Jet belt sander maintenance update

About two years ago, I posted a video on my YouTube channel about my discovery of the replaceable graphite pad that's under the sanding belt of the Jet belt-disc sander.  It's supposed to help keep things cooler, and also protects the metal bed that it covers.

Since the pad was never mentioned in the manual, how was anyone supposed to know that it was there, and needed periodic replacement?

Removing the original pad and cleaning the metal bed was unpleasant and time-consuming due to the strength of the adhesive backing. However, quite by accident I discovered that Klingspor's Woodworking Shop (my go-to place for most sanding supplies) sold comparable graphite strips that were 6" wide and 3' long.  Each strip was far less costly than the Jet product, and was also long enough for two complete applications.

Most important, however, is that the back of the graphite pad of the Klingspor product is not self-stick.  To attach it, cut the strip the correct length and apply Aileen's temporary spray adhesive.  When it's time for replacement, just remove the belt, pull the pad off, and clean up any residue with mineral spirits.

Even better, since only the lower part of the pad is likely to wear out, you can double the life of each pad by inverting it when it gets worn. Now there are no excuses for struggling, and I plan to check the pad each time I replace the belt.