement board in a hardwood floor) and freehand rounding and shaping. Because they have a lot of power and can handle coarse grits, they excel at the rapid removal of wood.
Belt sanders are highly effective tools for removing roughness and preparing woodwork for less aggressive tools in the process like random orbit and finishing sanders. It is crucial to belt-sand with the wood grain rather than across it. Otherwise, the belt sander’s lateral action can ruin the work.
Safety:
Use a Dust Collection System if available
- Wear dust mask and/or Impact-Resistant Eyewear
- Sand with Belt Motion Away from Your Body
- Inspect Belts and Discs Prior to Use.
- Use Two Hands
- Keeps Hands Away from the Belt