Operation

1.Repeat “Tension Roller Alignment” except raise the sanding drum only 1/4 turn of the height adjustment handle.

2.If both tension rollers are causing snipe then tighten all four hex nuts (A, Figure 29) at this position.

3.If only outfeed tension roller causes snipe, only tighten rear (outfeed) hex nuts on each end of drum at this position, then raise sanding drum another 3/4 turn of the handle.

4.Press infeed tension roller down to rest on conveyor bed and tighten front (infeed) hex nuts at this position.

This process sets the tension roller assembly at an angle providing less tension pressure on the outfeed roller.

Before using your drum sander, review the previous pages in this manual on initial set-up and adjustment. In this section, you will learn how to operate the machine.

Circuit Breaker

The sander is equipped with a motor protective device (circuit breaker). The breaker will automatically shut the sander off when excessive current is consumed.

If the breaker is tripped, turn the sander off and press the circuit breaker button on the motor to re-set.

Basic Operating Procedure

1.Set depth of cut.

2.Start drum.

3.Start conveyor and select feed rate.

4.Start dust collection system.

5.Feed stock through machine.

Setting Depth of Cut

Adjusting the drum sander for the proper contact between the abrasive and the stock determines the mechanical depth of cut.

It may take some experimentation to determine the proper depth of cut, given the variables of abrasive grit, type of wood, and feed rate. For best results, use scrap wood to practice sanding and to develop skill and familiarity with the machine before doing finish work.

A good rule of thumb when sanding with grits finer than 80 is to lower the drum so it contacts the workpiece but drum can still be rotated by hand. When using grits coarser than 80, you can

lower the drum slightly more. However, a combination of several variables will determine the proper depth of cut to use, including the following:

1.Abrasive type and grit size.

2.Width of the piece being processed.

3.Hardness of the piece.

4.Feed rate of the conveyor belt.

Establishing Proper Drum Height

1.To establish drum height, position the stock to be sanded under the drum. Do NOT start drum.

2.Lower the drum to the stock thickness, making sure drum can be rotated by hand while contacting stock.

Do not start drum while in contact with stock!

3.Without changing drum height, turn on conveyor and run the stock out from under the drum. Start sanding drum and sand stock at that same position.

4.With the drum operating, feed stock under the drum from the infeed side and against the rotation of the drum. Always maintain control of the stock to avoid kick-back and/or slippage.

NOTE: If motor heats up during operation, depth of cut may be too great for size of grit and/or feed rate may be too fast.

Tips for Maximum Performance

The versatility designed into the 16-32 Plus drum sander allows it to be used for a wide variety of tasks that will boost the return on your investment. For example, its capabilities range from taking the place of a planer to thickness rough stock, to speeding up fine sanding work often done with slower, dust-generating hand sanders.

Learning how to use its adjustments and controls will allow you to fine-tune the machine for maximum results. The best results come from experimenting with different abrasive grits and machine adjustments to fit the job at hand. Following is a list of useful tips which can help you improve performance of your sander.

Dust Collection

When connecting dust collectors, remember that straight pipe will not restrict airflow as much as flexible tubing. Y’s and elbows will restrict airflow less than T’s. Also, a hose smaller than 2-1/2” diameter should not be used.