What is a platen on a wide belt sander?

A platen is what separates a drum sander from a wide belt sander. The next step up is a stroke sander. From there you can go straight to finishing. Most folks don’t even know what a stroke sander is and can do. Many consider them obsolete.

What is a wide belt sander used for?

The wide belt sander is used to machine stock flat and to specific thicknesses. It can be used with solid wood and composite boards such as plywood and MDF. A rubber conveyor carries your stock through the machine while a wide abrasive belt removes material from the top surface.

How do you adjust a wide belt sander?

To set it up, sand a part with just the drum head. Then stop the machine and run the part back under the head without moving anything. Then drop the platen as I either roll the belt on the head or push the belt side to side with the tension roller released. Once you feel drag on the belt you have your platen set.

How wide is a belt sander?

The size of a belt sander is measured by the width and length of the belt. Belts range in size from small, detail-type sanders with belts that are only an inch or two wide to heavy-duty 4″ x 24″ machines. A common size for home shop use is a 3″ x 21″ sander.

What is the difference between a drum sander and a belt sander?

Sanding paper is different with both tools. Belt sanders simply allow one to slip sanding belts on and off without much effort. Drum machines take longer with abrasive sheets being wrapped around one single drum (photo above) and clamped into place by way of its own locking mechanism.

What is a sanding platen?

• Dust extraction capability, when attached to a separate dust extraction unit, to minimise dust. when sanding. • Hook and loop paper attachment allows sand paper to be easily attached.

Is a belt sander better than an orbital sander?

In a nutshell, belt sanders are on the powerful side, able to strip down a piece of wood in a short amount of time. Orbital sanders, on the other hand, are finishing sanders that are used to get wood ultra-smooth.

Why do my sanding belts keep tearing?

Heat, humidity, and age can contribute to belt seam failures, but they’re not the only causes. When not using your sander, release the tension on the belt. If the problem persists, exchange the sander or have a warranty service center check the tension setting.

What kind of platen to use on widebelt Sander?

Most of your sanding should be done with the drum and for the last pass or two you drop the platen down. If you don’t know how much the platen drops down when you turn the platen engagement knob you don’t know the machine at all. I recommend F1 pressed felt. It is usually pretty inexpensive and works great.

How many rolls of graphite do you need for a Sander?

Priced per yard, 4″, 5″ or 6″ wide graphite-coated canvas comes in continuous rolls for custom applications. Sold without PSA backing ( apply spray adhesive for a solid bond ). Sold in packages of three; pressure sensitive adhesive ( PSA) backed platens adhere to your sander’s metal baseplate. 3″ x 6″ fits 3″ x 21″ belt sanders.

How do you replace felt on a Sander?

Place the felt on the bar and start at one end. Work your way down making sure it is lined up and you don’t have any bubbles in the middle. After the felt is applied, let it sit with weight on it for 1/2 hour or more before using. This will let the spray setup. Then you are ready to run.

What is a platen on a wide belt sander? A platen is what separates a drum sander from a wide belt sander. The next step up is a stroke sander. From there you can go straight to finishing. Most folks don’t even know what a stroke sander is and can do. Many consider them obsolete.…