12" Drum Vs 8" Belt

Poor Floorman

I've only run a drum machine for the past 12 years. Lately I've noticed chatter and had to do extra hard plating. I've kept the machine in good condition and have always transported it and stored it on blocks.
These machines are pretty simple, and it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to tune one up.
Tried belts, bearings, wheels and still get some chatter. I dressed the drum but only in forward. Last thing I did was spin the drum in reverse and dress it.
Before I got to test it, I went out and bought a Hummel 8" belt and put it right into service.
The drum machine, minus the chatter, is dead flat. The new belt leaves waves in the floor. Customers complain about chatter but don't notice the waves as much, but I see them.
Drum vs belt. The drum cuts from right to left vs the belt cuts from left to right, took some getting used to after 12 years.
I always cut with the drum at 7-10 degrees, any suggestions or practices with the belt. Also heard that the pace is faster with a belt, any truth to this.
Thanx in advance for any advice.

stevensmth89

Everything you are doing sounds right- I am doing in just about the same way.


Hope i was helpful,
Steven

OCRS

What machine do you have Steven? Belt or sheet?

Poor Floorman

Brought both machines to a 700' job.
Rough off with the drum and cleaned up with the belt.
Flat as a flitter.
But I think I like the belt better. Smooooothe.

cinder11

I like the 8" machine better, especially for residential jobs. We use a 8" Galaxy belt machine. It is old but it runs great and the quality is always excellent. One thing we do is lay the machine down overnight to prevent flat spots on the wheels.
Andy
Haven Hardwoods, Inc.
www.havenhardwoods.com

__________________
Haven Hardwoods, Inc.

OCRS

Mine's an American Super 84. Ya, I know, it's ancient. Still hummin' along though.

Poor Floorman

Thanx for the advice.
My 8" belt machine is new, so I built a jig for it to set on the frame at night and in transport.
Also I have two pneumatic wheels that attach to the jig so the sander's wheels never roll over anything that's not wood.
I know guys that think it's not necessary but it is to me.
Thanks again for your reply

Powell

Yah ever notice how you never get a direct answer when asking a tech guy why your getting chatter? The wierd thing to me is i've had chatter from a hummel and a fairly new KT and the hummel seems to sand differently everytime we had to take the belts off. Ive been told the drum needs to be balanced. How does a drum get thrown off only after a year of use being only used on new floors? TBy adjusting the pressure very precisely for finish sanding, the KT sands just fine on finish sanding. But still doesn't really explain what causes it to start.

Anyone have any more thoughts on this?