Tips for Proper Belt Sander Maintenance

If you’re new to sander maintenance or find that your tools are breaking down faster than they should, you might want to go back to the basics. Keep reading for some of the key tips for proper belt sander maintenance that you should be following in your workshop.

Perform Regular Inspections

In order to keep your equipment in good condition, it is important to complete regular inspections of the parts and quality, and your belt sander is no exception. Parts that you should pay extra attention to during your maintenance checks include:

• Wheels
• Castors
• Cables and Plugs
• Belts

If you were to continue to use your belt sander while any of these parts were damaged, it could result in serious damage to your sander’s motor and overall longevity.

Proper Cleaning and Storage

Another one of the key tips for proper belt sander maintenance is to clean your equipment often. Belt sanders produce a lot of dust and debris during the sanding process, which can get caught in the paper, the motor, and the wheels. The most effective way to clean one of these sanders is to take an air hose or a can of compressed air to the more intricate parts of the tool. You can use this method to clean in between the belt and the wheels, the drum, the fan, the motor, and any other areas where dust may collect. Ideally, you should do this after every use, as this dust is very flammable and can lead to greater wear and tear.

Don’t Overuse Your Sander

You can use your sander as often as you need for your various projects, but make sure you are using it correctly. Incorrect use of your belt sander can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, so the tool may break down prematurely if you don’t use it properly.

Don’t Overtax the Equipment

Overtaxing your belt sander could involve putting too much force on the equipment, running it for too long, and not cleaning the parts between uses. All of these are conditions of overuse and can damage your machine very quickly.

Know When To Change Your Sandpaper

Leaving the sandpaper on your belt sander for too long can also result in below-par work, and even damage to your product or machine. You will know when it is time to change your sandpaper when you encounter any of these signs:

• Uneven sanding jobs
• Putting more pressure on the tool
• Projects start taking longer than normal

For replacement sanding belts, cleaners, and a variety of commercial belt sanders, shop Penn Tool Co. online for top-quality products.

Now that you know the proper way maintain your belt sander, you can help your tools have greater longevity. Maintaining your equipment also helps prevent accidents and keeps your workshop safe. We hope these tips help you promote the best workshop safety and efficiency.