edgebander slipping?
7/18/16
Any suggestions how to "freshen up" the 15 year old rubber on the track blocks on an SCMI Olimpic S222 bander? This is the only bander I've ever seen that uses an oil mist blown on the chain for lubrication instead of grease. The blocks have an obvious glazed look and feel at this point which lets parts shift intermittently even with over 3mm of squish in the top rolls which makes fine tuning the bander impossible! I've been thinking about taking all the blocks off, attaching them to a piece of mdf and running them through the wide belt sander but I don't want to get too thin and not sure how long it will help. I know rubber can be softened chemically but I'm not sure what to trust. Over $5000 for 231 new blocks is not very appealing! Thanks!
7/19/16 #2: edgebander slipping? ...
Try a "green" brake cleaner from your local auto parts store. Might work, might not, but less than $10.00 is a low risk.
7/20/16 #3: edgebander slipping? ...
I've been told to use mineral oil from a drug store to keep them in good shape. If you find that you do need to replace them, try Padsmore.com. I found pads there that work well for about half the price.
7/22/16 #4: edgebander slipping? ...
Thanks for the responses guys! I know any kind of solvent will soften the rubber but only for a little while then it will dry out even worse! I've heard of wintergreen oil being used but not mineral oil. Gary B. did a factory tech recommend that? I wonder if that will affect finishing veneers that have touched the track? Thanks again!
7/22/16 #5: edgebander slipping? ...
My best operator said he heard it from a tech. FWIW, we've done it. Good luck.