Belt Sander (floor model) SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Proper eye protection must be worn when using the belt sander.
EXPLANATION: This protects the eyes from danger created by flying particles and accidental moves by others.
2. Get permission from the teacher each time before using the portable belt sander.
EXPLANATION: This creates order and keeps unqualified students form operating power tools or causing injury to someone else.
3. Clamp all work securely before contacting with moving abrasive.
EXPLANATION: Loose or unclamped work can move and injure the machine operator.
4. Inspect the belt for tears (especially at the seam) and looseness before turning on the power.
EXPLANATION: A torn or loose abrasive belt can fly apart and be thrown off the machine at a terrific speed.
5. Before plugging in the machine, be sure that the switch is off and the sander is resting on its side.
EXPLANATION: This keeps the machine from running away and causing possible injury or machine damage.
6. Pull out the plug before changing belts or making adjustments on the sander.
EXPLANATION: This way the machine will not accidentally be started while you are working on it.
7. A quick safe way to check the belt for proper tracking is to turn the power on and off quickly.
EXPLANATION: This procedure allows tracking to be observed at a slow safe speed.
8. While the machine is in motion you should keep your fingers away from the abrasive material.
EXPLANATION: The abrasive is very hard and it will grind skin and cause a painful injury.
9. The operator should take care not to catch the wood on the edges of the belt.
EXPLANATION: Such an action could cause
the belt to be pulled off track and cause serious damage. If the belt
should break, the operator should not drop the machine, but turn off the power.
10. When turning off the power, wait until the
abrasive belt comes to a complete stop before setting the sander down on
the bench.
EXPLANATION: Moving belt could carry the sander off of the table.
11. Lift the sander off the work when starting and stopping.
EXPLANATION: This lets the machine reach full power with the minimum of strain which prolongs motor life and helps to avoid overheating.
12. Operate the machine with both hands on the handles provided.
EXPLANATION: This gives the operator maximum control.
13. Keep hands and the cord out of the path of the sander.
EXPLANATION: The moving abrasive could,
on contact with the cord, cut through the insulation causing an
electrical shock to the operator. Placing the cord around the back of
the next or over the arm will help keep it out of the way.
14. Belts should be changed only with the permission of the teacher.
EXPLANATION: This helps to insure correct mounting of the belt and cuts down on the costs of unnecessary changes.
REFERENCES: Pictures and more information on portable belt sanders can be obtained from these books:
General Woodworking, by Groneman, pp 212-214.
Exploring Woodworking, by Zimmerman, pp 113.
Cabinetmaking and Millwork, by Feirer, pp 453-454.
Advanced Woodwork and Furniture Making, by Feirer and Hutchings, pp 371-373.
