Using a belt sander can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know how to do it safely.
If you are just learning how to use a belt sander, then these safety tips are crucial. By paying sharp attention to workplace safety while you are sanding or using other workshop machinery and heavy-duty power tools, you may be able to keep all ten of your fingers intact for the rest of your life.
Read on to learn some important and helpful safety tips for using a belt sander.
1. How to Use a Belt Sander: Learn Before You Begin
Whether you just bought this new belt sander or if you are using one that belongs to someone else, make sure you learn how to use it before you begin. Every brand and machine is a little different and for ultimate safety, you must be prepared. Either ask someone to train you on it or read the manual. If an emergency does arise, you’ll need to know where the emergency stop button is without a second’s delay.
2. Safety Equipment Is Key
Belt sanders may not seem as dangerous as tools like lathes or circular saws, but they can still cause immense and lasting injury if you’re not careful. Wearing proper safety equipment can help you to avoid pain. Safety goggles will protect your eyes from dust and shrapnel as you sand. Although your fingers should always be far away from even small, 1×30 sanding belts, some people choose to wear gloves for an extra layer of protection.
3. Use Two Hands and Pay Attention
It may seem like common sense, but when it comes to learning how to use a belt sander properly, you should always give it 100% of your attention and you should always have two hands on the machine at all times.
It’s easy to get sloppy and forget these important tips, but no matter how many times you use the belt sander, they continue to be important. If you use only one hand or look away for just a moment, the wood you are sanding could become airborne or the machine could ger away from you. Either object could hurt you or others working in the shop.
4. Keep Your Sander Well Maintained
Before using your belt sander and before you put it away at the end of a session, inspect it all over to make sure it is in good, operating shape. If the belt or disc is damaged, a replacement will be necessary for ongoing safety. Also, make sure nothing is loose before you proceed with use. A momentary inspection can save you much pain in the long run.
5. Always Sand Away From You
You should always be moving the belt sander away from your body. Sometimes it may be tempting to pull it towards you instead, but that’s how many dangerous accidents occur. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry. Always sand away from you, even if it feels a little awkward.
Happy Sanding
If you follow all of these safety measures, you should be able to complete your project with no injuries. Belt sanders can be dangerous, but when you learn how to use a belt sander properly, you have nothing to worry about. Have fun sanding and good luck with your project!
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