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HF-AugSept06-FTF On
the
Job
| From the Field
Spinning Freely
Troubleshoot these common edger problems
O
f the three major pieces of
sanding equipment used on the
job, the edger stands alone in
maintenance needs. Hours of use, high
rpms and the dusty environment it cre-
ates are a few of the reasons why edger
performance is hampered. Common
problem areas encountered on the job
site include the switch and plug, paper
retaining bolt and jack shaft, casters, and
the edger pad. I see problems with
these parts every day in our machine
shop at our wood flooring distributor-
ship. Using the right solutions to these
issues should extend the life of your
investment and keep the equipment
earning money on the job rather than
wasting time in the shop.
On/Off Switch
Regular use of the on/off switch to
change the paper, empty the dust bag,
move from room to room or simply
give your back a break can cause the
switch to fail. This is a very common
job-site repair. A poor solution to this
problemand a very dangerous one
is wiring the cord direct. When this is
done, there is no mechanical interrup-
tion to the circuit, and it is extremely
unsafe. Taking the time to test the switch
properly and replace it as necessary is a
simple and safe way to remedy this
problem. A continuity test on either side
of the switch will indicate if the switch
needs to be replaced. Good voltage
meters are available with this continuity
function.
Unplug the edger before removing
the switch plate cover. With the leads
from the meter on the front and back of
the switch, set the dial for continuity and
toggle the switch between the on/off
positions. An audible beep or move-
ment of the analog pin (depending on
type of meter) with the switch on indi-
cates continuity. There should be no
reading in the off position. If there is
any variance, replacing the switch is
necessary. Using the meter to check
continuity of the cord through the plug
eliminates whether or not the plug or
cord are potential problems with an
edger starting or not.
Paper Retaining Bolt
When an edger is turned off in the mid-
dle of a job, it usually means a paper
change is happening. As the paper
retaining bolt is removed, debris works
its way down the threaded jack shaft and
builds up over time. This buildup is
pressed and packed tightly every time
the bolt is tightened. The mechanic will
By Joseph D. Glavin
50 Hardwood Floors
s
August|September 2006
C
hris Palembas, production manager for Escondido, Calif.-
based Palembas Hardwood Floors Inc., recalls that one of
the funniest things he ever saw on a job site was when he
and two workers were coating a routine job with
polyurethane. Palembas and another worker were coating the
field, and a third workerwho has been with the company for
about 15 yearswas doing the brush work around the edges. As always, Palembas had
poured a big puddle of finish in the field. The worker doing the edges walked by, carry-
ing his brush and finish bucket in one hand so that the brush was dripping into the
bucket. For some reason, he forgot about the finish puddle in the middle of the floor. As
if in slow motion, he began to fall backwards, still trying to hold up the bucket so he
wouldnt spill any finish. His efforts were in vain, howeveras he fell flat on his back into
the puddle of poly, his own finish bucket swung upward, creating a cascade of poly all
over his head and arm. At first I was concerned for his health, Palembas recalls, but
then he started swearing at me. At that point I knew he was OK, and I had to go out-
side because I was laughing too hard to help him. The next day, the worker showed up
at workwithout his moustache, beard and ponytail, none of which could be saved.
If you have a true (and printable) story to share, e-mail it with your name and phone num-
ber to editors@hardwoodfloorsmag.com. If we use your story, well send you a Hardwood
Floors T-shirt.
Slip Slidin Away
Poly claims another victim
T
ALES
F
ROM THE
F
RONT
HF-AugSept06-FTF 7/19/06 2:16 PM Page 50 On
the
Job
| From the Field
know there is a problem when the paper doesnt seem to be
tight. If the abrasive spins when the bolt and washer are tight-
ened, the jack shaft is filled. The common job-site repair for
this is to build up the washer and bolt with pads or extra
pieces of paper, but this decreases dust pick-up and eventu-
ally causes the retaining bolts threads to strip.
The proper fix is fairly easy. Simply drill out the packed
debris at the bottom of the shaft. If you have a tap-and-die
set, tapping the hole with the proper-sized tap will keep the
internal threads clean.
To prolong the life of the jack shaft, change the edger
paper with the machine on its side to prevent debris from
falling down inside.
Casters and the Edger Pad
Excessive use of maroon/white edger pads and paper are
also indications that the edger has vibration. Floor mechanics
will build up the edger sanding disc in an attempt to reduce
the effects of an improperly set-up or poorly running edger.
Hopping can occur when the sanding disc is new, worn or
bent. Many times a sanding disc assembly is changed in the
field, and the edger bounces uncontrollably. Once the casters
are set for the proper pitch front to back and the proper posi-
tion (between 12 oclock and 1 oclock), the new sanding pad
assembly should then be dressed, or seated, to the machine.
A minimal amount of rubber is removed by running the rub-
ber sanding disc over sandpaper. This helps seat the new
sanding disc and remove any high spots from the rubber.
If the pitch or angle is too far forward, the edger will
gouge. To avoid this, always set the casters by eye and test-
cut the floor before locking them in permanently.
52 Hardwood Floors
s
August|September 2006
W
HAT S
W
RONG
W
ITH
T
HIS
P
ICTURE
?
A: T
he contr
actors should be wearing knee pads.
Circle 40
HF-AugSept06-FTF 7/19/06 2:16 PM Page 52 Circle 42
The edgers casters are an integral part
of how the machine sands the floor.
Working properly, the casters allow the
edger to glide over the floor in any
direction for a smooth, flat cut. A
buildup of filler or debris on the casters
themselves causes the bearings to bind.
A quick fix for freeing up bearings in the
field is soaking them down with WD-40.
While this works temporarily, the
residue will attract more of the fine dust
the edger is famous for, and the bearings
will fail. Regular use of graphite powder
is a better alternative to lubricants that
can attract fine dust.
Most edgers have stem bearings and
another set of bearings in the wheels
themselves. Wear and excessive play in
the stem bearings cause the caster to
move up and down. This wears the cast-
ing or bracket holding the caster assem-
bly, making setup and adjustment
difficult. Replacing the stem bearings is
suggested whenever there is wear to this
extent.
Replacing the wheel bearings is
slightly more difficult, and it may be eas-
ier to just change the caster completely.
Any changes to the caster bracket or
wheels requires setup as described ear-
lier in adjusting the sanding pad assem-
bly. Always test-cut before locking in the
bracket.
Tools of the Trade
Field fixes can be limited to the tools
you have on-site. A tap-and-die set, an
electric volt meter capable of testing
continuity and some graphite powder
should help you get back to the job and
earning money safely. When in doubt,
call your local distributors repair shop
for help and advice. They are more than
willing to help you get through most
problems and present solutions to keep
you going in the field and earning
money.
s
Joseph D. Glavin is executive vice presi-
dent of operations at Conshohocken, Pa.-
based distributor Philadelphia Floor Store.
On
the
Job
| From the Field
54 Hardwood Floors
s
August|September 2006
To prolong the life
of the jack shaft,
change the edger
paper with the machine
on its side to prevent
debris from falling
down inside.
HF-AugSept06-FTF 7/19/06 2:17 PM Page 54