Secure the work and maintain a firm grip on the sander. Friction between the sanding belt and the work will tend to move the work backward and the sander forward.
Always be sure that the switch is “OFF” before connecting the tool to the power source.
1.Hold the sander off the work before starting the motor.
2.Lower the sander to the work, touching the rear part of the belt first. Level the machine when moving it forward.
3.Guide the machine over the work in overlapping strokes. Allow the sander to do the work.
4.Avoid applying excessive pressure. The weight of the machine is usually sufficient for a fast smooth finish. A slight increase in pressure may speed removal of material, but too much pressure will slow the motor and decrease removal.
5.Work back and forth over a fairly wide area to obtain an even surface.
6.Do not let the tool tilt. The edge of the belt can make a deep cuts into the surface.
7.Do not pause in any one spot during the sanding operation. The belt will eat into the work and make the surface uneven.
8.Lift the tool from the work before turning the motor "OFF".
9.Always be sure that the motor has completely stopped before putting the tool down.
FAST SANDING ON ROUGH WORK
To smooth a rough surface quickly, use a coarse grit abrasive belt. With the belt positioned diagonally across the grain, move the tool in the direction of the grain (Fig. 6).
Overlap the strokes and cover the entire surface, working from both sides of the board (angle left and then angle right.) Smooth the surface by guiding the sander back and forth with the grain. Change the belt to a medium grit and follow the same procedure.
Fig. 6
Finish by thoroughly working the grain lengthwise. Change again to a fine grit and repeat. Always finish sanding with the grain.
REMOVING OLD PAINT AND VARNISH
Read and follow “ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR PAINT REMOVAL” section of this manual.
This sander is an excellent tool for removing old paint and varnish from flat surfaces. However, two problems are common: 1) sanding material that loads the abrasive and, 2) friction heat caused by working too long in one place. To overcome the loading problem, use a coarse grit open coat abrasive belt and a single stroke action. Overheating can be avoided by using a fairly quick stroke and moving to another area quickly. A piece of felt about 1/4" thick can be inserted under the shoe for fast spot sanding and for working on stubborn areas of paint and varnish.
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