Belt Sander Techniques

[@pctatc66]

I think its great that a craftsman known for his fine marquetry is explaining belt sand techniques!

[@seanflanagan2441]

What the Dean said! Your tip about trying the smaller grit is priceless, and as you say, "against the common advice"-as well as being counter-intuitive. Yet if a very smart person noodled on it a long time (perhaps with adult beverage or such to enhance perception) it would seem to be a logical approach. I'm intrigued (and puzzled) by your comments about the sandwiched panel. My excitement was interrupted by the realization that plywood is already cross-grain layers. If economics or time prevent getting an appropriately thick sheet of good ply, why add the veneer? Wouldn't rotating the second piece overcome any deficiencies, and achieve the same outcome? Hope you have, or can do a vid on the topic because I really am intrigued, and love improving on things, especially flatness! BTW, thanks for another great vid (and all the hours of post-production work, particularly the sound), and sharing this wisdom. Kudos, and bless you, sir!

[@stevehendrick8688]

Using the veneer in the center eliminates the 90 degree grain direction that would be on the outside faces of the glued panel.

[@ramonartful]

Thanks a lot, Dean. I love sharing what works for me. I really like showing marquetry on an inside curve being flushed up with a belt sander…with veneers that are barely 1.5mm!😆

[@ramonartful]

Thanks Sean…I appreciate the feedback! I would like to assume that quality commercially available sheet goods would stay flat when we purchase them, but we know that’s not always true. Cutting them into smaller pieces, using two pieces to create the desired thickness…then adding the layer of veneer in between (I used Maple because I have a lot of it) locks the two pieces of plywood dead flat. The epoxy, in this case, creates two rigid glue lines. I could have achieved the same thing doing this process with the outside veneers but epoxy is messy, hard to repair if there’s bleed through or if any gets on to the face veneers. The face veneers were applied later with regular Titebond I. Hope that all makes sense. It was a lot more work but in my mind it’s totally worth it having the peace of mind, and now I’m working with panels that are flat and beautiful and are staying that way. For this project I made 39 panels! Each with five total layers! Something I actually did not anticipate but the awesome customer helped accommodate me with the extra cost.

[@ramonartful]

Hey Steve…yes you’re correct. I could have achieved the same thing doing this process (face veneers turned 90°) with the outside veneers but epoxy is messy, hard to repair if there’s bleed through or if any gets on to the face veneers. The face veneers were applied later with regular Titebond I. Thanks for the feedback 🙏🏼

[@ryderscustomcreations3665]

Came to your page looking for info about this belt sander and whatya know. 3 weeks ago! That right when i started looking for one!

[@ramonartful]

A friend of mine just got one from eBay . They’re out there…for now Such an incredible machine

[@ryderscustomcreations3665]

I just got one off ebay about 30 minutes after i commented. Lol

[@boblasley5640]

With you all the way on listening to your tools Ramon. Good video brother!

[@ramonartful]

Right!? Don’t get me wrong…I love good tunes when I’m relaxing in the back yard. (Or sanding!😬) I seldom listen whilst driving…instead, I’m learning to speak Italian. thanks Bob

[@YarHarFD]

Used a belt sander for the first time a few days ago. Almost discounted it being a "roughing tool" as people say but it's all I had to work with. After half an hour of using it my skill had improved drastically and I now realize the potential of these sanders! It's all in the skill of the user. I have flipped it over, turned it right side up, sanded flush edges, trim, joints, all kinds of stuff. It's quickly becoming one of the most versatile tools in my shop. The wide face, exposed roller and ability to put curved shims under the belt really make it shine.

[@ramonartful]

Yep…absolutely! You described its usefulness perfectly…such a versatile machine! Thanks for the feedback and for watching

[@danwilder2961]

Love your videos, Ramon! You take the time to explain and demonstrate your techniques which are often unique and born from experience. I really appreciate that. Thanks, Dan

[@ramonartful]

Hey Dan! I sure appreciate this feedback! Thanks a ton

[@teodoralinluca7322]

Thank you for sharing the tips! I have one of those sanders and it is fantastic indeed in terms of flatness and balance. It just feels right in your hand.

[@ramonartful]

They are great sanders! Solid and well balanced like you said. Cheers

[@andyboybennett]

Great demonstrations and explanations. Somehow, when you contradict the advice I see elsewhere on KZbin, I tend to believe you, cause you can both explain why what you are saying is true, and demonstrate that it works better. Thanks.

[@ramonartful]

Thank you tons. I appreciate the good words 🙏🏼

[@davidbedrosian1567]

Another informative and inspiring video, Ramon. I've been getting more comfortable with my belt sander because of your videos and Instagram posts - they are the best out there. I don't quite have the control to sand the edge of a board while keeping it square, but practice makes perfect. Thanks and keep up the great work!!

[@ramonartful]

The panel you sanded recently looked like you were quite comfortable with a belt sander! I’m thrilled to see more n more people using belt sanders. Thanks a ton buddy

[@JeffYantha]

​@Ramon Valdez Fine Furniture You don't have to choose, you can listen to music and hear your tools. I use Axil Trackr Bluetooth earmuffs in my shop, and they have independent volumes for music and outside sounds, while also limiting how loud those external sounds are. We liked them so much my wife got a pair too. Also, fantastic videos. I have a new appreciation for the belt sander and I've learned a lot from this series.

[@ramonartful]

Awww…that’s interesting. Thanks for the info. I appreciate the feedback…Thanks for watching!

[@Genesis60]

Thanx Ramon... My Makita belt sander has been sitting idle under my bench for too long. I'll be sure to try out some of these techniques.

[@ramonartful]

I love hearing comments like this! Much thanks.

[@extremewoodworker]

Nicely done video. I have the same sander purchased new in the mid 80's and the only thing that has gone wrong with it is the rubber on the drive wheel started breaking apart. Steve

[@zohranbloedjes9770]

There are replacement wheels but I couted mine whit liquid rubber works wel enough

[@extremewoodworker]

@@zohranbloedjes9770 I replaced it but recall the part was fairly expensive.

[@ramonartful]

They are impressive machines. We used them in a commercial shop…sometimes they would run for hours a day…every day! Much thanks.

[@ShrednESP]

I love my 9401. I think the older porter cables are nice too. Great tips. Thanks

[@ramonartful]

I agree! I haven’t used one that feels better than the 9401. I had a PC…I think I gave it away. Thanks for the feedback 🙏🏼

[@skelly790]

Bought a 9404 today. Never used one before, so thought I'd better check out some technique videos. Didn't realise they were so versatile. Those chair backs are stunning btw.

[@ramonartful]

The 9404 is a great sander! Welcome to the underrated world of belt sanders. Yes, hugely versatile! Many thanks

[@BGP369]

a contrasting color in the BG while putting a long square edge on top and looking down parallel right at the edge, if you are super serious about flatness without going overboard. The flashlight method is good, but the color BG is better imo. I use a nice blue color. stands out nicely against woods.

[@ramonartful]

Not sure what you mean “in the BG”. Something to do with RGB? Thanks

[@tomim7187]

Haven't used my belt sander much in years but, maybe time to pull it out of the moth balls. Thanks, Ramon, I always learn something new from your videos.

[@ramonartful]

You should! I call the belt sander the most underutilized but most versatile machine in the shop! 😬 I’m thrilled to hear that you get something from my vids! Thanks

[@waterboy8999]

Great stuff Ramon, after an earlier belt sander video I went on the look out for a 9401 and I got Wolf, it's exactly the same and obviously old. I'm making the station for it from your plans. Thanks a million!

[@ramonartful]

Man, I love hearing stuff like this! Thanks a lot. And I appreciate the feedback!

[@waterboy8999]

@@ramonartful and I appreciate you taking the time to make the video's, you must be a busy man.

[@Andreas-tw4cm]

Thank you, very well explained.

[@ramonartful]

Good to hear! Thanks for the feedback

[@adrianursu8896]

Thanks for the informative video.

[@ramonartful]

Awesome to hear! Thanks a lot for watching

[@jasonquiring6247]

Great vid, thank you!!!

[@ramonartful]

Thank you for checking out the vid! Much appreciated

[@dalerounds4036]

As a 40 year finish carpenter, the 9401 is the best.I also have 3 of this model.

[@ramonartful]

Right? I agree …They are beasts! I have one that’s easily 30 years old.

[@JayBates]

Your drawer of mechanical pencils is impressive haha. Great video. I think I'm ready to ditch my Rotex.

[@ramonartful]

Hey buddy! Yeah…for me, since I use a belt sander so often, the Rotex didn’t make sense. But some people like it. Much thanks.

[@rahoo67]

Thank you for your great informative instructions and creative modifications made for these Makita belt sanders! I wish I've seen this before working on my Mahagany floor. I'm doing a patch work fixing some of my hardwood floor each piece 3" wide. My question is if I can use a 3x24" belt on a 4x24" Makita sander? Is there any adjustment needed?

[@ramonartful]

Awesome to hear! Belt sanders are such awesome and versatile machines! Yes, you can use your 3” belts on your 4” sander. Of course, you’ll have to adjust it a bit to keep it in the center. I’ve got more belt sander videos in the queue…thanks a ton.

[@rahoo67]

Thank you for your professional advice! Big fan!@@ramonartful

[@BGP369]

the 9404 comes with graphite plates now right out of the box from Makita.

[@ramonartful]

Good to know! Thanks

[@pjp1184]

Great video as usual 😎

[@ramonartful]

Good to hear! Thanks a lot for giving me feedback 🙏🏼

[@antonoat]

Really helpful info, thank you 👍👏😀

[@ramonartful]

Thanks so much for watching!🙏🏼

[@mathewhopy5175]

Do you have any belt sanding tips for finishing a 25" x 80" glued up panel? I have a 9404 was thinking of using it. Flatness isn't critical this is a mudroom sitting bench made from solid oak.

[@ramonartful]

A belt sander is the ideal tool for that task! Start by sanding at about a 45° angle to the length of the bench. That will remove material the fastest. The grit you start with depends on the amount that the misaligned pieces are. If they’re close..use about 80 or 100. Once you begin to get things close to flush…start sanding with the grain. Then move up in grit numbers. 120 or 150 for a few passes until the 45° scratches are gone. 180 grit is a good medium-fine to finish. Hope that helps! Thanks

[@TheReignharder]

My 9401 is REALLY loud - do I need to service or is this normal. Sorry quite vague I suppose "very loud".... but really, it screams :) ! Nice to find a great woodworker with great vids.

[@ramonartful]

Nah…you’re absolutely correct! They’re loud. I always use hearing protection. Always. Anyway, thanks for the good words 🙏🏼

[@MrKCWalker]

Ha ha… Magnetic personality or magnetic pecks? Seriously Ramon I watched your other two videos on belt sanders at least a half-dozen times each! Thank you they are so helpful! I'm having an OCD moment trying to buy a new balanced sander. I've already sent a couple back.… Amazon's gonna hate me. My old fave of 30 years just got too worn out, a Ryobi BE321. Trying to find one of those on eBay I think would be pretty tough. That sander balances right down the middle of the platen. I'm a guitar maker so sanding to within a couple of thousands is my goal… And dead flat. I was thinking I still wanted a 3 x 21 because guitars aren't big :-). I got the Makita 9903 3 x 21 but it balances right down the edge of the belt making it tough to sand evenly. I love the variable speed which I use all the time. Okay now getting to a question… Do you think the Makita 9404 awkwardness that you addressed in one of your other videos is mostly from the front handle? And… Could we add a 9401 style handle and get a lower center of gravity and better feel? Thanks again! Are you doing all your own video and editing? If so, good work!

[@ramonartful]

Thank you for the good words 🙏🏼 I’m thrilled to hear that the videos helped! I’m not familiar with that belt sander but I did see one on eBay. And to be fair, whatever we get used to makes other models seem awkward but I do know that the 9401 does have a low center of gravity. The 9403 is a great alternative, and the 9401 is still available but, yes they are both four inch wide. I believe the 9404 sets a bit taller. And the handle location as you mentioned makes it weird for me. I’ve never thought about adding a handle lower, that could help. I would seek the Ryobi model that you mentioned a bit more. In my experience, many belt sanders get purchased and not used much because they do have a bit of a learning curve! And yes, I do all the video and editing so I really appreciate the feedback on that! It’s a lot of work but I love sharing/showing what works for me. Thanks a ton.

[@MrKCWalker]

@@ramonartful I do have to thank you again! I got the 9403 and will keep an eye out for a 9401. The 9403 seems to have a nice balance and the handle locations seem familiar in a good way, especially the rear handle. I took a hard sanding block to the platen to sand the waffle platen true… It had bumps and valleys. I added the graphite pad and started getting familiar. This is a fast sander compared to my old one. I thought I would just step down in grit. But I like quickly flattening out the 50 grit I get off my abrasive planer with some 80. However, I couldn't quite control it to get dead flat. Then I listened to the machine… "They all have a voice"… I put a speed controller on it until it sounded right, and bam! Perfect! You mentioned that at times you would like variable speed on your 9401, this is what I used and it works great for me. a.co/d/c8VoKuz (Amazon) I've always been a start the machine and set it down guy, except with the Dynabrade… No longer! Thanks for that tip!

[@ramonartful]

@@MrKCWalker The sanding block is a good idea for the waffle platen! We had a few of those sanders at my old work. And so great to hear that the tips help. I'm so use to goosing the throttle but I'd like to check out your solution to variable speed. We're all learning here! thanks!

[@byoregon1]

When I’m in the middle of a project that involves some problem solving, I find that I don’t sleep well at night cause my brain is spinning. You must not have slept since the 90s! 😀👊

[@ramonartful]

Ha ha…right!? As I lay down is my favorite time to problem solve! Many times I’ll have a dream with a solution. But sometimes, I’ll wake up and think…”what?…that won’t work!” 😆 I actually am fortunate…I sleep pretty well 💤

[@esl1402]

you ever make an edge sander from a 9403?

[@ramonartful]

I have at my old work. Very similar to the 9401. The flat belt guard is plastic, so I made blocks to support the sander on the aluminum housing.

[@rodrigovillegas9163]

excelente Ramón congratulation

[@ramonartful]

Thank you for watching 🙏🏼

[@sallyrichardson732]

❤

[@ramonartful]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@PatrickFoster-s2m]

👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@ramonartful]

Awesome! Thank you

[@zohranbloedjes9770]

Dude that's a 9 kilo machine your casually pick up 😂😂

[@ramonartful]

It’s missing the motor. 😆 jk

[@seanflanagan2441]

@@ramonartful, LROL I din't notice; now my amazement had diminished. (Maybe a millimeter?) 🤩

[@mileilibasic]

👍💪

[@ramonartful]

Thank you

[@ptipupu]

Non Non et Non !! .... Je ne me ferai pas tatouer !! N'insistez pas

[@ramonartful]

D'accord, alors ne le fais pas !J'aime le mien. Je reçois de nombreux compliments. Merci