While other motorized sanders are built more for precision, belt sanders are known for their sheer power to literally cruise through wide areas that need smoothing and sanding in no time. These beasts are heavy for a reason – besides helping in the actual sanding process, they make them so much easier to steer and control.
Part of maintaining a belt sander involves replacing the sanding belt every now and then. You’ll notice that eventually, the sanding paper loses its grit, and the belt sander would consume more power to do less work.
A Step By Step Guide To Replacing A Sanding Belt
One way to know for sure if you need to replace your sanding belt is to run your palm against the direction the belt would make if the sander was switched on. If your hand is sliding off, or if you’re feeling less resistance, then you should seriously consider replacing the belt.
Here is the step-by-step way to replace the belt on your sander, no matter what brand or make it is
You Will Need
The Actual Belt Sander
A Fresh Sanding Belt
A Screwdriver, flathead
Steps
1. Before anything else, make sure that the belt sander is switched off and unplugged. If the sander has a flat top, then it would be easier for you to place it on a workbench, exposing the sanding bottom.
2. Every belt sander has a tension release lever. Position the belt sander so this lever is facing you.
3. Activate the lever for the two pulleys on the sander to move slightly closer, in order for the belt to loosen for removal.
4. Gently slip the sanding belt out of the belt sander, and replace it with a fresh new belt. Make sure to follow the arrows of the belt sander so it goes the right direction.
5. Reapply tension by releasing the lever, so the belt is taut, and the belt sander is ready to go.
6. Plug the sander in, and switch it on when you are ready to keep sanding.
Reminders
1. If your belt sander has no lever, then there must be another mechanism or approach to loosening the belt. Try checking if you can press the front wheel or pulley against the edge of a wall, moving the wheel back. This should release some tension in order for you to remove and replace the belt as necessary.
2. Again, make sure that the belt sander is switched off and unplugged before ‘operating’ on it. Practice safety all the time. Wear the necessary protection when using the belt sander.