Before Leaving The Sander; Precautions To Take When Sanding Metals; Precautions To Take When Sanding Paint; Basic Sanding Operation - RIDGID EB4424 Owner's Manual

Before Leaving The Sander

Turn switch off. Don't leave tool until the unit comes to a
complete stop.

Precautions To Take When Sanding Metals

When sanding metals, sparks or hot fragments could
cause a fire. To reduce the risk of this:
1. Disconnect any dust collecting hose from the sander.

Precautions To Take When Sanding Paint

Sanding of lead based paint is not recommended. It is
difficult to control the contaminated dust that could cause
lead poisoning.
It is also difficult to identify whether or not a paint con-
tains lead. Therefore, we recommend the following pre-
cautions when sanding all paints:
1. Protect your lungs. Wear a dust mask or respirator at
all times. Wear only dust masks that are suitable for
working in lead paint sanding environments. Ordinary
painting masks do not offer this protection.
2. Do not allow children or pregnant women to enter the work
area until paint sanding job is complete and work area is
clean.
3. To prevent ingesting contaminated paint particles: Do
not eat, drink, or smoke in a work area where paint is

Basic Sanding Operation

Sandpaper Selection

Selecting the correct size diameter, correct size grit, and
correct 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 gar-
net, 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 opera-
tions. 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 fin-
ishing of the surface. Always continue sanding with each
grit until surface is uniform.
1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/2"
19
Make workshop child-proof. Remove the yellow switch
key. Store it away from children and others not qualified
to use the tool. Disconnect master switches. Lock the
shop.
2. Remove all traces of wood dust from inside the unit
before sanding metals.
3. Remove all traces of metal dust from inside the unit
before sanding wood again.
being sanded. After sanding paint, wash and clean up
before eating, drinking or smoking. Do not leave food,
drinks, or tobacco products in the work area where
dust can settle on them.
4. Protect the environment when sanding paint. Use a
dust collection system if possible. Seal the work area
with plastic if necessary. Do not track paint dust out-
side the work area.
5. Thoroughly clean the work area upon completion of
paint sanding project. If project lasts for an extended
period of time, clean work area often. Items such as
sanding dust, vacuum filter bags, plastic drop cloths, etc.
should be placed in a sealed container and disposed of
properly. Clean all items exposed to sanding dust.
NOTE: Do Not use sander without sandpaper. Doing so
will damage the rubber drum.
Select and install the desired sanding sleeve for your par-
ticular application. Sanding sleeves from 1/2" to 2" can be
used with this sander. Choose one that is close in size to
the workpiece you are sanding. Also install the appropri-
ate spacer ring insert (page 11).
WARNING: Failure to use the correct size spacer
ring insert with its matching sanding sleeve could
result in fingers being pinched or the workpiece
being pulled down between the spacer ring insert
and sanding sleeve.
NOTE: The correct size sanding belt is 4" x 24". These
belts are available in coarse, medium and fine grits.
2"
4" x 24" Sanding Belt