Selecting SandSmart™ Feed Rates
A faster feed rate allows faster sanding but fewer revolutions of the drum per inch of sanding. A slower feed rate provides more revolutions of the drum per inch of sanding to allow a greater depth of cut and smooth sanding.
Begin experimenting with the feed rate set at about 40% to 50% of maximum. The best feed rate will depend on a number of factors, including type of stock, grit and depth of cut used, and whether the stock is fed directly in line with the conveyor bed or at an angle. If the drum motor is lugging down, if the conveyor belt is slipping, or if you observe a ripple effect on the stock, slow down the feed rate. If the finish is smooth and the machine is not overworking, you can experiment using a faster feed rate.
The SandSmart control continuously monitors the load on the drum motor, and automatically regulates the speed of the conveyor motor to maintain the highest feed rate without overload. If the load on the drum motor increases, the SandSmart control will decrease the conveyor feed rate and will stop the conveyor under extreme conditions. If the load on the drum decreases, SandSmart will increase the feed rate but will not increase it faster than the manual setting on the speed adjustment label.
Figure 27
The best and most consistent finish will be achieved if the conveyor does not change speed during operation. When the red indicator light (B, Figure 27) comes on, the SandSmart control has detected too great a depth of cut and/or too fast a feed rate.
This change in conveyor speed may affect the finish surface. If the finish is affected, make another sanding pass without changing any settings. If the finish is still affected, make adjustments by slowing the conveyor and/or
decreasing the depth of cut and run the stock through again.
Also try a faster feed rate or less depth of cut if the stock you are working begins to show burn marks. With cherry, hard maple or other hardwoods, using a shallower depth of cut and a faster feed rate will help minimize burn marks. Slightly angling the stock as it is fed into the machine will also help prevent burning the stock.
Because of the wide range of variables, it is important to experiment with your specific conditions and make adjustments to achieve the optimum feed rate. If problems occur, first check and adjust the feed rate, referring to the “Troubleshooting” sections in this manual.
Tips for Maximum Performance
The versatility designed into the
Learning how to use its adjustments and controls will allow you to
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
Multiple-Piece Sanding Runs
When abrasive planing (or thickness sanding) a run of similar pieces that you want to have the same thickness, it is best to determine the thickness of the thinnest piece and process all pieces to that same thickness in one session. Be aware that the sander will remove cups and crowns in the workpiece; consider this when measuring and processing stock to the same thickness.
Sanding Multiple Pieces At Once
When sanding multiple pieces simultaneously, make sure to stagger (step) the pieces across the width of the conveyor belt. This provides better contact with the tension rollers. Try to process only multiple pieces of similar thickness.
20
