American Sanders FloorCrafter Belt Sander - Manual (Page 14)

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-14- Clarke ® American Sanders Operator's Manual (EN) - Floorcrafter
Figure 14
Chatter Wave Prevention
Clarke Sanders are designed and manufactured to the most rigid toler-
ances. However, after a finishing cut it is possible to see “chatter” or
“waves”.
The best guarantee to remove the chatter is to finish the floor with a
rotating horizontal sander, such as Clarke’s Sander 16.
To minimize chatter when using a belt or drum sander the following
steps should be taken:
1. DRUM MARKS...are caused by the operator lowering the drum
to the floor without forward traverse. These marks should be
removed by cutting at a 45 degree angle to the mark. Cutting at
the mark while maintaining the same path will only increase the
mark depth and width.
(See figure 14)
2. UNEVEN WALKING SPACE...can leave lengthy “waves”.
The machine cuts more material during the slower pace. Pay
particular attention to a steady even pace.
3. EXCESSIVE LIGHT CUTS...may reveal high spots on the
paper/contact wheel and cause chatter. Take a heavier cut and
increase the pace.
4. DEBRIS...lodged between the paper and the drum will leave
chatter. On a belt sander, debris may be adhered to the drum.
Insure the drum is clean and free of debris before placing the
paper on.
5. ABRASIVE QUALITY...may vary. Belt seams can be thicker on
low quality paper and cause chatter. Use only Clarke specified
sandpaper. Store abrasive according to manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
PROPER CARE OF YOUR MACHINE CAN MINIMIZE
CHATTER AND WAVES.
1. V-BELTS...can cause vibration and chatter if they are of low
quality. Use only belts specified by Clarke.
2. TRUCK AND CASTER WHEELS...with flat spots, out-of-round-
ness, or debris adhered to their surface can cause “waves” or
a “chatter effect”. Always clean and inspect all wheels before
starting to sand, and before the finish cut. Replace or true the
wheels if found to be out-of-round. Never allow the sander to
stand on hard surfaces for lengthy periods of time.
3. DUST PICK-UP SHOES...may need adjusted differently for dif-
ferent materials that are to be sanded. An improperly adjusted
shoe will leave trailing debris that will be run over by the wheels
and cause “random waves”.
4. CONTACT WHEELS (DRUMS)...may be out-of-round and
cause “chatter”. Contact your Clarke dealer for assistance to
true or replace the drum.
5. BEARINGS...in the motor, drum, or fan system may become
worn and induce vibration which could cause “chatter”.
6. PULLEYS...that are damaged or severely worn can induce
vibration and cause “chatter”. Contact your Clarke dealer for
assistance.
7. SANDPAPER TENSION...should always be released when the
machine is shut off for 10 minutes or longer to avoid compres-
sion of the drum.
NOTE: Clarke is not responsible for rework of floors that
are unacceptable to the customer. It is your responsibility
to insure your equipment is in proper operating order, and
that you use the right machine for the job.