Combination Belt Disc Sander
Combination Belt Disc Sander
Combination Belt Disc Sander
Name:
BELT AND DISC
SANDER
Equipment/Task 4
Hazard Class:
http://ehs.yale.edu/sites/d
efault/files/files/tool-
classification-matrix.pdf
Shop Name:
Shop Hazard
Class:
Purpose
Stationary belt and disc sanders utilize abrasive coated cloth or reinforced paper to remove material
from work pieces. Typically, shops will designate what materials can be used on a particular machine
(metals, plastics, and wood the most common designators). The belt and disc are the machining surfaces
where the abrasive coated belt moves in a downward direction towards the work table. Always note
the direction of rotation of the abrasive disc as you only want to put work pieces in contact with the disc
on the downward motion side (See attached diagram).
Hazards
As with all shop tools, there are many potential hazards associated with their use and exposure.
Combination belt and disc sanders with 120 volt motors greater than ½ horsepower are Class 4 tools
(http://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/tool-classification-matrix.pdf). There are a number of
particular hazards associated with the operation and use of stationary belt/disc sanders (See attached
diagram).
Limitations
Only sand/machine materials designated acceptable for the particular machine (i.e. wood
machines/ metal machines…).
“Hold Tight, Push Light”-Let the abrasive do the work. Do not force work piece into belt/disc.
Do not use pliers or locking pliers to hold parts.
If the work piece is oddly shaped and difficult to hold securely, consider alternative methods
such as a vice and hand file to sand the piece by hand. Small parts can grab the abrasive surface
and jam the belt or disc or be made into dangerous projectiles.
Do not freehand above the surface. Keep the part on the table at all times when
machining/sanding. Elevated parts will grab and pull you into the abrasive
Always note the direction of rotation of the sanding disk and ONLY use the side of the disc with
downward travel direction. Engaging on the “upward motion” side of the disk will cause the
work piece to become a projectile.
Required Training
Applicable Shop Rules
o Student Shop Rules (http://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/student-shop-rules.pdf)
o Professional Shop Rules (http://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/shop-guidelines.pdf)
For Class 2 through 5 Student Shops, review and signing of the Yale University Shop/Tool Use
Safety Agreement (http://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/shop-tool-safety-agreement.pdf).
Shop Supervisors or Instructors must evaluate the tool user based on successful demonstration
of the Training Competencies listed below as applicable.
Training Competencies:
□ Be able to evaluate sanding surfaces (belt and disc) for wear and tear prior to sanding
operations.
□ Be able to recognize acceptable running conditions of belt and disc prior to sanding
operations.
Required Training (cont’d)
□ Exercise good judgment in work piece orientation, holding, placement and choice of sanding
surface(s).
□ Demonstrate appropriate work piece sanding movement and pressures during sanding
operations.
□ Clean and prepare the sander for the next user.
□ Demonstrate all the above training competencies for sanding operations for the types of
materials they will be using.
Metal sample:
□ Deburring operations
□ Edge shaping/rounding – significant material removal, managing heat buildup
□ Edge breaking
Wood/plastic samples:
□ Edge breaking
□ Edge shaping/rounding
□ Fixed angle edge/end treatment- where the end of the part starts out square and needs
to be shaped to a specific angle (requires use of miter gauge or table angle adjustments)
At the sander:
Engage dust collection system if available
Test the holding/movement of the work piece with sander OFF to ensure that you will be able to
safely hold and accomplish your sanding goals.
Are all guards/guides in place and available for your work?
Are there any tears, flaps, damage visible on the belt or disk?
o Is the belt flat and tight?
o Is the sanding disc secure?
o If not contact supervisor for replacement.
Start the sander and listen and watch operation as it comes to operating speed
o Is the belt tracking in the center of the track?
o Is the disc centered and running true?
o Observe rotation direction of disc and ensure use only on downward face of rotating disc.
o Is either belt or disc hitting the work table as it moves?
o If any of the above are observed shut off the machine and contact the shop supervisor.
While sanding:
Engage work piece with sanding surface as pre-planned.
Be sure to keep work piece in motion across sanding surface.
Observe heating of work piece and adjust pressure and movement to keep part cool.
Proper Setup and Use (cont’d)
Completion:
Shut off sander and allow it to come to a complete stop.
Disengage dust collection system (if available and as directed by the shop supervisor).
Clean up machine for next user.
Report any issues to the shop supervisor.
Diagram/Illustration
Typical Combination Belt and Disc Sander