| There really isn't any "pat" answer, since each type | | | | anxious to remove stock more quickly, sand |
| of machine is designed for a particular job. | | | | diagonally or perpendicular to the grain first, then |
| Belt Sanders are the fastest-cutting of the abrasive | | | | follow-up by sanding WITH the grain. Visit the |
| machines and are used primarily for bringing the stock | | | | Woodworking Plans Website pages for more |
| to final dimension and removing deep blemishes from | | | | woodworking articles. |
| workpiece surfaces. They're available in both portable | | | | Disc Sanders are also available in portable or |
| and stationary models with belt widths ranging from | | | | stationary models, although portable models are not |
| 3" to 36" and more for some heavy, industrial | | | | recommended for woodworking because they can |
| machines. When using a portable belt sander, let the | | | | easily gouge the stock and are difficult to control. |
| weight of the machine do the work and NEVER apply | | | | When using a stationary disc sander, always sand on |
| excessive pressure. With stationary models, a limited | | | | the "down" side of the disc and keep your stock |
| amount of pressure may be required, depending on | | | | moving. Again, dwells can cause unsightly gouges that |
| the weight of your workpiece. It's important to | | | | could ruin your project. Standard disc sanders will |
| always keep the sander or the workpiece moving at | | | | remove stock quickly but are not recommended for |
| all times - especially on veneered surfaces (such as | | | | finish sanding, since they will leave swirl marks. |
| plywoods). If you dwell, you could easily gouge the | | | | However, Shopsmith's unique Conical Disc Sander is |
| stock or sand through the veneered surface before | | | | well suited for finish sanding, since it has been |
| you realize it. In addition, for the smoothest finish, | | | | designed to leave a swirl-free finish. |
| always sand WITH the grain of the wood. If you're | | | | |