Belt Sander
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Sanding Large Stock
Figure 19-10. To sand large workpieces, remove the worktable. Use extra care, as you have no additional support other than the belt sander itself.
If you are sanding large pieces of stock, you may need to remove the worktable from the belt sander (Figure 19-10). As we said before, the worktable contributes to the safety and accuracy of your sanding chores. But if you're careful, you can still get good results without it. Warning: Be careful of your fingers--do not hook them under the workpiece or you may accidentally rub them against the moving belt.
Secure the belt sander in the horizontal position. Turn on the machine and let it come up to speed. Then hold the stock in place, flat against the belt. You may not have to press down at all the weight of a large workpiece will usually supply ample pressure. As with smaller pieces, keep the stock moving so that the entire surface area is evenly sanded.