What type of edge is a belt sander specifically designed to work on?

A belt sander is specifically designed to work on rough edges, making it ideal for smoothing and reshaping surfaces that may have irregularities or unfinished appearances. The continuous loop of sandpaper on the sander's belt rotates at high speed, allowing the tool to quickly remove material and level surfaces, which is particularly useful for finishing rough spots and contours on wood and other materials.

Using a belt sander on rough edges allows the operator to achieve a refined finish while maintaining control over the amount of material removed, which is crucial in preparing parts for further processing or assembly. This capability is essential in aerospace applications, where surfaces must often meet strict specifications for both safety and performance.

In contrast, sharp edges may require different tools to avoid the risk of damaging the sharp point, rounded edges might benefit from a different sanding technique or tool to maintain the curvature, and flat edges need precise methods for achieving a smooth finish without altering the shape. Therefore, the belt sander excels in its primary function of addressing rough edges effectively.