A belt sander is a rotating sander usually used in finishing and shaping wood and similar objects. It has a large drum that rotates continuously, using a set of parallel-grindable metal disks that are attached to the drum by means of an idler system. The rotation of the belt makes the disks rotate and grind the workpiece into the desired shape. The grinding of hard objects such as metals, woods, ceramics, and plastering is usually done with the help of a belt sander. They are usually available in different shapes and sizes suitable for various jobs.
For removing material from a smooth surface, fine grit belt sanders are used. These tools have a variety of different speeds and the type of speed selection can be adjusted according to the material being removed. Grinding wheels are also available along with the belt sanders for further precision. This makes it easy to handle the equipment and to get the most out of it.
A belt sander can be used for smoothening surfaces, polishing workpieces, and removing rust. The tool can be used to sand the entire surface or just specific parts of it. When only specific parts of the surface are sanded, this helps in reducing back pressure that is created during normal use because only a limited amount of sanding is required to remove unwanted residue. On the other hand, when the entire surface is sanded, back pressure is created because of the large number of grains being sanded. It is, therefore, easier to control the machine while using it.
While operating a belt sander, wearing safety glasses is recommended as they protect your eyes from dust and flying debris. The blades of the machine should not be operated by you while wet. If you face dust particles or other debris while using the machine, wipe them away with wet paper immediately. Before using the belt sander, you should ensure that the power switch is on. All the safety measures will go to waste if you do not check on the machine before starting to use it. It is best that you should try testing the machine for proper working conditions and fit your safety glasses.
It is advisable to use heavy-duty sanders for heavy-duty jobs. However, you should ensure that they are designed for use with heavy-duty pulleys and are capable of bearing the load. The belt sanders come in two types, namely, rotary and reciprocating. The rotary type of belt sander expels sand in a horizontal direction while the reciprocating type of belt sander expels the sand in a vertical direction.
You should select belt sanders with variable speed settings for faster work. However, you should not select them if you want a repetitive job done. This is because the belt sanders tend to lose their accuracy fast. Instead of purchasing belt sanders, you should purchase a belt sweeper.
If you want to remove paint from the light edges of the car, you can use a handheld belt sander. To get the edge free from chips and scratches, you can opt for wire wheels or diamond wheels. However, you should remember that you should never run the handheld belt sander at high speeds. The fine grit wheels are preferred for corner areas and light edges. On the other hand, the diamond wheel is the best option for heavy-duty work.
It is important to know that belt sanders are made up of different kinds of materials such as steel, aluminum, bronze, and nickel. The size of the belt can also determine its price. For instance, cheap belt sanders can be found in the range of $200.