OPERATOR’S MANUAL RANDOM ORBIT SANDER VARIABLE SPEED DOUBLE INSULATED RS281VS Your sander has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’s high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance. WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator's manual before using this product. Thank you for buying a Ryobi product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS n Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2 �n General Safety Rules .................................................................................................................................................... 3-4 �n Specific Safety Rules..............................................................................................................
GENERAL SAFETY RULES n Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents. n Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes. n Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control. n Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off before plugging in.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES SERVICE n When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of shock or injury. n Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.
SYMBOLS Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOLS The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product. SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
ELECTRICAL DOUBLE INSULATION EXTENSION CORDS Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power tools, which eliminates the need for the usual threewire grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor components with protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need to be grounded. When using a power tool at a considerable distance from a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has the capacity to handle the current the tool will draw.
FEATURES PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Sanding Disc Diameter................................................ 5 in. No Load Speed .....................................7,000-12,000/min. Motion ......................................................... Random Orbit Input ...............................120 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 2.8 Amps Orbit Diameter ........................................................ 3/32 in. Net Weight...........................................................3-1/2 lbs.
ASSEMBLY UNPACKING WARNING: This product has been shipped completely assembled. If any parts are missing do not operate this tool until the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible serious personal injury. n Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are included. n Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
OPERATION ATTACHING ADHESIVE SANDING DISCS ADHESIVE SANDING DISC See Figure 2. n Unplug the sander. n Peel the paper backing from the sanding disc. n Align the holes in the sanding disc with the holes in the backing pad. NOTE: Line up the holes in the sanding disc with the holes in the backing pad in order for the dustless feature to function properly. n Press the sticky side of the sanding disc against the backing pad as firmly as possible.
OPERATION TURNING THE SANDER ON/OFF See Figure 4. Follow these directions to turn the sander on and off. n To turn the sander on: Slide the switch to the left (|). n To turn the sander off: Slide the switch to the right (O). TO TURN ON VARIABLE SPEED DIAL ADJUSTING THE SPEED See Figures 4 - 5. The variable speed feature allows the sander to operate at speeds that can be adjusted by rotating the dial from A to F.
OPERATION TO ATTACH THE DUST BAG ASSEMBLY See Figure 6. n Unplug the sander. n Slide the dust bag assembly onto the blower exhaust on the sander using a slight twisting motion. TO EMPTY THE DUST BAG ASSEMBLY See Figures 6 - 7. For more efficient operation, empty the dust bag when it is no more than half full. This will permit the air to flow through the bag better. Always empty and clean the dust bag thoroughly upon completion of a sanding operation and before placing the sander in storage.
OPERATION OPERATING THE SANDER See Figures 9 - 10. n Secure the work to prevent it from moving under the sander. WARNING: Unsecured work could be thrown towards the operator causing injury. n Place the sander on the workpiece so that all of the sanding disc surface is in contact with the workpiece. CAUTION: Be careful not to let your hand cover the air vents. n Start the sander and move it slowly over the workpiece. n Make successive passes in parallel lines, circles, or crosswise movements.
MAINTENANCE Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard, spackling compounds, or plaster are subject to accelerated wear and possible premature failure because the fiberglass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, we do not recommended using this tool for extended work on these types of materials. However, if you do work with any of these materials, it is extremely important to clean the tool using compressed air.
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OPERATOR’S MANUAL RANDOM ORBIT SANDER VARIABLE SPEED DOUBLE INSULATED RS281VS • SERVICE Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service, simply contact your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. Be sure to provide all pertinent facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-525-2579 for your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. You can also check our web site at www.ryobitools.com for a complete list of Authorized Service Centers. • MODEL NO.
