Important Disclaimer
This article references a model that is no longer in production. Please note that the availability of replacement parts or discussed accessories is not guaranteed.
Is the conveyor belt variable speed?
No. The G1066/G1079 conveyor belt runs at a fixed speed of 11 feet per minute.
How much paper does this machine take each time you change it?
- The G1066 requires 93 inches of 6” wide paper per drum.
- The G1079 requires 69 inches of 6” wide paper per drum.
Can I use two different grits of paper on the drums?
Yes. The machine is typically set up with coarse paper on the front drum and fine paper on the rear drum. For more aggressive sanding, you can use coarse paper on both drums.
Why is there felt on the rear drum only?
The felt on the rear drum acts as a cushioning layer for finer grit paper, providing a slightly softer finish on your workpiece.
How is the paper held on the drums?
One end of the drum has a tension wheel with a clip. Secure the paper to the clip, pull back to tension the spring, and then spiral the paper around the drum. Use tape to secure the loose end of the paper.
What kind of tape works best?
Through testing, we've found that high-quality duct tape works best. Use half the width of the roll to fasten the paper to the drum. Filament shipping tape also works well.
I need to sand down some veneer. What is the minimum thickness I can sand?
- The minimum thickness you can sand is 1/8" for the G1066 and 1/4” for the G1079.
- Any veneer thinner than this will need to be fastened to a backing board.
You sell replacement paper that is 6" wide. Can I use a different width?
Yes. However, you may need to adjust the lead angle and the length of the paper used accordingly.
How much can I remove at a time?
Since material removal relies solely on sandpaper, the wider your workpiece, the less you can remove in a single pass. The maximum removal is about a 1/4" turn of the crank handle, or approximately 1/64".
What are the sanding drums made of?
The sanding drums are constructed from heavy-walled extruded aluminum with steel shafts. Each end is supported by a height-adjustable pillow block bearing. In late 1998, we invested in a special computerized balancer for the drums, significantly improving the machine's smooth and quiet operation.
Do I need a dust collector, and if so, how big?
Yes, a dust collector is essential. This machine generates a significant amount of dust, and a sufficiently sized dust collector must be used for effective dust removal. A dust collector with a capacity of 1200 cubic feet per minute (CFM) or larger will provide the best results.
I use a lot of exotic, highly figured woods that tear out when planing. Is it possible to use this machine to dimension this beautiful wood that can be destroyed by a planer?
Yes and no. It is possible to sand lumber after resawing or rough cutting, but the sandpaper should be no finer than 80 grit, with 60 grit being even better for initial dimensioning. Unplaned lumber will have more thickness variation than this machine can remove in one pass, so extreme caution is needed on the initial pass to avoid removing too much material. Once the technique is mastered, it can work wonderfully for dimensioning difficult woods.
Can I remove sandpaper to change grits and then re-use what I previously had taken off?
Yes. Once you've learned the technique, sandpaper replacement only takes a few minutes.