Out of site, out of mind.....

Out of site , out of mind is a saying that could easily apply to graphite cloth which is often used on the platens on combination head sanders and platen head sanders to help reduce friction and heat buildup during the sanding process.

As the sandpaper moves across the platen, there is inevitably some amount of friction between the two surfaces. This friction can cause the sandpaper to wear out more quickly, and can also generate heat that can damage the sandpaper and the wood being sanded.

By using graphite cloth on the segmented platen, the friction between the sandpaper and the platen is reduced, which can help to extend the life of the sandpaper and prevent damage to the wood. The graphite cloth acts as a lubricant between the two surfaces, allowing them to glide over each other more smoothly and with less resistance.

In addition to reducing friction and heat buildup, graphite cloth can also help to prevent static buildup during the sanding process. Static electricity can cause dust and debris to stick to the sandpaper, which can reduce its effectiveness and make it more difficult to achieve a smooth finish. By using graphite cloth, the static charge is dissipated, reducing the amount of dust and debris that can stick to the sandpaper.

Overall, the use of graphite cloth on the platens of wide belt sanders can help to improve the quality of the sanding process and extend the life of the sandpaper and the equipment.  So, when doing preventive maintenance on your sander, make sure you slide the platen out and check the condition of the graphite cloth for wear.  If the graphite appears worn or missing replace it.  It could save your sander from costly repairs!

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