How to Calibrate a Sanding Machine

Use calipers to measure thickness for calibrating sanders.

Sanding machines use belts to sand wood. Underneath the belts, adjustable feed rollers can be lowered or raised to set sanding thickness. On the outside of the sanding machine. there is a monitor display that tells the operator how thick the board will be when it emerges from the machine. If the display doesn't match the measurement on the board, the machine should be calibrated. It only takes a few minutes to reset the display. Note that all display units are in decimals.

Things You'll Need

• 1 piece lumber, 3/4-by-2-by-96 inches
• 1 piece lumber, 15/16-by-2-by-96 inches
• Calipers

Instructions

1. Slide a 3/4-inch piece of lumber into the machine's infeed port until it stops, but continue to put pressure on it. Reach down and turn the wheel counterclockwise until the lumber slips inside and the end of it emerges out the other side. Pull out the lumber. Crank the wheel two full turns clockwise.

2. Turn on the machine. Place a 15/16-inch piece of lumber onto the infeed belt and allow it to be drawn into the machine. Walk around to the other side and pick up the piece of lumber when it comes loose from the rollers.

3. Measure the lumber with a pair of calipers. If the lumber measures more than 3/4 inch, turn the wheel on the front one turn clockwise. Run the board through again. Repeat, if necessary, until the board measures exactly 3/4 inch.

4. Turn the wheel counterclockwise one full turn if the board measures less than 3/4 inch. Test and turn the wheel counterclockwise one turn until it measures exactly 3/4 inch.

5. Walk to the front of the machine. On the bottom of the display, there will be a button to advance the numbers or decrease them. Push the appropriate button until the display reads out .75, the decimal equivalent of 3/4 inch.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the calibration after 30 minutes of operation. Measure and reset the display, if needed.

• Keep hands, fingers and loose clothing away from the infeed belt. Locate the emergency shut-off on the sander. It will be a large, red knob.