Understanding Belt Sander Personal Safety

So you’ve got your brand new belt sander, and you’re eager to put it to use.  There are a few things you should know about personal safety when it comes to working with belt sanders.  First, keep your safety goggles handy because you’ll want to snap them on every time you fire up the sander.  If you’re facing some seriously dusty conditions, wear a dust respirator or mask to keep the dust out of your lungs.  Always inspect sanding belts before using them and replace any worn or shredded belts.  When in use, always keep your hands away from the sanding belt, and make sure to use both hands for good grip.  Most importantly, if you’re concerned about the way a belt sander is operating, power the machine down and give it a close inspection.