Ryobi BE319 / BE319TH - BELT SANDER Manual

To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator's manual before using this product.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

WORK AREA SAFETY

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• 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.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn into air vents.
• Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

SERVICE

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• When servicing a power 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.

BELT SANDER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, because the belt may contact its own cord. Cutting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Know your power tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have repaired at your nearest authorized service center. Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
• Check damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center. Following this rule will reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious injury.
• Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. A wire gauge size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or less in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not recommended. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.
• Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced only by the manufacturer or by an authorized service center to avoid risk.
• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this product. If you loan someone this product, loan them these instructions also.

SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

SYMBOL & SIGNAL	MEANING
	Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
	Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
	Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE:	(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates information considered important, but not related to a potential injury (e.g. messages relating to property damage).

ELECTRICAL

DOUBLE INSULATION

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire 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.

The double insulated system is intended to protect the user from shock resulting from a break in the tool's internal insulation. Observe all normal safety precautions to avoid electrical shock.

NOTE: Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be performed only by a qualified service technician. For service, we suggest you return the tool to your nearest authorized service center for repair. Always use original factory replacement parts when servicing.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

This tool has a precision-built electric motor. It should be connected to a power supply that is 120 V, AC only, 60 Hz, (normal household current). Do not operate this tool on direct current (DC). A substantial voltage drop will cause a loss of power and the motor will overheat. If your tool does not operate when plugged into an outlet, double-check the power supply.

EXTENSION CORDS

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. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in overheating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only round jacketed cords listed by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) should be used.

When working outdoors with a tool, use an extension cord that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is designated with "W-A" or "W" on the cord's jacket.

Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.

**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.
NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge

Keep the extension cord clear of the working area. Position the cord so that it will not get caught on lumber, tools or other obstructions while you are working with a power tool. Failure to do so can result in serious personal injury.

Check extension cords before each use. If damaged replace immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord since touching the damaged area could cause electrical shock resulting in serious injury.

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Belt Size: 3 in. x 18 in.
No Load Speed: 820 ft./min.
Sanding Surface: 16.5 sq. in.
Input: 120 V, AC only, 60 Hz, 6 Amps

OVERVIEW

1. Dust collection bag
2. Rear handle
3. Tension release lever
4. Sanding belt
5. Front handle
6. Lock-on button
7. Blower exhaust hole
8. Tracking knob
9. Switch trigger

ASSEMBLY

Do not use this product if it is not completely assembled or if any parts appear to be missing or damaged. Use of a product that is not properly and completely assembled or with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.

Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories or attachments not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.

If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

OPERATION

Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible serious injury.

Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

APPLICATIONS

You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:

• Sanding wood, metals, plastics, and other materials
• Smoothing rough boards, chamfering, rounding edges
• Removing rust, paint, varnishes, and stains

SELECTING SANDING BELTS

Selecting the correct size and type of sanding belt is an important step in achieving a high quality sanded finish. Aluminum 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 condition 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

1. Tension release lever

1. Install unidirectional belts in the direction of the rotation
2. Install bidirectional belts in either direction

• Unplug the sander.
• Position the sander on its side with the cord on the left.
  
  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.
• Raise the tension release lever.
  NOTE: If you are changing sanding belts, remove the old sanding belt at this time.
• Install the sanding belt.
  
  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

1. Turn clockwise if belt runs outward
2. Turn counterclockwise if belt runs inward

Belt life is greatly increased if you regularly adjust the sanding 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.

When you install a new sanding belt, you may need to adjust the sanding belt tracking several times until the belt becomes conditioned.

Follow these steps to adjust sanding belt tracking.

Before connecting the sander to a power supply, always make sure it is not in the "locked-on" position. Failure to do so could result in accidental starting of the sander resulting in possible serious injury.

• Connect the sander to a power supply.
• Position the sander upside down with the cord on the left.
  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 sanding belt is secure, i.e., 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 the tracking knob.
• Start the sander and fine adjust the tracking knob until the belt stabilizes.

Keep hands and fingers away from a moving sanding belt. Any part of the body coming in contact with a moving sanding belt could result in serious injury. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when operating the sander. They could get caught in moving parts and foreign objects could get thrown away from the sander causing injury.

USING THE DUST COLLECTION BAG

The dust collection bag provides a dust collection system for the sander.

Do not use the dust collection bag when sanding metal. Using the dust collection bag when sanding metal creates a fire hazard, which could damage the tool and lead to serious personal injury.

ATTACHING THE DUST COLLECTION BAG

• Unplug the sander.
• Slide the dust bag retainer over the blower exhaust hole on the sander.

EMPTYING THE DUST COLLECTION BAG

For more efficient operation, empty the dust collection bag when it is no more than half full. This action permits the air to flow through the bag better. Always empty and clean the dust collection bag thoroughly upon completion of a sanding operation and before placing the sander in storage.

Collected sanding dust from sanding surface coatings such as polyurethanes, linseed oil, etc., can self-ignite in the sander dust collection 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.

Follow these steps to empty the dust collection bag.

• Unplug the sander.
• Remove the dust collection bag from the sander.
• Unzip the dust bag. n Shake out the dust.
• Zip up the dust bag.
• Replace the dust collection bag.
  NOTE: Periodically, you should turn the dust bag inside-out and thoroughly clean it.

TURNING THE SANDER ON/OFF

1. Switch trigger
2. Lock-on button

• To turn on the sander: Depress the switch trigger.
• To turn off the sander: Release the switch trigger.

LOCKING ON THE SANDER

The lock-on feature allows you to lock the switch trigger in the ON position. Locking the switch trigger on allows you to operate the sander for extended periods of time.

If you have the lock-on feature engaged during use and the sander is accidentally disconnected from the power supply, disengage the lock-on feature immediately. Also, do not lock the switch trigger if you might need to suddenly stop the sander.

Before connecting the sander to a power supply, make sure it is not in the locked-on position. Failure to do so could result in accidental starting of the tool resulting in serious injury.

To lock-on the sander:

• Depress the switch trigger.
• Push in the lock-on button.
• Release the switch trigger.
• Release the lock-on button.
  NOTE: To release the lock, completely squeeze and release the switch trigger.

OPERATING THE SANDER

• Secure the work to prevent it from moving under the sander.
  
  Unsecured work could be thrown towards the operator causing injury.
• Turn the sander on and let the motor reach its maximum speed before placing the sander on the work surface.
• Lower the sander to the work surface with a slight forward motion.
• Move the sander slowly over the work surface, using the rear handle to control the sander and the front handle to guide the sander.
  NOTE: Allowing the sander to remain in one place will result in an uneven surface.

Keep a firm grip on the sander with both hands at all times. Failure to do so could result in loss of control leading to possible serious injury.

The sander is designed to provide the proper weight on the sanding belt. Excessive pressure will result in the following:

• Uneven work
• Clogged sanding belts
• Premature sanding belt wear
• Possible motor burnout
• Irregular sanding belt tracking

PROPER HAND PLACEMENT

For ease of operation and maintaining proper control, the sander has a front handle and a rear handle. These handles allow two-handed operation, which aids in maintaining control, keeping the sanding area level with the workpiece, and keeping hands clear of the sanding belt. When operating the sander, always hold the front handle with your left hand and the rear handle with your right hand.

Keep hands and fingers clear of moving sanding belt, front idler roller, and drive roller assembly. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury.

Do not let your fingers rest over the front or right edge of the sander. If the sanding belt were to run off, or if it were not properly adjusted, your fingers could come in contact with the moving sanding belt resulting in possible serious injury.

The sander is designed to be operated as shown with both hands on the tool at all times for maximum control. Never operate the tool overhead or inverted from the proper operating position; serious personal injury could result.

HELPFUL TIPS

• If the sanding belt slips or does not track while sanding, you may be applying too much pressure. When this occurs, remove the sander from the workpiece. If you properly adjust the belt tracking, the sanding belt will return to its normal and correct position on the drive roller and front roller.
• Use a coarser sanding belt for heavy sanding, not heavy pressure. The weight of the tool is sufficient to provide adequate pressure at the correct location.
• The front roller of the sander is not designed for contour sanding. Sanding on the front roller could cause irregularity in the sanding belt tracking.

MAINTENANCE

When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts could create a hazard or cause product damage.

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible serious injury.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.

Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which can result in serious personal injury.

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.

LUBRICATION

All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further lubrication is required.

POWER SUPPLY CORD REPLACEMENT

If replacement of the power supply cord is necessary, this must be done by an authorized service center in order to avoid a safety hazard.