
14
For sanding with grits coarser than 80, you can
lower the drum slightly.
Always maintain control of stock. Through practice
you will learn the proper depth of cut considering
the variables above.
8.12Selecting conveyor rate
A faster feed rate allows faster sanding but fewer
revolutions of the drum per inch of sanding. A
slower feed rate provides more revolutions of the
drum per inch of sanding to allow a greater depth
of cut and smooth sanding.
Begin experimenting with feed rate set to about
40% to 50% of maximum. The best feed rate will
depend on a number of factors, including type of
stock, grit and depth of cut used, and whether the
stock is fed directly in line with the conveyor bed or
at an angle. If the drum motor is lugging down, if
the conveyor belt is slipping, or if you observe a
ripple effect on the stock, slow the feed rate. If the
finish is smooth and the machine is not
overworking, you can experiment using a faster
feed rate.
The Feed Logic control continuously monitors the
load on the drum motor, and automatically
regulates the speed of the conveyor motor to
maintain highest feed rate without overload. When
“Feed Logic” flashes and “ON” illuminates on the
display (I, Figure 16), the Feed Logic control has
detected too great a depth of cut and/or too fast a
feed rate.
If load on the drum motor increases, Feed Logic will
decrease the conveyor feed rate and will stop the
conveyor under extreme conditions. If load on the
drum motor decreases, Feed Logic will increase the
feed rate but will not increase it faster than the
speed the user has preset on the dial.
The best and most consistent finish will be achieved
if the conveyor does not change speed during
operation. A change in conveyor speed may affect
the finish surface. If the finish is affected, make
another sanding pass without changing any
settings.
If the finish is still affected, make adjustments by
slowing the conveyor and/or decreasing the depth
of cut and run the stock through again.
Also try a faster feed rate or less depth of cut if the
stock you are working begins to show burn marks.
With cherry, hard maple or other hardwoods, using
a shallower depth of cut and a faster feed rate will
help minimize burn marks.
Slightly angling the stock as it is fed into the
machine will also help prevent burning the stock.
Because of the wide range of variables, it is
important to experiment with your specific
conditions and make adjustments to achieve
optimum feed rate. If problems occur, first inspect
and adjust feed rate, referring to sect. 12.0
“Troubleshooting.”
8.13Maximum performance tips
The versatility designed into the PM22-44 drum
sander allows it to be used for a variety of tasks that
will boost return on your investment. For example,
it will speed up fine sanding work often done with
slower, dust-generating hand sanders, and will
achieve fine thickness adjustments not possible on
some sanders. It can be used to surface figured
woods –bird’s eye or curly maple, for example –
which can be damaged if fed through a planer.
Learning how to use its adjustments and controls
will allow you to fine-tune the machine for
maximum results. The best results come from
experimenting with different abrasive grits and
machine adjustments to fit the job at hand.
Following is a list of useful tips which can help you
improve performance of your sander.
8.13.1 Dust collection
When connecting dust collectors, remember that
straight pipe will not restrict airflow as much as
flexible tubing. Y’s and elbows will restrict airflow
less than T’s. Also, a hose smaller than 100mm
diameter should not be used.
8.13.2 Multiple-piece sanding runs
When abrasive planing (or thickness sanding) a run
of similar pieces that you want to have the same
thickness, it is best to determine the thickness of
the thinnest piece and process all pieces to that
same thickness in one session. Be aware that the
sander will remove cups and crowns in the
workpiece; consider this when measuring and
processing stock to the same thickness.
8.13.3 Simultaneous multiple pieces
When sanding multiple pieces simultaneously,
make sure to stagger (step) the pieces across the
width of the conveyor belt. This provides better
contact with the tension rollers. Try to process only
multiple pieces of similar thickness.
If there is a significant thickness difference, the
thinner pieces can slip on the conveyor belt if they
do not contact the tension rollers. Also note that
pieces thicker than 20mm should be longer than
the minimum normally recommended to prevent
tipping of the stock.
8.13.4 Edge sanding
When edge sanding, the sander will mimic the
opposite edge of the stock which is lying on the
conveyor belt. Because of this, it is important for
the stock edge to have been ripped at the proper
angle to the face before the sanding process. When
edge sanding stock that is less than 20mm wide or