Belt Sander friction pad

[Lee Schierer]

I have an older Porter Cable 3" belt sander. I've noticed that the bottom friction plate and front roller get really hot after just a little bit of use. They are too hot to touch. The front roller spins easily and I recently took it apart and oiled the bronze bearings. I've seen advertisements for replacement friction pads that are supposed to reduce friction.

Do they really work or is it all just advertising hype?

If so what brands are good and where did you buy them?

[glenn bradley]

I added graphite pad (http://www.woodworkingshop.com/search.aspx?q=graphite) (it somes in a selection of sizes) to my old oscillating belt sander. The results were noticeable in reduction of heat and smoothness of operation. Whether this would translate to a smaller machine, I do not know.

[M Toupin]

I used graphite cloth on the platten of my stationary belt sander when I rebuilt it. It worked so well I put it in my hand held too!

https://www.supergrit.com/products/products_accessories-graphite.asp

Mike

[Ole Anderson]

I wouldn't worry about it. I ran a 3x21 PC for light production giving a spinning aluminum pole a brushed finish and changed out the pad every few years and the front bearings and main bearings once. Ran over 25,000 feet of 1.5" to 2.5" diameter stock, mostly with the same sander.

[Jim Neeley]

The heat comes from friction of the belt on the platen.

This friction causes your sander motor to work harder, putting additional load and wear on the motor while sanding.

I recommend replacing the graphite (some are cork) pad with a new one. Aftermarket pads are available from woodoworkers supply, rockler and others.

[Ole Anderson]

I recommend replacing the graphite (some are cork) pad with a new one.

I haven't looked to see what others use for a stock pad, but my PC uses a cork pad with a thin steel overlay which becomes highly polished with just a little bit of useage. Both are easily replaceable.

[Lee Schierer]

I haven't looked to see what others use for a stock pad, but my PC uses a cork pad with a thin steel overlay which becomes highly polished with just a little bit of useage. Both are easily replaceable.

That's what mine has that gets hot.

[Jim Neeley]

The graphite coated platens are instnded to be attached to the metal overlay using the included (PSA) adhesive. They run about $10, depending upon the size of the platen.

One source is http://woodworker.com/3-x-6-graphite-sander-platens-mssu-878-512.asp?search=Belt Sander platen&searchmode=2

Jim