Tip #7
Strip Sander (continued)
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version of Tip - Pgs. 1-3, Pgs. 4-5

Strip Sander Operation

To perform sanding operations, turn on the Mark V, set the speed dial to the proper speed and let the machine get up to speed.

Work with the stock against the downward motion side of the belt only. The downward motion keeps the belt tracking properly and helps hold the stock down against the table. Work slowly and use light pressure against the belt. Whenever possible, sand with a platen installed. You can sand without a platen when sanding concave curves and internal edges. However, use a slower speed and very light pressure so the belt tracks properly and is not pulled off the tracking wheel. Caution: If the belt is pulled off the tracking wheel, parts of the strip sander could be damaged.

End Sanding

Figure 20-2. You can do surface sanding by passing the stock between the drum and the table. Keep the stock moving and don't try to remove too much material in a single pass.

Hold the edge of the stock down against the table and the end you want to sand against the belt and platen (Figure 20-2). Apply enough pressure to sand without gouging the stock.

Sanding Angles
Loosen the table lock knob, tilt the table to the desired angle and tighten the knob. Hold the edge of the stock down against the table and the sawn angle against the belt and platen (Figure 20-3). Apply light, even pressure.

Figure 20-3. Tilt the table to the desired angle and then sand the sawn angle.

Sanding Convex Curves
Hold the stock firmly against the table and follow the line of the curve in a slow, steady motion. Apply light pressure against the belt and platen (Figure 20-4).

Sanding Concave Curves
To sand concave curves, use the curved platen or sand without a platen.

Figure 20-4. Apply light pressure against the belt and plaen, and follow the line of the convex curve.

Follow the cut in a slow, steady motion while keeping the stock flat against the table. Apply light, even pressure against the belt (Figure 20-5). Be careful not to hook the stock on the belt. You could pull the belt off the tracking wheel.

When sanding without a platen apply less pressure, use a slower speed and watch belt tracking constantly. Be careful not to pull the belt off the tracking wheel.

Figure 20-5. Sand concave curves by working with or without a platen.

Internal Sanding
To perform internal sanding operations, you must change the location of the left idler wheel assembly and install the belt up through the table. Refer to the Strip Sander Owners Manual for instructions on relocating the left idler wheel assembly and installing the belt.

Internal sanding is done basically like sanding concave and convex curves. Sanding the internal edges of a shelf support is shown

Figure 20-6. Internal sanding is done with the left idler wheel relocated, with the belt installed up through the table, and with or without a platen.

in Figure 20-6.

Warning: Sand on the downward motion side of the belt. The downward motion keeps the belt tracking properly and helps hold the stock down against the table.

You can internal sand with or without a platen installed. When sanding without a platen, work at a slow speed and be careful not to pull the belt off the tracking wheel.

Figure 20-7. Sand odd-shaped or concave workpieces on the tracking wheel. Work in the center of the wheel.

Sanding Against the Tracking Wheel
Sand odd-shaped or concave workpieces against the tracking wheel (Figure 20-7). Hold the workpiece securely in your hands and sand the workpiece in the center of the wheel. Work carefully so you don't pull the belt off the tracking wheel.

Sanding Other Materials
You can sand plastics and metals, and perform buffing operations with the strip sander. Refer to Table 20-1 to determine which belts, platens and speeds to use for these materials.

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