Ryobi DE18 Operator's Manual page 7

INSTALLING SANDPAPER
The cushion on the sander gives you the option of using
either non-adhesive sandpaper that clamps to the platen or
adhesive backed sandpaper with pressure sensitive adhesive
backing that sticks to the cushion.
INSTALLING NON-ADHESIVE SANDPAPER
See Figure 2, page 10.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Inspect sandpaper before installing; do not use if broken
or defective.
 If replacing sandpaper, remove old sandpaper. To remove
paper, release both the front and rear paper clamps by
by lifting up on lever, and disengaging it from the tab on
the platen.
 Insert end of new 1/4 sheet sandpaper approximately
1/2 in. under the rear paper clamp.
NOTE: 1/2 in. clamping of sandpaper is necessary for
multi-sheet stacking of paper.
 Lift up on paper clamp lever and lock into place behind the
tab on the platen. Apply downward pressure to conform
sandpaper to platen.
 Wrap sandpaper around cushion. Lift lever on front end
of sander and insert loose end of sandpaper under paper
clamp. Fit sandpaper against cushion tightly.
 Lift up on lever and lock into place behind the tab on the
platen.
INSTALLING ADHESIVE SANDPAPER
See Figure 2, page 10.
 Remove the battery pack.
 If replacing adhesive sandpaper, remove old sandpaper
by peeling it off cushion.
NOTE: Sand for a few minutes to soften the adhesive
backing before attempting to remove old sandpaper.
 If replacing regular sandpaper, release paper clamp by
lifting up on lever and disengaging it from the tab on the
platen. Remove non-adhesive sandpaper, then lift up on
paper clamp lever and lock it into place.
 Carefully peel adhesive backing from new 1/4 sheet
sandpaper.
 Position sandpaper, making sure front edge of sandpaper
is aligned with front edge of the cushion, then carefully
press sticky side of sandpaper on cushion.
OPERATION
NOTE: Sandpaper must be aligned with the front edge
of the cushion for proper functioning of the flush sanding
feature.
NOTE: The cushion on the sander is approximately 1/4 in.
smaller than precut adhesive-backed sanding sheets. If
desired you may want to trim off the overhang of sandpaper
on the back side of cushion. The cushion has been made
smaller so that multiple sheets of non-adhesive sandpaper
can be installed.
PAPER PUNCH
See Figure 3, page 10.
A paper punch template has been supplied with the sander for
aligning and punching holes in sandpaper. The punched holes
must align with the holes in the sander cushion. Punching
the holes properly is a necessary step for dustless sanding.
 Install sandpaper on the sander.
 Align sander cushion to paper punch as shown.
 Push down on sander.
WARNING:
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. If the sanding operating is dusty, also wear
a face or dust mask.
SANDPAPER 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.
NOTE: DO NOT use sander without sandpaper. Doing so
will damage the cushion.
7 - English