Hoe BELT SANDER IMPORTANT: Read Before Usin ‘SKIL CORPORATION lm SUBSIDIARY OF EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. BMIERSONe 4300 W. PETERSON AVENUE ® CHICAGO, IL 60646PRENINEY 2oe ne SNS 2 le are RULES Tisted]__ BELOW, and other basic safety precautions, may casult in serious personal injury. General Safety Rules Work Area © KEEP WORK AREAS CLEAN. Cluttered eres end benches invite eezidents © AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don't use ower tools In damp or wet locations. Keop work area trell it, Do not expose power togls to rein. Do not Use tool In presence of flammable liquids or gases @ KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. Do not let visitors contact foo! of extension cord. All visitors should be kept away Trom work area. Personal Safety @ DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothi jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and non-skid footwear are recommended when Inorking outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair @ USE SAFETY GLASSES. Also face or dust mask if cutting operation is dusty. @ GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces. For example, pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures. © STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing. Use Common sense. Do nat operate tool when you are tired, © DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use; before servicing: when changing blades, bits, cutters, ete, REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. © Form habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from too! before turning it on, @ AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Don't carry plugged in tool with finger on switch. Be sure switch 's OFF when plugged in, @ DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all tims. @ CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the tool, a quars or other part that is damaged should be careiully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of raving 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 re paired or replaced. Have defective switches replaced Do not use too! if switch does not turn it on or off. Ail repairs, electrical or mechanical, RAINS should be attempted only by tain {ed repairmen. Contact the nearest Skil Factory Service Center, ar Authorized Skil Service Station or other competent repair service. Use only Skil replacement parts, any other may create a hazard “SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS” o PNUUENINTS] Troveptenyotereccensoras nr specified in this manual may create 2 hazard. Tool Use @ DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed @ USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or attachment to da the jab of a heavy-duty tool. Don’t tse tool for purpose not intended-for example; don't Use circular saw for cutting tree limbs or logs. @ SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hotd work It’s safer than using your hand and it frees both hands ‘to operate tool @ OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS. When tool is Used outdoors, use only extension cords suitable for use outdoors and marked with suffix W-A (for UL}, for W (for CSAL Tool Care © STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, tools shouid be stored in dry, high or locked up place—out of the reach of children, @ DON'T ABUSE CORD. Nevor carry too! by cord of yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges. @ DO NOT ALTER OR MISUSE TOOL. These tools are precision built. Any alteration or modification hot Specified is misuse and may result in a dangerous condition, @ AVOID GASEOUS AREAS. Do not operate portable electric tools in gassous oF explosive atmospheres. Motors in these tools normally spark, and the sparks right ignite fumes. @ MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance, Fallow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords periodically and if damaged, have repaired by authorized service facility. Inspect exten tion cords periodiealiy and replace if demaged. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oll and grease Before connecting the tool to a power source (receptacle, outlet, fete.) be sure the voltage supplied is the same as that specified on the nameplate of the tool. A power source with voltage greater than that specified for the tool can result in SERIOUS INJURY to the user—as well as damage to the tool. If in doubt, DO NOT PLUG IN THE TOOL. Using a power source with yeitage lass than the nameplate 1 ful to the motor.and @ dust mask for extremely usty applications and when sanding over-heed. © Be extremely careful about dust disposal. Mate- rials ia fine particle form are explosive. Do not throw sanding dust “sweapings” on an open fire. Spontaneous combustion may result from mixtures of oil or water with residues. Tool Safety Rules———_~. © Keep the cord to the left of the sander (side away from pulleys) to reduce the possibility of entanglement with the belt and the pulleys To prevent personal injury. Do CNS) rot position Tingors nee! bolt where they could get cut or wedged between ‘the belt and pulley, or the motor housing. Your new SKIL tool is equipped with a two wire cord ‘2nd two prong plug which can be used in standard 120 Volt'A.C. outlets. No grounding of the tool is necessary. The housing is Extension Cords Replace damaged or worn cords immediately. The table shows the correct size to use, depending on cord length and nameplate amperage rating of too! If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. An under sized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting In loss of power and overheating. NOTE: The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord! (Extension Cords are availabe) Double Insulated Tools— Double Insulated Tools With Two-Prong Plugs 2 dielectric material, This helps protect you in case of ‘allure of the stendard functional insulation within the electrical system, Use only identical replacement parts when serviee Is requires. Sp SRST se ye ea Bo Bor oR 8 Bu gon og OE Introduction SELECTING THE SANDING BELT It is very important that you select the proper belt for each particular application, To do this you should understand the method of marking or coding on the back of the belts. "CLOSED COAT” means the surface is densely covered with as much grit as the adhesive will hold. “OPEN COAT”... means the grit has been applied evenly, but openly to the surface. An “open coat” will not clog or fill as readily as “closed coat.” In general, aluminum oxide abrasive belts are best for woodworking because they are tougher and last longer. Sanding belts should be stored in @ cool, ry place. Do not store near heat or near a window where the sun can reach them: Page 3 2.1/2” x 16” BELTS AVAILABLE FROM SKIL a en a Tgesetames | Bacceeg | rou | 7s] Seee saosin - Sane [Page| 7s gr Nut Ena. nial 788 oe Tie ee [Fs aoe [Suara | eae 2 Belts per packageTo keep your tool in proper working condition and do it economically, you should return it annuslly (depending upon use) to your nearest Skil Service Center or Authorized Service Station for the fol- Towing: @ Parts cleaned and inspected @ Relubricated with fresh lubricant © Electrical system tested All repairs PEREINTS Tesaet hr cesrtig not specified in this manual could create a hazard. ‘Skil Accessories can be purchesed at your local Hardware/Home Center or v ‘SKUt FACTORY SERVICE CENTERS Accessories 2-1/2" x 16" SANDING BELTS For best results, we recommend you use genuine Skil Sandeat sanding belts with the "Grits-on-Edge” sur- face, “Grits-on-Edge” process sets sharp edges of abrasive at cutting surface for faster sanding, longer belt life. (See chart on page 3). DUST PICK-UP ATTACHMENT No. 71882 complete with Hose for attaching to a Shop Vacuum Cleaner will help lessen dust on work: and in the sanding area, Jour neatest Skil Factory Service Canter listed below. omesceoss maaan SEER MO a 222) aumonzeo sii an ten Ske Rimeagi] SERVICE STarions rr eee oe a 9 ‘ue "enacin | aelocted ioe lowing See ee Ses freon oa See FEE exam atmmon ort mmm i = me Foerent 11/84 Saal Sonera PRINTED IN USAFig. Lock.on Boro Tatcecr Swine ERECTION oF ROTATION PuLteY Operation REMOVING AND INSTALLING SANDING BELTS To prevent personal injury, always ENING disconnect the plug from the power soures before removing or installing the belt TO REMOVE BELT 1, Retract and lock front idler pulley, by rotating the “locking lever” 900 in a clockwise direction (Fig. 2). 2.” With ‘the sander on its side (open side up), you can easily lift off the belt, TO INSTALL BELT 1. While the sander is still on its side, with the front idler pulley retracted and locked, insert the new belt around the pulleys and over the metal plate. Be sure the arrow on the cloth back- ing of the belt points in the same direction the belt will travel FIG? bockine teva Page 4 2, Rotate the “locking lever” 900 in @ counter- clockwise direction. The front pulley will snap back into operating position. TO TRACK BELT 1. Plug the cord into the power source. 2. Hold the handle of the sander in your right hand and tilt it beck until the belt is off the work and. ‘the sander is resting on the bottom hee! of the housing (Fig. 3) 3. Pull the trigger and with your left hand turn the “adjusting knob” until the belt runs flush with the outer edge of the rear pulley. When the belt is properly aligned, the outer edge will extend beyond the front pulley but be flush with the rear pulley 4. Do not let the belt rub against the frame of the sander. If sparks fly you will know the belt is Funning against the striking bar located inside ‘the housing and must be adjusted immediately LOCK-ON BUTTON ‘The Lock-On Button, located just above the re movable front handle (see Fig. 1), allows for contin- uous operation .without holding ‘the on/off trigger. To lock on, pull the trigger and press the button, then release the’ trigger, To stop, pull the trigger and then release it. REMOVABLE FRONT HANDLE Your Sandcat sander is equipped with e front handle for two-handed operation and control. There are applications, such as overhead, when it may prove more convenient to use only one hand. During such use you may wish to remove the front handle to increase your visibility of the work area, Whenever using the sander overhead, be sure to wear protective goggles. Depending on the amount of dust being Generated, you may also wish to wear 2 face mask. Sanding Tips TECHNIQUE Gragp the handles firmly. Start the sander with the belt off the work (NOTE: Never start or stop the tool with ‘the belt in contact with the work surface) Place the hee! of the sander on the work first, Then, with 2 forward motion, begin the sanding stroke es the machine is lowered’ onto the work surface. This will prevent gouging. Keep the sander moving so that your work will be smooth and even. The stroke is simply a back-and-forth movement with most of the sending done on the pull movement. Use a lisht touch, The weight of the Sandcat is the onlypressure required, Too much pressure will slow the work by overloading the motor and reducing belt Speed. The result will be decreased sanding efficiency, ‘Sand slowly and systematically and, when you stop, Iift the Sandcat from the surface before stopping the tool WOOD FINISHING ‘Take care to select belts wisely, For initial smoothing of rough lumber, use coarse or very coarse grit and Send with the grain, On very uneven or hard wood, Send diagonally (across the grain}, Be cereful to avoid gouging, Now switch to a medium grit belt and sand with the grain. This will provide a relatively level and Smooth finish, Now insert a fine grit belt for final finwhing. Always sand with the grain to remove seratches left by coarser belts. Keeo the Sandeat mov- ing in long, light strokes during finishing operations. ‘As 2 final touch, experienced sanders will often insert 2 “used” fine belt to provide e smooth surface for filling, sealing, brushing or spraying. REFINISHING COATED WOOD Your Sandcat will also help remove old paint, varnish oF lacquer; however, if the coating consists ‘Of several layers, remove as much as possible with @ paint solvent of varnish remover before using the Sandcat, Use a hand scraper to remove the residue left by the solvent and allow surface to dry complete- ly before sanding For fast removal, start with a coarse grit, open coat belt. Change to closed coat belts, using medium grits fs the material shows through the coating, When the Covering is thin, use medium grit to avoid scratching the material. Use short, light strokes, moving the Sendeat rapidly. Excessive pressure or steady sanding in one place will burn the coating and load the belt, GUIDE FOR WOOD SANDING OPERATIONS SERING, ABRASIVE |, WETHOD. | cFERRAS.| runrose | Yous | ot Satine Rous [Totem our | Goma con | sone aiagonay | Snags FasenTon fp Toanaan me | Co Goat [Sondiesrah Toush sending | Mcluen Gr [wr he Fink [Tha tee sncing | Glow Gam | Sanaearaier ommangine | Powers [ots Remove all sanding dust thoroughly before coat: ing. Use 2 soft brush or a vacuum cleaner and hose to remove ail sonding dust from seams and crevices. Page 5 METAL FINISHING For ferrous metals such as steel, stainless stee!, iron, tte, use coarse grit open coat belts or coarse to fine grit’ closed coat belts, depending on the finish Jesired. Non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, solder, brass, bronze, etc., can also be sanded. Beeswax or tallow are recommended a8 lubricants for metal sending, polishing or satin finishing to minimize belt loading and to lengthen belt life. To use, simply rub the lubricant on the belt from time to time, SAE No. 10 or 20 {ubricating oil can also be used to assure a smooth, scratch free surfece. Just wipe the oil on the surface prior to sanding, Maintenance PRUNING Ss Sse toe Seon to prevent personat injury. CLEANING Because of the type of work they perform, sanders Create more dust than other power tools. Although the venting system is designed to eject the dust, Some will cling 40 the housing and pulleys. After each Use, you should disconnect the cord from the power Source, remove the sending belt and clean the pulleys, housing and vents. Wipe the cord to prevent de Terioration from oll and grease, Certain cleaning agents and solvents Coca) damage plastic parts. Some of these are: gesoline, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated clean. ing solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia, Avoiding use of thete and other {ypes of cleaning agents minimizes the probability of damage. BEARINGS Your new sander comes equipped with double seal ball bearings for the motor and needle bearings for the drive pulley. These bearings are lubricated for life of the tool STRIKING BAR 'A bar of hardened steel is attached inside the lower housing to protect the housing from the cutting action of the belt edge. This bar will become grooved after Considerable use. If this happens, take it to your nearest Skil Service Center for replacement. All repairs, electrical or mechanical, CNIS should be attempted only by trained repairman, Contact the nearest Factory Service Cen: ter or Authorized Service Station or other competent repaie service. Use only identical replacement parts, any other may create a hazard,