Replies

1. 
   RickL | Oct 19, 2004 08:01pm | #1

   Sounds like and old belt with a damaged section or heavier used section. Light passes of no more than .015" depending on the grit.

2. 
   VomSorb | Oct 19, 2004 11:02pm | #2

   Perhaps hand flattening is an option? 

   Otherwise make sure they load a 220 grit belt and bump the feed rate up a bit.

   I have a sneaking suspicion that the belt sander operators aren't particularly concerned about your fine furniture project. 

   Maybe it's time to explore other options less reminiscent of a large manufacturing operation.

1. 
   RickL | Oct 19, 2004 11:32pm | #3

   After using a widebelt it's not easy to go back to handplaning. I know plenty of guys who build  furniture without any handtools or at least the goal is to minimize handtool usage.

   220 grit is a bit on the fine side. Use of the lower grits is more typical, especially for the initial sanding of a panel or table top. Widebelts are found  in many  small  custom shops and certainly not an exclusive of large manufacturers. I know of  a number of one man shops with widebelts. That's one of the reasons they can stay a one man shop. Instead of paying an employee they have the machine.  Doesn't take time off, always there when you need it. When you figure what an employee costs versus  $14,000 for a machine it's a  no brainer. 

1. 
   VomSorb | Oct 20, 2004 12:22am | #4

   Of course at the end of your argument you're left with burnt workpieces. 

   You're right, they would never start with the fine grit - it would take too many passes and they've got other work to do.

   I worked in a millwork shop and have feed more work through one of these monsters than I care to recall.

   Edited 10/19/2004 5:24 pm ET by cstan

   Edited 10/19/2004 5:27 pm ET by cstan

2. 
   tfk3160 | Oct 20, 2004 01:38am | #5

   The shop typically uses 150 grit.  220 or finer would actually promote burning.  I can see that on an ocillating spindle sander, if you use a coarser grit less heat is actually developed simply because less material is in contact with the piece.  I was more interesed in the tool properties.  I was not sure if you can actually speed or slow the feed rate since of course I don't actually own one.  Perhaps I can download a manual from Bridgewood or Grizzly to see what adjustments can be made. 

   Thanks.

1. 
   Andrew | Oct 21, 2004 02:34am | #6

   You can adjust the feed rate on a widebelt sander. I think that the most likely cause is a worn out spot on the belt, or the operator trying to remove too much in one pass.