Ryobi PCL406 Operator's Manual page 7

SELECTING SANDING DISCS
Selecting the correct size grit and type sanding disc is an
extremely important step in achieving a high quality sanded
finish. Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and other synthetic
abrasives are best for power sanding. Natural abrasives,
such as flint and garnet are too soft for use in power sanding.
In general, coarse grit will remove the most material and finer
grit will produce the best finish in all sanding operations. The
condition of the surface to be sanded will determine which
grit will do the job. If the surface is rough, start with a coarse
grit and sand until the surface is uniform. Medium grit may
then be used to remove scratches left by the coarser grit and
finer grit used for finishing of the surface. Always continue
sanding with each grit until surface is uniform.
WARNING:
Always remove the battery pack when attaching, chang-
ing, or rotating sanding sheets. Failure to do so could
cause accidental starting, leading to serious personal
injury.
ATTACHING HOOK-AND-LOOP SANDING
DISCS
See Figure 3, page 10.
NOTE: Use only 5 in. hook-and-loop sanding discs that can
be found at local home centers and hardware stores.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Align the holes in the hook-and-loop 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 dust collection
feature to function properly.
 Press the fuzzy side of the sanding disc against the back-
ing pad as firmly as possible.
NOTE: You can reuse hook-and-loop type sanding discs
for the life of the sanding abrasive. We recommend that
you clean the backing pad occasionally by brushing it
lightly with a small brush for best adhesion.
DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM
The dust bag assembly provides a dust collection system
for the sander. Sanding dust is drawn up through the holes
of the sanding disc to collect in the dust bag during sand-
ing operation.
NOTE: For more efficient operation, empty dust bag when
no more than half full. This will permit the air to flow through
the bag better.
OPERATION
WARNING:
Do not use the dust bag when sanding metal. Using the
dust bag when sanding metal creates a fire hazard, which
could damage the tool and lead to serious personal injury.
ATTACHING THE DUST BAG ASSEMBLY
See Figure 4, page 10.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Push the dust bag onto the dust exhaust port on the
sander using a slight twisting motion.
EMPTYING THE DUST BAG ASSEMBLY
See Figure 5, page 10.
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.
WARNING:
Collected sanding dust from sanding surface coatings
such as polyurethanes, linseed oil, etc., can self-ignite
in the sander dust bag or elsewhere and cause fire. To
reduce the risk of fire, always empty the dust bag fre-
quently while sanding. Never store or leave a sander
without totally emptying its dust bag. Also follow the
recommendations of the coatings manufacturers.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Remove the dust bag assembly from the sander.
 Shake out the dust.
 Replace the dust bag assembly onto the sander.
ATTACHING THE SANDER TO A VACUUM
See Figure 6, page 10,
When sanding for an extended period of time, you can eas-
ily attach the dust exhaust port of the sander to a vacuum.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Remove the dust bag assembly from the sander.
 Attach the vacuum hose to the dust exhaust port on the
sander.
NOTE: The vacuum hose will fit inside or outside the dust
exhaust port. The sander will accept a standard 1-7/8 in.
and 1-1/4 in. vacuum connection.
 Reinstall the battery pack.
7 — English