It’s always a great idea to catch up on some safety tips and review some basic information about using disc sanders before starting any woodworking or construction project. Your safety is the top priority, but protecting the integrity of your tools and equipment are a close second. And if you ask any woodworking enthusiast, the success of their project is also a huge factor! When it comes to using a disc sander, it is important to keep all of these factors in mind. 

Continue reading to learn more about disc sanders, safety, and more.

Disc Sanding Machines

Disc sanding machines are a wonderful power tool that provides the technology needed to shape and customize work pieces for countless industries and purposes. A coated abrasive is used to shape, curve, cut, and design. A motor allows for the metal disc to drive, creating speed and friction capable of rendering custom shapes and patterns. The machine also works well to smooth out surface imperfections, create textures, and more. Because of the intense power these machines are capable of, it is important to take caution when using them on your own.

Disc Sander Safety

One of the first and most obvious safety tips to using a disc sanding machine is to tuck in any loose clothing, hair, or jewelry. In fact, wearing a work apron is a highly encouraged method for disc sander safety. Also, the switch control should be somewhere easily accessible and reachable in the case of an emergency. And the stand should be 1000mm off the ground, enclosed, and secured to the floor. 

Here are some additional, but equally important, key safety tips for operating a disc sander:

• Wear protective eye goggles and apron.
• Be sure the machine is secure in position.
• Always keep hands and fingers at a safe distance from the rotating disc.
• For adjustable disc sander tables, be sure the locking nut is securely tightened and in place after making table height modifications.
• Use extra caution when sanding at an angle.
• For permanently-bolted machines, be sure there is an emergency off button.
• Double check that the disc sander guards are not easily disabled. Be sure they are secure.
• Be sure your work station is capable of holding your sanding machine.
• Be sure your machine is clean before starting a project.
• Routinely test the switch gear for proper operation.

Where to Find Quality Abrasives

Call Sandpaper America at 1-800-860-7263 for information about coated abrasives and sanding products! We offer a large online inventory of high-quality sandpaper and sanding products at the most competitive prices online! We manufacture our products in-house, so you can trust they are high-quality and shipped nationally. Call 1-800-860-SAND to place an order, today.