How to Use a Belt Sander

Prepare your wood to be sanded by ensuring it is properly secured on the table or workbench.

Put on the necessary safety gear, such as goggles or gloves. If your belt sander contains a collection bag to collect the sawdust, goggles are not typically necessary. Belt sanders can kick up a lot of sawdust, which can easily fly into your eyes. This could lead to instinctively dropping the sander, which could cause injury.Use a Belt Sander Step 2Bullet1.jpg

Start the motor of the belt sander while holding it away from the wood you intend to sand. Ensure it is at full speed before bringing it in contact with the wood. Start with a coarse belt, and finish up the sanding with a finer grit.Use a Belt Sander Step 3Bullet1.jpg

Bring the rear of the sander down to the wood, ensuring you have a firm grip on the back handle, which is used to control the sander.

After you bring the rear of the sander down, start moving it forward.

Bring the rest of the sander onto the wood as smooth as possible.

Move the sander back and forth in smooth, even motions, using the front handle to guide it across the wood.