Apex Digital 2037M-D User manual

0
Operation Manual
Model 2037M-D
Serial No 180413

1
Warranty and Service
APEX Machine Group warrants every product it sells. If you need service or repair, contact us or one of our Service
Dealers
WARRANTY
Apex Machine Group machines carry a limited warranty which varies in duration based upon the product.
WHAT IS COVERED?
This warranty covers any defects in workmanship or materials subject to the exceptions stated below.
.
WHO IS COVERED?
This warranty covers only the initial purchaser of the product.
WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF COVERAGE?
The APEX Machine Group warranty is for a Two Year Period ( 4000 hours ) from the date of purchase.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This warranty does not cover defects due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, normal wear-
and-tear, improper repair or alterations, or lack of maintenance. Also the warranty does not
cover those consumable item such as graphite canvas, platen felt, mistrack switch tips, fuses or other normal wear items.
HOW TO GET SERVICE
Contact APEX Machine Group at 855-500-7263, www.apexmachinegroup,com, or the dealer you purchased the machine
from.
Manufacturer or Distributor is not responsible for, and will not pay for, work done, material furnished, or repairs
made by others unless agreed to in writing prior to performing work. All express delivery charges, repair labor and
expenses are the responsibility of the customer.
Parts repaired or replaced under warranty are covered for the balance of the original machine warranty, or a
standard 90-day parts warranty, whichever is longer.
Except as stated above, there are no warranties, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose.
HOW STATE LAW APPLIES
This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Caution : Please read and understand this manual prior
to operation of this machine.

2
Machine Warranty Registration
By e-mail at : www.apexmachinegroup.com
Or mail a registration card to :
Apex Machine Group
4700 Olson Memorial Highway
Golden Valley, Minnesota 55422
Warranty Registration Card
Model No. __2037M-D____________________________
Serial No. ___180413___________________________
Date Purchased : _________________________
Company Name : _________________________
Address : _____________________________
_____________________________
Phone No . ______________________________
E-mail Address : ___________________________

3
Table of Contents
Warranty and Service .............................................................................1/2
Table of Contents ................................................................................... 3
Parts List ……………………………………………………………………. 4
Warning................................................................................................... 5/6
Introduction ............................................................................................ 7
Specifications ......................................................................................... 7
Unpacking .............................................................................................. 8
Contents of the Shipping Container ....................................................... 8
Assembly ............................................................................................... 9
Air Supply Connection............................................................................ 9
Installing/Replacing Sanding Belt ..........................................................10
Grounding Instructions .......................................................................... 11
Operation................................................................................................12
Adjustments ...........................................................................................13
Sanding Belt Tracking and Oscillation....................................................14
Oscillation Speed....................................................................................14
Contact Drum Adjustment Metal Machine ………………………………. 15
V-Belt Tension and Replacement ......................................................... 16
Conveyor Belt Tension.......................................................................... 17
Conveyor Belt Tracking......................................................................... 17/18
Feed Rate.............................................................................................. 19
Pressure Roll Adjustment ..................................................................... 19/20
Table Parallelism .................................................................................. 21
Operating Controls ............................................................................... 22
Amperage Meter .................................................................................. 22
Operation ............................................................................................. 23
Braking System..................................................................................... 23
Maintenance......................................................................................... 24
Troubleshooting the Sander................................................................. 25-26
Replacement Parts................................................................................ 27
Recommended Spare Parts ............................................................... 28

4
Parts List
BOM List 180413…………………………………….................................. 32
Dimensional Drawing 7390020067…………….……………..................... 33
Main Frame Assembly 7390041035…………………............................... 34
Upper Frame Sub Assembly 7390042033…..……................................... 35
Cover Assembly 7390019048..………………………................................. 36
Contact Drum Assembly 7390010021..……..………………...................... 37
Contact Drum Frame Assembly 7390048013.…..………………............... 38
Drum Idler Roll Assembly 7390055006 …………………………………….. 39
Drum Head Limit Switch Assembly 7390049005 ………………………….. 40
Lift / Jack Assembly 7390044006 ………………….................................... 41
Table Lift Gear Assembly 7390043006……............................................. 42
Table Lift Limit Switch Assembly 7390065004.………….......................... 43
Conveyor Bed Assembly 7390006046…………….................................. 44
Conveyor Bed Lift Assembly 7390004011…………………........................ 45
Table Readout Assembly 7390031003 ……………………………………… 46
Conveyor Feed Drive Assembly 7390007018 ….…………........................ 47
Feed Drive Unit 7390029017 ..………………………................................. 48
Main Motors Assembly 7390003052 .….……………………...................... 49
Take –Up Roll Assembly 7390005008 .………………………………….... 50
Infeed Roller Assembly 7390058008 ………………………........................ 51
Infeed Trip Bar Assembly 7390034009..……………................................ 52
Hold Down Roller Assembly 7390008037 ………....................................... 53
Door Switch Assembly 7390033004 ………….......................................... 54
Cleaning Brush Asembly 7390097001…………………………………………55
Electrical Enclosure 7390032009 ………………………….................... 56
Electrical Diagram 160227-E1 .…………………….................................. 57
Electrical Diagram 160227-E2 ……………………………........................ 58
Parts List: Electrical Assembly BOM 180413-E …………......................... 59-61
VFD Parameter Table 180413 ……………………………………………….. 62
M15 Minikol Parameters 180413 ……………………………………………… 63
Voltage Name Plate 180413…………………………………….…………….. 64
Pneumatic Diagram 160227-P ………………………………..................... 65
Parts List: Pneumatic Assembly BOM 180413-P ….………...................... 66

5
Warnings
Please note: You can be badly injured working on or around a Sander. Only do service
work for which you have the knowledge and proper equipment. If you have any doubt
about your ability to perform a service job, please call our tool free line at 877-754-7266
or 855-500-7239 or contact an authorized dealer to schedule a qualified technician.
Warning
1. Read and understand the entire owner’s manual before attempting assembly or operation.
2. Read and understand the warnings posted on the machine and in this manual. Failure to comply with all of these
warnings may cause serious injury.
3. Replace the warning labels if they become obscured or removed.
4. This sander is designed and intended for use by properly trained and experienced personnel only. If you are not familiar
with the proper and safe operation of a sander, do not use until proper training and knowledge have been obtained.
5. Do not use this sander for other than its intended use. If used for other purposes, Apex Machine Group disclaims any
real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless from any injury that may result from that use.
6. Always wear approved safety glasses/face shields while using this sander. Everyday eyeglasses only have impact
resistant lenses; they are not safety glasses.
7. Before operating this sander, remove tie, rings, watches and other jewelry, and roll sleeves up past the elbows.
Remove all loose clothing and confine long hair. Non-slip footwear or anti-skid floor strips are recommended. Do not wear
gloves. Steel toed shoes are recommended because heavy parts can fall off the conveyor table onto feet.
8. Wear ear protectors (plugs or muffs) during extended periods of operation.
9. Some dust created by power sanding, and other construction activities contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
Lead from lead based paint.
Crystalline silica from bricks, cement and other masonry products.
Chromium from certain metal types.
Your risk of exposure varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these
chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area and work with approved safety equipment, such as face or dust masks that are
specifically designed to filter out microscopic particles.
10. Do not operate this machine while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication. Make sure nothing
is on the conveyor bed before starting machine.
11. Make certain control switch is OFF before connecting the machine to the power supply.
12. Make certain the machine is properly grounded.
13. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Form a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed
from the machine before turning it on.
14. Keep safety guards in place at all times when the machine is in use. If removed for maintenance purposes, use
extreme caution and replace the guards immediately.

6
15. Check damaged parts. Before further use of the machine, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts,
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting and any other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or
other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced.
16. Provide for adequate space surrounding work area and non-glare, overhead lighting.
17. Keep the floor around the machine clean and free of scrap material, oil and grease.
18. Keep visitors a safe distance from the work area. Keep children away.
19. Make your workshop child proof with padlocks, master switches or by removing starter keys.
20. Give your work undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a conversation and “horse-play” are careless acts
that can result in serious injury.
21. Remove loose items and unnecessary work pieces from the area before starting the machine.
22. Maintain a balanced stance at all times so that you do not fall or lean against the conveyor belt or other moving parts.
Do not overreach or use excessive force to perform any machine operation.
23. Keep hands clear while feeding workpieces onto the conveyor table. The workpiece will be forced down as it begins to
feed into the machine, causing a pinching action between workpiece and conveyor table.
24. Stand to one side of the conveyor table and do not let anyone else stand in line with the table while a workpiece is
being fed through the machine.
25. For the larger 37” and 52” wide sanders do not attempt to sand stock shorter than 12 inches long without some type of
fixture to help it through the machine. Do not sand stock less than .040” thick.
26. Never reach into a running machine. Turn off and disconnect from power source before attempting to retrieve parts
from within the machine.
27. Use the right belt at the correct speed and feed rate. Do not force a sanding belt to do a job for which it was not
designed. The right belt will operate more efficiently and safer.
28. Use recommended accessories; improper accessories may be hazardous.
29. Turn off the abrasive belt head and the brush heads before cleaning. You may need to use a brush or compressed air
to remove chips or debris —do not use your hands.
30. Do not stand on the machine. Serious injury could occur if the machine tips over.
31. Never leave the machine running unattended. Turn the power off and do not leave the machine until all moving parts
come to a complete stop.
Familiarize yourself with the following safety notices used in this manual:
This means that if precautions are not heeded, it may result in minor injury and/or
possible machine damage.
This means that if precautions are not heeded, it may result in serious injury or
possibly even death.

7
Introduction
This manual is provided by APEX Machine Group covering the safe operation and maintenance
procedures for Wide Belt Sanders. This manual contains instructions on installation, safety
precautions, general operating procedures, maintenance instructions and parts breakdown. This
machine has been designed and constructed to provide years of trouble free operation if used in
accordance with instructions set forth in this manual. If there are any questions or comments, please
contact either your local dealer or APEX Machine Group who can also be reached at our web site:
www.apexmachinegroup.com or
855-500-7263.
Specifications
Model Number...............................................................................2037M-D
Working Width (in.) ....................................................................................36”
Maximum Thickness (in.)...........................................................................5 ½”
Minimum Part Length (in.)..........................................................................16”
Table Height from Floor (in.) ......................................................................41”
Main Drive Motors .....................................................20 HP, 3Ph, 230 voltage
Power Feed Motor .............................................................................2 HP, 3Ph
Sanding Belt Size (in.) ..........................................................................37 x 75”
Required Air Pressure (PSI)..................................................................75 to 80
Gross Shipping Weight (lbs.)......................................................4.500 machine
Net Weight (lbs.).........................................................................5,030 machine
NOTE:
The above specifications were current at the time this manual was published,
but because of our policy of continuous improvement, APEX Machine Group
reserves the right to change specifications at any time without prior notice.

8
.
Unpacking
Open shipping container and check for shipping damage. Report any damage immediately to your distributor
and shipping agent. Do not discard any shipping material until the sander is installed and running properly.
Compare the contents of your container with the packing list to make sure all parts are intact. Missing parts, if
any, should be reported to your distributor. Read this instruction manual thoroughly for assembly, maintenance
and safety instructions.
Contents of the Shipping Container
1 Sander
1 Start –Up Sanding belts
1 Open wrench for leveling bolts
3 Open-end wrenches, 8-10, 12-14, 17-19
1 Set of hex wrenches
1 Owner's manual
1 Warranty card (in Manual page 2)
Read and understand the entire contents of this manual before attempting
set-up or operation! Failure to comply may cause serious injury.

9
Assembly
The sander should be placed on a level, sturdy
floor, preferably concrete, with plenty of space
surrounding it for on- and off-loading of stock,
and general maintenance work.
Open the two lower panels infeed and outfeed,
leveling screws inside the cabinet (Figure 1) to
level the sander. The machine can also be
secured to the floor with high quality lag screws
(not provided) through the machine frame support
inside the cabinet.
Remove the protective coating from exposed
metal surfaces with a soft cloth moistened with
kerosene or a good commercial solvent. Do not
use acetone, gasoline or lacquer thinner, as
these have a low flash point and can be a fire
hazard, as well as damage the paint finish. Do
not get solvents on rubber or plastic areas of the
machine.
Air Supply Connection
The sander must be connected to an air supply
unit. The recommended working pressure is 75
to 80 PSI.
The air connection is on the Filter/Regulator unit
located at the back of the sander (Figure 2).
Attach the incoming air supply to the connector
with a flexible
Figure 1
Figure 2

10
Installing or Replacing Sanding Belt
1. Machine should be disconnected from
power source.
2. Turn the air valve switch (A, Figure 3) to Off
position.
3. Remove the lock screw (B, Figure 3) by turning it
counterclockwise and lifting up.
4. Remove the spacer block (C, Figure 3).
5. Inspect the sanding belt for defects such as
chipped or torn edges. Do not use a belt if it
is damaged.
Make sure the direction of
the arrows on the inside of the sanding belt
matches the rotation of the machine.
6. Install the new belt by placing it first over the
upper roller, then over the contact rollers,
and slide the belt all the way onto the roller.
7. Center the belt while avoiding contact with
the limit switch fingers that are located on
each side of the belt.
8. Re-install the spacer block (C, Figure 3) and
lock screw (B, Figure 3) and tighten the lock screw
by turning clockwise.
9. Turn the air valve switch (A, Figure 3) to ON
to tension the sanding belt.
10. Make sure there is clearance between
sanding belt edges and the limit switch
fingers on either side. If there is not, make
the appropriate corrections (with the air
valve turned OFF).
NOTE: The sander will not start if a limit
switch is engaged.
11. Before doing any sanding, the sanding belt
should be tested for proper tracking and
oscillation. See the appropriate sections in
this manual.
A
B
C
Figure 3

11
Grounding Instructions
Electrical connections must
be made by a qualified electrician in
compliance with all relevant codes. This
machine must be properly grounded while in
use to help protect the operator from
electrical shock and possible fatal injury.
In the event of a malfunction or breakdown,
grounding provides a path of least resistance for
electric current to reduce the risk of electric
shock to the operator.
Improper connection of the equipment grounding
conductor can result in risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualified electrician or service
personnel if the grounding instructions are not
completely understood, or if in doubt as to
whether the tool is properly grounded.
The sander should be connected to a dedicated
circuit with proper amperage service. The
sander has been factory wired to run at 208 volt
operation.
208 , 230 or 460 Volt Operation
Refer to the diagram inside the sander’s
electrical box for clarification of electrical
connections and proper voltage of your unit.
These diagrams are also shown on
pages of this manual.

12
Operation
1. Make sure the machine is always
disconnected from the main power supply.
Place a warning placard (if used) on
the fuse holder or circuit breaker to prevent
it being turned on while the machine is
being wired.
Always follow proper Lock Out/Tag Out
procedures when performing any wiring on
this machine. Follow local/county codes.
2. Make sure the power source corresponds to
the specifications of the sander as recorded Figure 4
on the sander’s motor plate.
3. Open the sander’s electrical box and
connect the incoming power leads to
the proper marked terminals.
Connect the green ground wire to grounding
terminal
4. Connect the machine to power (or install the
fuses or reset the breaker at the power
source).
5. Press the Reset and check drum rotation first ,
to check that the contact drum is rotating in the
proper direction . ( clockwise or with the direction of the conveyor belt.
6. If the contact drum rotates in the wrong
direction, turn off the machine and
disconnect from power. Switch any two
of the power leads .
7. Re-connect power to the sander once drum rotation
is confirmed.

13
Adjustments
Sanding Belt Tracking and Oscillation
The sanding belt should oscillate left and right
without a tendency to slide off the rollers. If the
sanding belt runs outside of the normal track, it
will contact a limit switch and the machine will
stop automatically.
The oscillation settings have been made at the
factory, but should be checked by the operator.
NOTE: When a new sanding belt is installed,
there may be a slight length tolerance between
the right and left sides of the sanding belt which
may result in incorrect tracking. If this occurs,
the oscillation timing can be set to compensate.
1. Turn off belt tension switch and center the
sanding belt , turn belt tension switch back on.
Now turn the head reset switch and then turn to jog,
oscillation adjustment is done while abrasive belt
is running and while holding the jog button.
2. The upper roller will pivot left and right. The
duration of the sanding belt’s oscillation to
the right side and to the left should be equal.
For example, if the oscillation time to the
right is one second, then the oscillation time
to the left should also be one second.
3. If the oscillation time to the right side is one
second, but the oscillation time to the left
side is longer, then turn the tracking
adjustment lever either right or left which will
adjust the tracking movement left to right, do this
until proper timing is achieved.
( see Figure 5.)
4. It is possible that when changing to new belt
or changing to a belt that has a heavier backing
which is different from 50 to 180 grit, you may have
to follow the above instructions.
Figure 5
Tracking
adjustment lever

14
Sanding Belt Oscillation
Belt oscillation is done with a photo electric
tracking eye and a air solenoid valve. When
the sanding belt is operating the edge of the
belt will pass across the light beam , which will
then activate a solenoid valve that will allow
air to pass to the tracking cylinder and pivot the
upper idler roll. This will cause the belt to travel
in the opposite direction on the Idler roll.
This process will continually repeat itself.
If for some unknown reason the idler roll does not
pivot check the photo eye for dust or other blockage,
solenoid if it has power and will shift and if air is
going to the tracking cylinder itself.
Release the sanding belt tension and slide the belt
so you know the light from the photo eye can see
past the edge of the belt. Make sure that no dust is
blocking the photo eye. If photo eye light can pass
across , put something in the light path and see if
the idler roll will move. If it still does not , remove
air line from tracking cylinder and see if air is passing
thru the line to the cylinder . ( When you block the light
path air should change from this line.) Last check the
solenoid , if you manually move the piston in the
solenoid the air should shift in the air line to the
tracking cylinder.
If at this point you can not determine problem contact
your local dealer or call Apex Machine Group for
service.
Frequently inspect photo eye and make sure it is
clean and clear of obstructions.
Oscillation Speed
To adjust the speed of the oscillation, there
is a speed control knob (Figure 7), on the
tracking cylinder , loosen jam nut and adjust
air flow which will slow down or increase the
belt oscillation speed.
When finished, tighten jam nut.
Photo electrical
tracking eye
Figure 7
Jam Nut
Speed Valve
Figure 6

15
Adjusting Contact Drum for Abrasive Belt Thickness
If using sanding belts that vary a lot in thickness
( Example : 220 cloth back to a 80 grit belt )
Follow the procedure below to “ raise or lower “ contact
drum depending on abrasive belts you are using .
So you maintain the same hold down roller pressure.
1. First determine the difference in thickness from
the belt you were using to the one you will put on
the machine. Use a calipers to measure the
difference or check with your belt supplier.
2. Loosen locking bolt (figure 9)
3. Rotate drum adjustment dial (figure 9)
to raise or lower the contact drum using the
dial indicator to check the amount of movement
of the drum per the distance you determined
in step 1.
4. Tighten locking bolt (figure 9)
5. Now follow the instructions on starting on page 13 for
Sanding Belt Oscillation Adjustment and
adjust the new belt so it oscillates properly
Caution: Abrasive belt must be a minimum
.040 / 1 mm higher than the hold down rollers for
proper feeding pressure. Failure to do so could cause
possible improper feeding of the product and/or
possible kick out.
Figure 9
Locking
Bolt
Drum
Adjustment
Dial

16
V-Belt Tension and Replacement
For the first few days of operation new belts
should be checked occasionally and adjusted for
tension as necessary until the belts are properly
“worn in.”
The v-belts on the main motor should
be checked for proper tension.
Tighten any of the v-belts as follows:
1. Disconnect sander from power source.
2. Loosen the lower hex nut on the motor base.
3. Tighten the top hex nut to lower the motor
plate until proper tension is achieved.
4. When the belt is properly tensioned, you
should be able to push in the belt
approximately 3/4” at a point midway
between the pulleys using moderate finger
pressure.
5. Re-tighten the bottom hex nut (Figure
9 ) against the bottom of the motor plate.
If installing a new v-belt, use the hex nuts to
raise the motor plate enough to remove the old
belt and mount the new one.
NOTE: When replacing v-belts on the main
motor, replace the entire set simultaneously.
Preferably a matched set is best .
Figure 10
Lock Nut for
Adjusting V-Belt

17
Conveyor Belt Tension
Check the tension of the conveyor belt on the
infeed and outfeed rollers –the conveyor belt
should be tight enough that you cannot shift it
with your hands. If the conveyor belt needs
tightening, proceed as follows.
1. When running conveyor belt.
2. Rotate the adjustment screws (the left one
is shown in Figure 11) as needed with a
wrench. Rotate clockwise to increase
tension, counter-clockwise to decrease
tension.
NOTE: Do not over-tighten the screws as this
will hasten wear of the conveyor belt. However
new belts will stretch in the first couple of weeks.
Conveyor Belt Tracking
The conveyor belt should remain centered upon
the rollers during operation. If it approaches to
either the left or right side, adjustment is
necessary.
First check that the conveyor belt tension is
correct. If the tension needs adjustment, do this
first before you adjust the tracking (see
“Conveyor Belt Tension”). Then proceed as
follows.
Conveyor belt tracking should be adjusted while
the conveyor belt is running. Make adjustments
in increments ( ¼ turn at a time )and allow the
conveyor belt time to respond to each change.
Figure 11
Adjustment
screw

18
Keep hands away from the moving conveyor belt.
1. Turn on the conveyor belt.
2. Adjust tracking using the same adjustment
screws that were used for tensioning in
Figure 10.
3. If conveyor belt is moving to the right side,
turn the right screw clockwise. This will
return the tracking toward the left. Conveyor
generally run to the loose side.
4. If the conveyor belt is moving to the left
side, turn the left screw clockwise. This will
return the tracking toward the right.
5. A positioning wheel (Figure 12) has been
provided on the right and left sides of the
conveyor belt to limit the belt tracking. When
adjusting the tracking, the conveyor belt
should be moved until its edge just touches
the positioning wheels.
6. Allow the sander to run for several minutes
while observing the conveyor belt tracking
and readjust if necessary.
Positioning wheel
Figure 12

19
Feed Rate
The feed rate is infinitely variable within the
provided range, in order to meet the sanding
requirements of a wide variety of materials.
Selecting a proper feed rate is largely a matter
of experience. In general, soft woods require a
higher feed rate, while hard woods require a
lower feed rate.
Change the feed rate while
the conveyor belt is running.
Adjust the feed rate with the conveyor speed
adjustment knob on the control panel. Turn the
adjustment knob clockwise to increase the
conveyor belt speed, counterclockwise to
decrease it.
Pressure Roll Adjustment
The front and rear pressure rolls have
been factory adjusted. This setting should,
however, be checked before operating the
sander.
The pressure rolls should be parallel to the
conveyor table with equal pressure on each end
and are set slightly below the level of sanding belt.
( .040 / 1 mm below contact drum )
If the ends of the work piece are sniped or dubbed the front
pressure rolls are too low. The pressure should be enough to
firmly hold the work piece against the conveyor, but not so
hard that the ends of the work piece spring up after clearing
the roll.
To raise or lower each pressure roller.
1. Disconnect sander from power source.
2. The sanding belt should be installed, and
the air tension valve turned ON.
3. Place a sanded panel or set up block with
even thickness on the conveyor table and under
the pressure roller.
Handwheel
Figure 13