Use and Care Manual
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR BELT SANDERS
9. Sanding the Workpiece
CAUTION: when the machine contacts the workpiece, it will have a tendency to grab and pull forward.
Resist the forward motion and keep the belt sander moving at an even pace. Never pull the tool
backwards over the workpiece. Sand in the direction of the grain whenever possible. Remove the
sanding dust between each grade of sanding sheet. Never leave the machine unattended while it is
still running.
10. Setting Down the Sander
Wait for the belt to stop before setting the tool down. An exposed, rotating belt may engage the
surface, leading to possible loss of control and serious injury. Always lay the sander on its side to
prevent accidents if the machine is inadvertently started.
11. Unplug Your Sander
Ensure that the sander is disconnected from the main supply before servicing, lubricating, making
adjustments, changing accessories, or replacing sanding belts. Accidental start-ups may occur if
the tool is plugged in during an accessory change. Before plugging the tool back in, check that the
trigger is OFF.
12. Replacing the Sanding Belt
Replace the sanding belt as soon as it becomes worn or torn. Torn sanding belts can cause deep
scratches that are dicult to remove. Ensure that the sanding belt is the correct size for the
machine. After changing a sanding belt, rotate the belt to make sure it doesn’t hit any part of the tool.
13. Cleaning Your Sander
Clean and maintain your tool periodically. When cleaning a tool, be careful not to disassemble any
portion of the tool. Internal wires may be misplaced or pinched and safety guard return springs may
be improperly mounted. Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia,
etc. may damage plastic parts.
KICKBACK AND RELATED WARNINGS
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing pad, brush or any other
accessory. Pinching or snagging causes rapid stalling of the rotating accessory, which in turn causes the
uncontrolled power tool to be forced in the direction opposite of the accessory’s rotation at the point of
binding.
Kickback is the result of power tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can
be avoided by taking the proper precautions as given below.
1. Maintain a rm grip on the power tool and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback
forces. Always use auxiliary handle, if provided, for maximum control over kickback or torque reaction
during start-up. The operator can control torque reactions or kickback forces, if proper precautions are
taken.
2. Never place your hand near the rotating accessory. The accessory may kick back over your hand.
3. Do not position your body in the area where the power tool will move if kickback occurs. Kickback will
propel the tool in the direction opposite to the wheel’s movement at the point of snagging.
4. Use special care when working corners, sharp edges, etc. Avoid bouncing and snagging the acces-
sory. Corners or sharp edges or bouncing have a tendency to snag the rotating accessory and cause
loss of control or kickback.
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