Double Action Sander is a tool commonly used in woodworking industry. This tool can be used for intermediate and finishing sanding processes.
According to Tandiono ST., Senior Engineer of PT. Ekamant Indonesia, this tool is very effective and can provide optimal result in sanding process on level surface. "It is not for profiled or contoured surface," he said. The sanding procedure must be carried out with clockwise revolving movement on the panel. This movement looks like a spiral, however it must start from smaller circle to bigger and bigger circles on the panel surface.
The sanding process will leave fine marks on the surface of the worked object. The marks are circular and known as orbital marks. This is a common phenomenon, and will disappear at the next stage of the sanding process. What we must remember is that to get the optimum yield, the heavy sanding must be conducted at the calibration stage while on finishing process, the sanding must be made mildly, almost without pressure, not the reverse.
Correct operation in practice, sometimes we find some operators prying by using the pad's edge. The purpose, according to Tandiono, was to manipulate the yield to eliminate the defect. Unfortunately, the purpose would not be achieve but only make it worse. To avoid the over cut do not practive the prying. Turning the tool on before putting it on the surface of the worked object is also not recommended. This will cause over cut.
Over sanding can also occur when the tool position is not level when it is on. The consequence, the rotation of the tool will over cut in only one area. While at the other areas the tool sands mildly. Pressing at sanding process may also cause over sanding. The weight of the tool provides sufficient load to the panel surface.
Before being used, in pneumatic tool, check first the required air pressure. To achieve the speed of 9000 rpm, an air pressure of +/- 5 bar will be required. In calibrating sanding process, high speed plays important roles to yield an optimum result. This will avoid to deep orbital marks. While for the best finishing, use softer pad with lower speed.
Never turn the tool on before putting it correctly on the panel surface. This to avoid overcut. While to turn off the tool, lift the tool up from the panel surface. Turning the tool off on the panel surface will create orbital marks.
When replacing the pad, make sure that the surface is clear of dusts or remaining adhesive. Remaining adhesives or dust will make the pad's surface unleveI, causing deeper orbital marks. Sometime at even peel the worked panel.
Mount the new sander disc right on the pad surface. Do not stack it on the old unremoved sander disc. According to Tandiono, stacking the sander disc will only encourage the sander more aggressive.
Regular maintenance. After operation, maintenance is also important. There are some simple steps that must be noted in this maintenance. For example, the water filter must be used to prevent splashes of water from the air compressor when using pneumatic tools. Splashes of water may wear the internal parts of the tools.
The tool must be lubricated regularly by dropping 2-3 drops of lubricant into the air opening. This can be carried out once at every shift or once a day. Following the lubrication, turn the tool on for some seconds before using it for the sanding process. This is to prevent the lubricant from spilling on the panel surface.
Always clean the pad surface from residual adhesives and saw dust after using the tool. Replace pad when the surface starts to be wavy or worn out.
Woodmag, No. 15, Jan 2008
Magazine for Ekamant's premier customer
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