RIDGID R8606 Operator's Manual page 6

OPERATION
SANDING DISC SELECTION
Selecting the correct size grit and type sandpaper 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 economical 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
or changing 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 9.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Align holes in the hook-and-loop type sanding disc with
holes in the pad, then carefully press the fuzzy side of
the sanding disc against the pad as tightly as possible.
NOTE: Hook-and-loop type sanding discs can be reused
for the life of the sanding abrasive. It is recommended that
you keep the sanding disc backing pad clean to provide
for best adhesion. Clean occasionally by brushing lightly
with a small brush.
INSTALLING THE OPTIONAL PRESSURE
SENSITIVE ADHESIVE (PSA) SANDING PAD
AND DISC ATTACHMENT (NOT INCLUDED)
See Figure 4, page 9.
The Micro-Fiber hook-and-loop pad accepts standard
™
8-hole hook-and-loop sanding discs. To attach the optional
pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) backing pad, you must
first remove the hook-and-loop pad. Inspect sanding disc
before installing. Do not use if broken or defective.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Remove the four screws that hold the hook-and-loop pad
in place.
 Remove the hook-and-loop pad.
 Clean dust particles from the pad brake.
 Apply a thin layer of lightweight grease to the back of the
pad.
 Align the holes in the pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)
backing pad with the four screw holes in the sander.
 Replace the four screws securely.
 Carefully peel paper backing from the pressure sensitive
adhesive type sanding disc.
 Align holes in sanding disc with holes in backing pad,
then carefully press sticky side of disc against pad as
tightly as possible.
NOTE: Holes in sanding disc must line up with holes in
the backing pad in order for the dustless feature of the
sander to function properly.
NOTE: It is recommended that you clean backing pad
occasionally by brushing lightly with a small brush. Dust
buildup on backing pad could cause sanding disc not to
stick properly.
REMOVE PSA SANDING DISC FROM OPTIONAL
PSA BACKING PAD BEFORE STORAGE
Do not store the sander with the PSA sanding disc installed.
Heat generated from sanding causes the pressure sensitive
adhesive to flow and form a tight bond between the backing
pad and sanding disc.
Removing the sanding disc soon after you have finished
a sanding operation avoids letting the adhesive set up. If
the sanding disc is left on the backing pad for an extended
period of time after use, the adhesive will set up and cause
the sanding disc to become difficult to remove.
It may also tear when removing. When this situation occurs,
it becomes difficult to clean the backing pad for the next
sanding disc.
NOTE: If you forget to remove the sanding disc after a sand-
ing operation, sand for a few minutes to soften the adhesive
backing before attempting to remove sanding disc.
ATTACHING THE SANDER TO A VACUUM
See Figures 5 - 6, page 10.
The built-in vacuum adaptor allows you to connect to a
1-1/4 in. or 2-1/2 in. diameter vacuum hose to help keep
the work area clean.
To install the vacuum hose:
 Remove the battery pack.
 Turn the dust bag counterclockwise to the UNLOCK
position to remove it from the sander.
 Attach vacuum hose to dust exhaust.
NOTE: Vacuum hose fits inside dust exhaust.
 Reinstall the battery pack.
6 - English