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Belt Sander Electrocution

Here's the new and improved version. Just some copper shim wrapped around my finger. Now the teeth of thee clip doesn't dig in.


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You have progress. :)

Is the wall plug grounded?

Normally the switch would be be installed to just interrupt the black wire. Wonder why it's marretted with three other wires. I'm not an electrician or motor mechanic but it just looks kinda weird.
 
I get static shocks too on my small belt grinder if I hold the piece against the belt and do not contact the table. The belt itself can generate static electricity along with plastic pulleys. I see your table is covered in tape, that is probably insulating the metal you're sanding from the machine and helping to charge you up. Instead of grounding yourself you could ground the workpiece.
 
@Mike R you raise a good point. It may also be that the wheels are covered in rubber which would isolate them from a ground connection to the frame.
 
David said:
There's a short to the frame somewhere. I'd start by unplugging it and opening the switch cover. Look for any wire that's missing insulation or any wire that's making contact with the box or any metal that's not another wire.
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Possible, but unlikely, I'm guessing static from the belt.

If the frame is grounded and there was a short to the frame it would most likely blow the breaker.

Try grounding the object being sanded, I bet that stops the problem. Or remove the tape from the tool rest.

On my sander if I have the object against/touching the metal tool rest, no problem, however if I move the object away from tool rest I sometimes get shocks.
 
Sorry to be so late to this discussion. But it sounds like you have the tiger cornered.

We used to have a similar problem with conveyor belts from time to time - especially in the winter when the air is dry. We ran a grounding brush on the back of the belt. Sometimes you see cars and trucks on the highway with static straps hanging off of them. All are just ways to discharge static charge buildups.

Interesting solution you developed there @thestelster. Did you know that your system works better if you put the plate into a damp area of your body (arm pits, crotch). But the very best is a wet orifice.... You could also try metal Ben WA Balls. Then you don't even need the little spikes or the tight clamp......

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I assumed the the tape reduced the static which is why it was there. But maybe its there for a different purpose. Maybe the grinder is acting like a Van de Graff & your finger is the conductor brush

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Susquatch said:
Sorry to be so late to this discussion. But it sounds like you have the tiger cornered.

We used to have a similar problem with conveyor belts from time to time - especially in the winter when the air is dry. We ran a grounding brush on the back of the belt. Sometimes you see cars and trucks on the highway with static straps hanging off of them. All are just ways to discharge static charge buildups.

Interesting solution you developed there @thestelster. Did you know that your system works better if you put the plate into a damp area of your body (arm pits, crotch). But the very best is a wet orifice.... You could also try metal Ben WA Balls. Then you don't even need the little spikes or the tight clamp......

View attachment 62983
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I am not going to ask you to support your research on this one.
 
thestelster said:
I keep getting electrocuted when grinding down metal on my belt sander. How do I stop that? It arcs from the metal being sanded down, to the belt guard, and then through me. It also happens when I flip the switch to turn off the machine. I've started to use a stick to turn it off, but don't know how to prevent the other.



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Not to sound too technical but the word Electrocuted means to pass an electric current through a person's body until DEAD. How are you managing to write this post.

TonyK, retired Electrical Safety Authority Field Inspector.


Grimsby Ontario Canada.
 
Susquatch said:
Hey @thestelster, try running a grounded metal roller behind the belt. Just do it manually to test it. If it works, it's an easy fix.
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Well, the belt is supported by a metal platten. Maybe it's pressing to hard against the belt. I've never adjusted it.

But, you know, I'm just happy that I can hook myself up with my little gizmo. Maybe make myself a dedicated copper ring with a small nub to attach the alligator clip to.
 
thestelster said:
But, you know, I'm just happy that I can hook myself up with my little gizmo. Maybe make myself a dedicated copper ring with a small nub to attach the alligator clip to.
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If that turns your crank, you need to get out more......

But hey, who am I to judge......
 
thestelster said:
Whoa, whoa.....remind me who's the guy advocating electrified ben wah balls:p
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Hey, that was just my way of delivering some sarcasm in humourous way. If you are gunna get rid of static through you own body, then why not take it up a couple of notches......

Seriously, I don't think dissappating static through yourself is a good idea. Better to kill it at the source with a static arrestor of some kind.
 
Susquatch said:
Interesting solution you developed there @thestelster. Did you know that your system works better if you put the plate into a damp area of your body (arm pits, crotch). But the very best is a wet orifice.... You could also try metal Ben WA Balls. Then you don't even need the little spikes or the tight clamp......

View attachment 62983
Click to expand...
And you think I have a strange sense of humor!
 
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