Porter-Cable 352VS - Manual (Page 11)

11
DOORS AND MILL WORK
When sanding doors, cabinet frames, sash, storm windows and screens, take
care to avoid working into the cross grain where one member meets another.
Notice that the right edge of the belt is visible on the sander. Work carefully
along the edge where the rail meets the stile. If the joint is slightly uneven, use
a fine abrasive and very light sanding pressure to smooth it before making
finishing runs.
For lengthy work on walls or other vertical surfaces, balance the tool with a
length of sash cord, two small pulleys, a light wood frame, and a weight that is
the same as, or slightly less than, the weight of the sander. The frame consists
of two pieces leaning against a wall with a third piece nailed to their top ends.
The two pulleys are located so that the weight on one end of the cord will be
out of the way, but will balance the sander fastened to the other end. When
starting vertical work, angle the sander so you can see that the belt makes
contact with the material. As the belt touches, level the machine and make the
stroke away and to the left. This movement will offset the tendency to cut
heavily into the work at the start of the stroke.
GOOD SANDING TECHNIQUE
Getting to know the sander is most important in obtaining smooth results with a
minimum of labor. Operators will quickly learn how to start a stroke with a
sweeping motion to produce the best results. Use a long even stroke without
additional pressure on the tool. Overlap each stroke and vary the length of
movement so the results will be even. Always lift the tool from the work before
starting and stopping the motor.
BE CAREFUL when sanding at the
end of a board. Keep the tool level
and flat on the work surface. Don’t
let the front of the tool drop. (Fig. 6).
If this happens, it will round the
edge.
The model 352VS sander works very fast and can do a thorough job in a fraction
of the time required by hand sanding. Do not rush the job. Give every surface a
thorough sanding with each grade of abrasive before changing to finer grits.
Always use the abrasive material and grit size recommended for the particular
job.
SANDING METAL
Use the Belt Sander to obtain a grained satin finish on metal. A special
graphite pad is available to replace the steel shoe on the bottom of the sander.
The softness of this pad aids in blending the graining. The pad is the proper
length for sanders using a 3" x 24" belt. For sanders using shorter belt lengths,
cut the pad so that it is the same length as the steel shoe. Replace the steel
shoe with the graphite pad.
Fig. 6