Wood can be an abrasive material, and most finished items require that you somehow get rid of those rough surfaces. When you’re working on a project involving various types of wood materials, you might need a sander. But, what kind should you use? Here is what you need to know about wide belt sanders and how one of these tools might come in handy for your next project.
What is a Wide Belt Sander?
A belt sander is the most common type of sander used in modern workshops. It is a versatile piece of equipment that you can use to sand wood and composite boards, like MDF. With a wide belt sander, the sanding belt is wrapped around two drums, which are powered by an electric motor.
Benefits of Using Wide Belt Sanders
Belt sanders are powerful sanding machines that save a ton of time on most projects. They are excellent for the rapid removal and leveling of wood and their ability to smooth rough boards.
A quality belt sander makes it easy to switch materials, such as paper with different grits. This gives you greater versatility when working with wood. The machine is also forgiving. If you accidentally make a scratch, it’s likely to be shallow, and you can easily cover it up with your next pass.
How to Use a Wide Belt Sander
When using a wide belt sander, it’s best to let the weight of the equipment do most of the work. In other words, avoid pushing down on the sander. Proceed slowly and prevent the tool from dipping as you overlap your passes. For safe operation, wear safety glasses and hearing protection and drape the cord over your shoulder, so it doesn’t get in the way. Of course, the safest way to use a wide belt sander is to allow a trained professional to operate the machine for you.
Alternatives to Wide Belt Sanders
If you need to flatten or smooth a wooden surface, you have some other options. You can use a planer or a drum sander to get the job done.
A planer consists of a wooden block with a blade that shaves layers away from a piece of wood. It provides a uniform and straight cut at a relatively low cost.
A drum sander is a powerful piece of equipment that can sand either wood or plastic. It has a small footprint and works well for smaller pieces of material.
Get Qualified Help With Your Next CNC Project
Whether you need materials finished with a wide belt sander or some other specialized tool, find out how Components by Design, Inc. can help. We specialize in CNC routing services that involve a variety of materials from wood to composites to specialty metals.
Our technicians have over 15 years of experience with CAD/CAM software and CNC routers. Bring us your design specs or ideas, and let’s have a conversation about how we can create a project that brings your vision to life. Contact us today to get started.