In order to be able to sand the surface of an item (3) uniformly smooth, a sanding machine is used with sanding tools in the form of sanding rollers (29) which are rotated as well as turned in the same plane, and which at the same time herewith are also moved in a reciprocating manner transversely to and parallel with the direction in which the item is conveyed, whereby during the working stroke the sanding elements on the sanding rollers (29) will sand at all possible contact angles in relation to the item (3). The risk of sanding damage such as marks and grooves as a result of over-sanding, or the possible lack of sanding as a result of too sporadic contact, is herewith reduced, and the best possible result is achieved.
Furthermore, the wear on the sanding rollers (29) is completely uniform, whereby their endurance is extended.
For the movement of the sanding rollers (29), there is used an apparatus comprising a motor-driven crank arm (7) which, in sliding engagement with a carriage which supports the sanding rollers (29), can drive the carriage forwards and backwards on rails (4) which extend transversely to the machine (1).
There is hereby achieved a stable and robust construction which also gives the sanding rollers (29) an expedient movement characteristic, which compensates for the predominantly longitudinal sanding movements to which the items are exposed in the outer areas.