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20
Selecting SandSmart™ Feed Rates
A faster feed rate allows faster sanding but
fewer revolutions of the drum per inch of
sanding. A slower feed rate provides more
revolutions of the drum per inch of sanding to
allow a greater depth of cut and smooth
sanding.
Begin experimenting with the feed rate set at
about 40% to 50% of maximum. The best feed
rate will depend on a number of factors,
including type of stock, grit and depth of cut
used, and whether the stock is fed directly in line
with the conveyor bed or at an angle. If the drum
motor is lugging down, if the conveyor belt is
slipping, or if you observe a ripple effect on the
stock, slow down the feed rate. If the finish is
smooth and the machine is not overworking, you
can experiment using a faster feed rate.
The SandSmart control continuously monitors
the load on the drum motor, and automatically
regulates the speed of the conveyor motor to
maintain the highest feed rate without overload.
If the load on the drum motor increases, the
SandSmart control will decrease the conveyor
feed rate and will stop the conveyor under
extreme conditions. If the load on the drum
decreases, SandSmart will increase the feed
rate but will not increase it faster than the
manual setting on the speed adjustment label.
Figure 27
The best and most consistent finish will be
achieved if the conveyor does not change speed
during operation. When the red indicator light (B,
Figure 27) comes on, the SandSmart control has
detected too great a depth of cut and/or too fast
a feed rate.
This change in conveyor speed may affect the
finish surface. If the finish is affected, make
another sanding pass without changing any
settings. If the finish is still affected, make
adjustments by slowing the conveyor and/or
decreasing the depth of cut and run the stock
through again.
Also try a faster feed rate or less depth of cut if
the stock you are working begins to show burn
marks. With cherry, hard maple or other
hardwoods, using a shallower depth of cut and a
faster feed rate will help minimize burn marks.
Slightly angling the stock as it is fed into the
machine will also help prevent burning the stock.
Because of the wide range of variables, it is
important to experiment with your specific
conditions and make adjustments to achieve the
optimum feed rate. If problems occur, first
check and adjust the feed rate, referring to the
“Troubleshooting” sections in this manual.
Tips for Maximum Performance
The versatility designed into the 22-44 Pro drum
sander allows it to be used for a wide variety of
tasks that will boost the return on your
investment. For example, its capabilities range
from taking the place of a planer to thickness
rough stock, to speeding up fine sanding work
often done with slower, dust-generating hand
sanders.
Learning how to use its adjustments and
controls will allow you to fine-tune the machine
for maximum results. The best results come
from experimenting with different abrasive grits
and machine adjustments to fit the job at hand.
Following is a list of useful tips which can help
you improve performance of your sander.
Dust Collection
When connecting dust collectors, remember that
straight pipe will not restrict airflow as much as
flexible tubing. Y’s and elbows will restrict airflow
less than T’s. Also, a hose smaller than 2-1/2”
diameter should not be used.
Multiple-Piece Sanding Runs
When abrasive planing (or thickness sanding) a
run of similar pieces that you want to have the
same thickness, it is best to determine the
thickness of the thinnest piece and process all
pieces to that same thickness in one session. Be
aware that the sander will remove cups and
crowns in the workpiece; consider this when
measuring and processing stock to the same
thickness.
Sanding Multiple Pieces At Once
When sanding multiple pieces simultaneously,
make sure to stagger (step) the pieces across
the width of the conveyor belt. This provides
better contact with the tension rollers. Try to
process only multiple pieces of similar thickness.