RIDGID R2500 Operator's Manual page 10

OPERATION
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.
NOTE: DO NOT use sander without sandpaper. Doing so
will damage the cushion.
ATTACHING THE SANDER TO A VACUUM
See Figure 4, page 13.
You can easily attach the dust collection system of the
sander to a vacuum.
 Unplug the sander.
 Remove the dust bag from the sander.
 Attach vacuum hose to blower exhaust.
NOTE: Vacuum hose fits inside blower exhaust.
 Connect sander and vacuum to power supply.
WARNING:
When sander is not connected to vacuum, always
reinstall dust bag assembly back onto sander.
Failure to do so could cause sanding dust or
foreign objects to be thrown into your face or eyes
which could result in possible serious injury.
PREPARING FOR OPERATION
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CAUTION
Be careful not to let your hand completely cover
air vents.
SANDING
See Figure 5, page 13.
Clamp or otherwise secure the work to prevent it from
moving under the sander.
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WARNING
Unsecured work could be thrown towards the
operator causing injury.
Hold the sander in front and away from you, keeping it clear
of the workpiece. Start the sander by pressing the switch
button to "ON" position and letting the motor build to its
maximum speed. Gradually lower the sander on the work
with a slight forward movement. Move it slowly using forward
and backward strokes.
DO NOT FORCE. The weight of the unit supplies adequate
pressure, so let the sandpaper and sander do the work.
Applying additional pressure only slows the motor, rapidly
wears sandpaper and greatly reduces sander speed.
Excessive pressure will overload the motor causing possible
damage from motor overheating and can result in inferior
work. Any finish or resin on wood may soften from the
frictional heat. Do not allow sanding on one spot too long
as the sander's rapid action may remove too much material,
making the surface uneven.
Flush sanding can be performed with the sander. The front
edge of the sander allows flush sanding in corners. Always
remove the sander from the workpiece before turning the
sander off.
WARNING
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when
operating sander. They could get caught in moving
parts causing serious injury. Keep head away from
sander and sanding area. Hair could be drawn into
sander causing serious injury.
ORBITAL MOTION
See Figure 6, page 13.
Orbital motion is ideal for fast cutting action when removing
old finishes, smoothing rough wood, cutting stock down to
required dimensions, or for finishing surfaces to be painted.
As shown in figure 6, the sandpaper moves in tiny circles at
a very high speed, allowing the sander to move easily.
DUST REMOVAL SANDING
The dust bag located on the rear of the sander provides a
dust collection system for the sander. Sanding dust is drawn
up through the holes of the cushion and collects in the dust
bag during sanding operation. For more efficient operation,
empty dust bag frequently.
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 frequently (10-15
minutes) while sanding and never store or leave
a sander without totally emptying its dust bag.
Also follow the recommendations of the coatings
manufacturers.
TO REMOVE DUST BAG FOR EMPTYING OR
CLEANING
See Figures 7 - 8, pages 13-14.
 Unplug the sander.
 Remove the dust bag from the sander.
 Shake out the dust.
 Reattach the dust bag to the sander.
For a more thorough cleaning of the dust bag, remove dust
bag from frame, and shake out dust. Replace dust bag over
frame then install dust bag assembly on sander.
10 - English
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