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Standard Belt Sander

ALWAYS use a belt sander rather than a drum sander and ensure that it has a clutch to lift and lower the drum.

 A belt sander offers a way to achieve a higher standard of finish to the timber surface more quickly than would normally be the case using a drum sander. 

Both drum and belt machines appear similar upon first inspection.  Basic to both is a chassis on wheels that carries a large electric motor.  This motor is used to drive the drum or belt as well as a vacuum system.  Power from the motor is transferred to the drum/belt and vacuum system using drive belts along one side of the machine.  On professional machines the additional feature that the machines both have in common is a clutch system that allows the machine to raise and lower the sanding abrasive.  Where the machines differ is on how the abrasive is fitted to the machine. A belt sander gives many advantages.

• A smoother and more level finish is achieved
• Better abrasives are used on belts
• The sanding Abrasives last longer
• The clutch allows for gentle lowering and lifting of the drum avoiding making gouges
• The work is achieved much faster and to a higher standard in each pass due to the precision in the machine
• Belt sanders cut level
• The drum pressure is preset and therefore even with each pass of the machine

Good quality belt sanders will give you a much better ability to control the pressure of the drum on the timber and allow you to gently ease the abrasive onto and off the surface being sanded. These are important considerations because the sanding machine can do a lot of damage if you don’t have full control over the way that the abrasive comes into contact with the timber. Some common hire machines built to a much lower budget, are designed so that you tilt the machine yourself up and down while it is running. It sounds crazy but it does work if you can practice with it for a while. Still not a recommended system and no professional floor sander users that type of machine except for working on concrete. In the industry we use belts and this because they are very efficient machines that allow us to get a good result quickly.