What grit is loaded on that wide belt sander? How to keep it straight
By Matt Krig, president, Cabinet Makers Association
CMA-Krig-sanding-tip.jpg
Using the right grits in the right order on your widebelt sander is important to achieve the best finish depending on what you are sanding. So, if your shop changes widebelt grits regularly, you likely have people constantly wondering what grits are already installed and in what positions on the machine.
 
Two bad consequences can result from this problem. The first is people don’t check the machine and don’t discover the wrong grits were installed until a poorly sanded or damaged part comes out the other side of the machine. The second possible consequence is that people waste time constantly opening the machine and examining the sanding belts to see what is loaded where.
 
To solve these problems, we use magnets labeled with the grits of the widebelts to let everyone in the shop know what's loaded in each head of the machine at a glance without having to open the door. Since the labels are already made up and simply magnets, it’s really easy and takes no time at all to stick them on the outside of the machine.
You can get dry erase magnetic labels at most office supply outlets such as Staples, Office Depot, Uline and Amazon.com.
 
The Cabinet Makers Association is a professional organization where cabinetmakers and woodworkers from both the residential and commercial markets get together and share their hard earned knowledge and experience to help one another. Learn more at www.cabinetmakers.org. 

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.