How to Maintain Your Veneer Sander for Longevity

A veneer sander is a precision machine—and like any high-performance tool, it needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. Veneered panels are thin and delicate, so even minor calibration issues or mechanical faults can lead to costly errors. Proper upkeep not only extends the life of the machine but also protects your materials and reputation.

Here’s a practical guide to maintaining your veneer sander for long-term reliability and consistent finish quality.

1. Daily Cleaning

Dust build-up is a leading cause of performance issues in sanding equipment. Veneer sanding produces fine particles that can clog abrasives, sensors, and moving parts.

What to do:

• Vacuum sanding heads, conveyor belt, and motor housings daily

• Check and empty dust extraction filters or bags

• Wipe down control panels and inspection covers to prevent grime build-up

This simple habit helps prevent overheating, electrical issues, and inconsistent sanding pressure.

2. Inspect and Replace Abrasive Belts

Worn or uneven belts are especially problematic when working with veneers. A glazed or torn abrasive can cause burn-through or patchy sanding.

Check for:

• Fraying edges

• Excessive wear in the centre of the belt

• Signs of overheating or clogging

Replace belts as soon as wear is visible, and ensure they are properly tracked and tensioned before running new panels.

3. Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts

Rollers, pressure pads, feed systems, and oscillating heads all rely on smooth motion. Over time, dust and wear can cause stiffness or misalignment.

Maintenance tips:

• Lubricate bearings and height-adjustment screws weekly using the recommended grease or oil

• Inspect the oscillation system for rhythmic motion and consistent stroke length

• Test belt tracking and feed pressure regularly, adjusting as needed

Neglecting lubrication leads to premature wear and reduces finish consistency.

4. Calibrate for Thickness and Pressure

A slight deviation in table height or sanding pressure can ruin a veneer panel. It’s essential to check calibration regularly.

Steps to follow:

• Use a thickness gauge or test board to verify table settings

• Recalibrate sanding head height if switching between different veneers or core materials

• If your machine has digital controls (like the Kundig Master or Brilliant), recalibrate the pressure profile for veneer-specific settings

Some models offer automatic thickness detection—take advantage of these features to maintain accuracy.

5. Check Electrical and Safety Systems

Faulty wiring or unresponsive emergency stops pose safety risks. Make time each month to:

• Inspect electrical connections

• Test start/stop switches and safety interlocks

• Confirm emergency stop buttons function correctly

If your machine includes PLC or touchscreen controls, keep the software updated and backup stored settings regularly.

6. Keep a Maintenance Log

A maintenance schedule helps track consumable replacement, lubrication cycles, and inspections.

Include:

• Dates of belt changes

• Service visits

• Calibration checks

• Noted faults or irregularities

This log can be invaluable for troubleshooting and planning preventative maintenance.

Final Thoughts

When working with veneers, precision isn’t optional—it’s critical. A well-maintained veneer sander ensures smooth, consistent finishes, extends the life of abrasives, and reduces the risk of damaging expensive materials.

Whether you operate a Kundig Brilliant or a used Houfek sander, daily upkeep and routine servicing are the most cost-effective ways to protect your investment. J&C O’Meara offers technical support and servicing for all machines we supply, helping you maintain production quality with confidence.