// Machinery

Woodworking Machines - Sanders

What should be done before using sanders? Sanders can be dangerous if not used properly.

hand protection

What should be done before using sanders?

Sanders can be dangerous if not used properly.

requirement Read the owner's manual carefully.
requirement Make sure you understand the instructions before attempting to use any tool or machine.
requirement Learn the applications and limitations before use.
engineering Refer to Woodworking Machines - General Safety Tips for general safeguards.

What safety procedures should be followed when using sanders?

context Wear safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles) when operating a sander.
context Wear hearing protection that is suitable for the level and frequency of the noise you are exposed to in the woodworking area.
context Wear protective footwear when required.
context Use sanders with the local exhaust ventilation (LEV) turned on. The local exhaust ventilation should be designed for the sander and well-maintained to work effectively.
context Wear respiratory protection (e.g., dust masks), where required, during sanding operations and clean up.
context Keep your hands away from the abrasive surface.
context Hold small or thin pieces of stock in a jig or holding device to prevent injuries to the fingers or hands.
context Inspect abrasive belts before using them. Replace belts worn, frayed, or excessively worn in spots.
context Sand on the downward side of a disc sander so that the wood is driven onto the table by the machine's rotation.
context Enclose all drums, disks, or belt sanding machines with an exhaust dust hood that covers all portions of the machine but the portion designed for the work feed.
context Adjust work rests on all manually fed sanders to provide minimum clearance between the belt and the rest. The work rest should be secured properly.
context Install abrasive belts that are the same width as the pulley drum.
context Turn off the sander and unplug the electricity when making any adjustments or changes in the setup.
context Adjust abrasive belt tension to keep the belt running at the same speed as the pulley drum when the wood is in contact with it.
context Make sure fences and any other guards are properly adjusted and in place before using the machine.
context Guard feed rollers to allow boards to pass, but keep operators' fingers and arms out.
context in-running nip points,
context power transmission,
context feed roll parts, and
context the unused portion of the abrasion belt on the operator's side of the machine.
context Install guards to prevent contact at:

What should you not do when using sanders?

requirement Do not sand stock that has loose knots, splits, defects or foreign objects (e.g., metal, stone) in it.
requirement Do not sand small or thin hand-held work pieces.
ppe Do not wear loose clothing (including work gloves), jewellery or have items that dangle (ties, hood strings) while using revolving power tools. Tie back long hair or wear appropriate hair protection. These measures will prevent hair, clothing, or jewellery (like dangling neck chains) from being caught and pulled by sander belts and pulleys that are in motion.
requirement Do not operate sanders without the exhaust system operating.
engineering Do not operate sanders unless adequately guarded.
requirement Do not operate sanders unless the work rest is properly adjusted.