how fast, and how deep?

[D Randall]

Was using my Preformax (Pre "smart sand") 16/32 that I bought used last night. and I tripd the breaker at the motor. I had not thought the cut was too deep (honest, I dont turn the depth that fast).

Wondering how fast y'all have your feed rate, and how deep you increment? 1/64th? sanding Oak.

[Bill Arnold]

I generally go a quarter turn (1/64") at a time, maybe heavier if I'm dimensioning narrow material - feed rate at 100. For finer sanding, I'll increment the height less and slow the feed to 50-70. The final passes are made without changing the height.

[D Randall]

I should have also asked in the OP, what grit? I was using 120 last night. was surfacing, and sneaking up on final thickness.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I turn 1/4 turn and turn the board so it feeds the other way before turning it again. That minimizes the effect of any out of parallel adjustments. For final sanding, 220, I turn 1/8 and flip. IMO turning the board so the grain is the "wrong way" has little effect. I try to feed the board the right way on the final pass. If I remember.

[Bill Arnold]

Originally Posted by D Randall

I should have also asked in the OP, what grit? I was using 120 last night. was surfacing, and sneaking up on final thickness.

Keeping in mind that dimensioning on the machine can be minimal, I use 80 grit for minor dimensioning. I'll use 120, then 180 for flattening and smoothing. After that, I go to my ROSs for finish sanding.