Make sure you have safety glasses on before starting the machine
Be sure to have no loose articles of clothing (hood strings, necklace, etc..) or hair
Depending on the material be sure to wear gloves
Belt sanders' primary function is to remove material from a surface. Surfaces can be leveled and smoothed, or enough material can be removed from an object to give it a specific shape. Bench belt sanders are better suited to smaller stocks, whereas portable belt sanders are better suited to wider surfaces and objects.