RIDGID R86065 Operator's Manual page 6

OPERATION
INSTALLING/REMOVING THE BATTERY
PACK
See Figure 2, page 10.
WARNING:
Before installing the battery pack, always make
sure the switch trigger is not in the locked-on
position. Failure to do so could result in accidental
starting of the sander, resulting in possible serious
injury.
To install:
 Make sure the switch is not in the locked-on position.
 Insert the battery pack.
 Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack
snap into place and the battery pack is secured in the
product before beginning operation.
To remove:
 Depress the latches on each side of the battery pack.
For complete charging instructions, see the operator's manu-
als for your battery pack and charger.
SELECTING SANDING BELTS
Selecting the correct size and type of sanding belt is an
important step in achieving a high quality sanded finish. Alu-
minum oxide, silicon carbide, and other synthetic abrasives
are best for power sanding.
In general, when sanding, coarse grit removes the most
material and fine grit produces the best finish. The condi-
tion of the surface to be sanded determines which grit will
do the best job. If the surface is rough, start with a coarse
grit and sand until the surface is uniform. Then use medium
grit to remove scratches left by the coarser grit. Finally, use
finer grit for finishing the surface. Always continue sanding
with each grit until the surface is uniform.
INSTALLING/CHANGING SANDING BELTS
See Figures 3 - 5, page 10.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Position the sander on its side.
WARNING:
Keep hands and fingers clear of both rollers and
spring mechanism at all times. Failure to do so
could result in fingers getting pinched, causing
serious injury.
 Release belt tension by lifting the tension release lever.
NOTE: If you are changing sanding belts, remove the old
sanding belt.
 Install the sanding belt. Make sure the arrow inside the belt
is pointing in the direction of rotation, which is clockwise
when looking into the open side of the sander.
NOTE: Match the arrow on the sanding belt to that of the
housing.
CAUTION:
If the sanding belt is not a bidirectional belt,
ensure that the arrow inside the belt is pointing
in the direction of the rotation (clockwise when
looking into the open side of the sander). Installing
unidirectional sanding belts backwards can create
a hazardous condition.
 Align the sanding belt to its correct position.
 Lower the tension release lever to secure the sanding
belt.
ADJUSTING SANDING BELT TRACKING
See Figures 6 -7, page 11.
After installing a new sanding belt, you may need to adjust
the sanding belt tracking several times until the belt becomes
conditioned.
Belt life is greatly increased if you regularly adjust the sand-
ing belt tracking. When correctly adjusted, the outer edge
of the sanding belt should be even with the outer edge of
the base of the sander.
 Make sure the switch is not in the locked-on position.
 Install the battery pack.
 Position the sander upside down.
NOTE: This position is for adjustments only. The sanding
belt should not contact a workpiece or any foreign object
when you are making belt tracking adjustments.
 Depress the switch trigger and release immediately.
 Choose one of these options:
• Sanding belt runs inward: Turn the tracking knob
slowly counterclockwise.
• Sanding belt runs outward: Turn the tracking knob
slowly clockwise.
NOTE: Turn the tracking knob until you are sure the sand-
ing belt is secure, and it will not come off the sander or
contact internal parts.
NOTICE:
If the sanding belt wears excessively on the inner
edge it is probably adjusted too far inward and is
rubbing against internal parts. If this is the case,
readjust with the tracking knob.
 Start the sander and fine-adjust the tracking knob until
the belt stabilizes.
6 — English