How To
Instruction
- What it does best:
- Allowed materials:
- All solid wood, most sheet goods (plywood, MDF, plexiglass), most plastics
- Material must be free of fasteners or any metal parts.
- Sanding paint/varnish requires supervisor approval.
- No concrete, plaster, metal, or resin is allowed on the sanding machines
- Basic use:
- Identify the correct size spindle for your sanding operation. If it is not installed, ask a shop TA to change it out for you.
- Power on the dust collector or ask the shop TA to turn it on for you
- Make sure the blast gate is open so the dust collector is connected to the spindle sander
- Power on the spindle sander
- Holding your material firmly against the sanding table, press it lightly into the sanding spindle
- Glide into contact with the spindle and glide off- Pausing while in contact with the rotating spindle will usually cause a small divot on your material.
- If you notice burning, or it seems to be taking longer than usual, alert the shop TA to change the sanding belt
- Safety reminders:
- Never sand metal, concrete, or plaster on the sanding machines.
- Never sand without first powering on the dust collector
- Material must always be held firmly against the sanding table before engaging with the sanding spindle. Do not “freehand” sand anything with these machines
- Fingers should always be at least 1-2” away from the sanding spindle. Ask a TA/supervisor if you need to control your stock closer than that.
- Only light pressure is allowed, especially with the thinnest spindles. Do not push against the spindle with excess force. It may take some time to sand your material.
- Finishing:
- Turn off the sanding machine and wait for the spindle to stop completely
- Clean the surrounding area of any dust/debris
- if no one else is using a sanding machine, turn off the dust collector or ask the shop TA to do it for you
Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses
- Ear Protection: None required
- Respiratory Protection: None required
- Body Coverings: None required, and gloves are never allowed when using power tools
Engineering Controls
- Dust collection system
- Throat plates for close work support