This information represents suggestions on how to maximize performance and further understand SuperMax Tools drum and brush products.  It is not intended to substitute, supersede or replace information provided in the owner’s manual.  It is paramount that all end users, sales staff and promoters read and understand all provided documentation and safety rules that come with SuperMax Tools products.

 

Question 2.  My abrasive tends to “load-up” quite fast.  What’s wrong?

For starters, it could be improper dust collection.  Even the smallest single drum sanders need 600 cfm …but that is a minimum.  Long runs of flexible, ribbed dust collection hose over 10 feet long with elbows, tees and blast gates tend to significantly reduce suction.  A dedicated dust collection system for the occasional user, or central collection system for the professional shop is the way to go.  On highly resinous wood like pine, my suggestion is to maximize use of coarser grits first.  Even then, the abrasive will tend to load up rather quickly, which bring us to the next question.

 

Question 3.  How long does the abrasive last?

When I occasionally demonstrate SuperMax drum sanders at woodworking shows, I tell my customers that one box of assorted grits (36g/80g/120g), when used continuously will last the entire show …and still look brand new after a three day show!  No secret here …just proper dust collection, a temperate environment with lower humidity levels and an abrasive cleaning stick.  When used often it will provide abrasive longevity and problem-free sanding.

In the case of sanding highly resinous woods, a lighter depth of cut and higher conveyor feed rate will help prevent buildup.  I suggest using the cleaning stick after every pass on resinous woods.  Even then, it is possible to load-up the finer abrasives with resinous woods especially when sanding in higher humidity environments with wood moisture contents greater than eight percent.  In this case, removal and soaking of the abrasive in mineral spirits or Simple Green® is recommended.  These household cleaners will not degrade the binder compounds used in the prodcution of cloth backed Klingspor abrasives.  While on the subject of cleanliness, keep a foxtail brush handy for general cleanup around bearings and surfaced areas.  Use compressed air to blow out accumulated dust inside the drum on occasion.  Over the course of time, this will prevent bearing damage resulting from drum imbalance.  One more thing …when using a recommended lubricant, please avoid water displacement lubricants like WD-40®.  While good, they tend to dry out the oil impregnated bushings used on all drum and brush sanders.

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The publication has been prepared by JP DesCamp, area representative for SuperMax Tools.  Reproduction of this document is highly encouraged.

(Orig April 2006)

(Revision August 2015)