How to Care for Sanders

A power sander saves hundreds of hours that it takes to do the same job by hand. Proper care and maintenance of sanders make them last a lot longer, making sure they're always ready for the next job. Regardless of the type of sander you have, you can use many of the same techniques for care and maintenance for all sanders, but a few tips that are sander specific.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Air compressor or can of compressed air
• Neoprene rubber in block form or rubber sole of a running shoe
• Small tool oil
• Computer disc holder
• Grease

1. Blow the sander clean. When you finish, use the air from a compressor or use canned air and blow out all the chunks of wood and dust that accumulates in the sander. These bits of sawdust build up and create a lot of future problems if you don't clean them off. It only takes a minute to do.

2. Use a running shoe instead. If you don't own a compressor, you can use a neoprene rubber in block form or the rubber sole of a tennis shoe to clean the belt of a belt sander. Lay the sander on its side and turn on the motor. Run the rubber across the moving belt for a few seconds to remove the build up.

3. Store the discs for a disc sander in a 5 1/4-computer disc box. If you leave the discs loose in a storage area, the likelihood of damage is great. The CD disc box solves the problems and is another way that proper care and maintenance saves you money.

4. Remove the belt before storing a belt sander. This extends the life of the belt.

5. Check for oiling ports. If your sander has an oiling port, you need to add a few drops of oil after every 15 hours of work.

6. Grease and clean open bearings. If your sander doesn't have self-lubricating bearings, be sure to add that job to the list of care and maintenance for your sander.