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.
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.
The 352VS 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.
SPECIAL SANDING PROCEDURES
Generally, sand with a back and forth motion. Some materials and some types of operations, however, require a different technique. In rough sanding, use the tool at an angle. In spot sanding, use the tool with only the front pulley touching the surface (especially useful in smoothing excess glue from wood joints). On metals, slate, marble, or plastic materials, sanding can be done in all different directions because of a lack of grain.
DOORS AND MILL WORK
When sanding doors, cabinet frames, sash, storm windows and screens, take care to avoid working into the cross grain where one member meets another. Notice that the right edge of the belt is visible on the sander. Work carefully along the edge where the rail meets the stile. If the joint is slightly uneven, use a fine abrasive and very light sanding pressure to smooth it before making finishing runs.
For lengthy work on walls or other vertical surfaces, balance the tool with a length of sash cord, two small pulleys, a light wood frame, and a weight that is the same as, or slightly less than, the weight of the sander. The frame consists of two pieces leaning against a wall with a third piece nailed to their top ends. The two pulleys are located so that the weight on one end of the cord will be out of the way, but will balance the sander fastened to the other end. When starting vertical work, angle the sander so you can see that the belt makes contact with the material. As the belt touches, level the machine and make the stroke away and to the left. This movement will offset the tendency to cut heavily into the work at the start of the stroke.
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