S4S 4 x 36 Inch Bench Sander FAQ: Your Questions Answered

This FAQ is designed to help you get the most out of your Kalamazoo Industries S4S 4 x 36 inch industrial table sander. If you have further questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (269) 382-2050.

Belt Selection: Choosing the Right Grit for Your 4 x 36 Inch Sander

The type of material you’ll be sanding will determine the best belt grit for your 4 x 36 inch heavy duty belt sander. The S4S sander can accommodate various belt types, ensuring you can achieve your desired finish on various surfaces.

  • Wood: For general sanding of wood, start with a medium grit (80-120) and progress to finer grits (150-220) for smoothing and finishing.
  • Metal: Use aluminum oxide or zirconia alumina belts for metal sanding. Start with a coarse grit (36-60) for heavy removal and progress to finer grits (80-120) for finishing.
  • Plastics: Aluminum oxide or silicon carbide belts work well for plastics. Start with a medium grit (120-180) and progress to finer grits (220-400) for polishing.

Note: Always test your chosen belt on a scrap piece of material before sanding your workpiece to ensure it produces the desired results.

Belt Tracking and Adjustment: Keeping Your 4 x 36 Inch Sander Running Smoothly

Proper belt tracking is essential for even sanding and preventing premature belt wear. If your 4 x 36 inch bench sander’s belt is not tracking correctly, follow these steps:

  1. Loosen the nut (#8) on the tracking mechanism.
  2. Use the hex bolt (#7) to adjust the tracking until the belt runs centered on the platen.
  3. Once the belt is tracking properly, tighten the nut (#8) to secure the adjustment.

Tip: You’ll need two open-end wrenches for this adjustment.

Troubleshooting Tracking Issues:

  • Try a different belt: Sometimes, belts are not manufactured perfectly. If the problem persists, try a new belt from a different batch.
  • Clean the tension shaft and spring: If the tracking issue continues, thoroughly clean the tension shaft and spring, then replace the belt.

Check for crown on the lower drive pulley: Use a straight edge to check if the lower drive pulley has a crown (a slight raised area in the center). If the pulley is flat, it may need to be replaced.

Changing the Sanding Belt on Your 4 x 36 Inch Bench Sander

To change the sanding belt on your 4 x 36 inch bench sander:

  1. Squeeze the sanding belt: This will draw the yoke downward.
  2. Rotate the tracking mechanism (#11) parallel to the tension shaft: This will release the tension on the belt, allowing you to remove it.
  3. Install the new belt and squeeze it again.
  4. Rotate the tracking mechanism (#11) perpendicular to the tension shaft: This will apply tension to the new belt.
  5. Adjust the tracking if necessary.

Maintenance: Keeping Your 4 x 36 Inch Bench Sander in Top Condition

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your 4 x 36 inch bench sander and ensure optimal performance.

  • Daily Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the entire machine daily, removing dust and debris.
  • Avoid Lubricants: Do not add lubricants to the machine, as they can attract debris and cause malfunctions.

Applications: What Can You Do with Your 4 x 36 Inch Bench Sander?

The S4S 4 x 36 inch bench sander is designed for a variety of applications, including:

  • Polishing
  • Light Deburring
  • Metal Clean-Up

Be sure to use the correct belt type for your specific application to achieve the best results.

Need Further Assistance with your S4S 4 x 36 inch bench sander?

For replacement parts, please visit our website at kalamazooind.com.

If you have questions about specific applications or need help choosing the right belt for your project, please contact us at (269) 382-2050.