Ryobi EMS180RG Operation manual

MULTI-PAD SANDER
OWNER’S OPERATING MANUAL
EMS180RG

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DESCRIPTION
1. On/off switch
2. Dust collection box
3. Variable speed control selector
4. Live tool indicator
5. Triangular detail pad
6. Sheet pad
7. Triangular detail sanding sheet
8. Non-adhesive sandpaper
9. Quick change hook and loop pad
10. Cover
11. Finger pad
12. Lock
13. Hex key
14. Paper clamp

Fig. 8
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Important!
It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before
operating this machine.
Subject to technical modifications.

1
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure
tofollowthewarningsandinstructionsmayresultinelectric
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.
1. WORK AREA SAFETY
a. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or
dark areas invite accidents.
b. 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.
c. Keep children and bystanders away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause
you to lose control.
2. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
a. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any
adaptor plugs with earthed (grounded) power
tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will
reduce risk of electric shock.
b. 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.
c. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. If operating power tools in a damp location
is unavoidable, use a residual current device
(RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces
the risk of electric shock.
3. PERSONAL SAFETY
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
f. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves
away from moving parts. Looseclothes,jewellery
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
g. 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.
4. POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
a. 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.
b. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not
turn it on and off. Any power tool that can not be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and must
be repaired.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment
or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts
and any other condition that may affect the
power tools operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

2
g. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc., in accordance with these instructions and
in the manner intended for the particular type
of power tool, taking into account the working
conditions and the work to be performed. Use
of the power tool for operations different from
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
5. SERVICE
a. 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.
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
SANDERS
Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when
sanding, especially sanding over-head.
The product is not suitable for wet sanding.
Do not use sanding paper larger than needed.
Extra paper extending beyond the sanding pad can
also cause serious lacerations.
The dust bag shall be equipped with the product. It
should be emptied frequently. To connect a dust bag,
insert the adaptor of dust bag to the dust-collection
opening on the rear end of the sander.
WARNING
Do not throw sanding dust on an open fire because
materials in fine particle form may be explosive.
WARNING
A suitable breathing respirator must be worn while
sanding lead paint, some wood and metal to avoid
breathing the harmful/toxic dust or air.
Additional safety instructions
WARNING
The product is not intended for use by persons
(including children) with reduced physical, sensory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and
knowledge, unless they have been given supervision
or instruction concerning use of the product by a
person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they
do not play with the product.
Keep children and visitors away. Visitors should
wear safety glasses and be kept a safe distance from
work area. Do not let visitors contact tool or extension
cord.
It is recommended that this tool always be supplied via
a residual current device with a rated residual current
of 30mA or less.
SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage 240 V 50 Hz
Power 180 W
Orbital per minute 6000-12000 min-1
Pad size
Triangular pad 168 x 100 mm
1/3 sheet pad 185 x 92 mm
Weight 1.4 kg
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR MULTI-PAD SANDER
See Figure 1.
Your sander is suitable for sanding with coarse, medium
and fine grit sandpaper. It will produce a fine, scratch-free
finish when used to sand with the grain on wood surfaces.
It has been designed so that flush corner sanding on three
sides of the sander is possible.
Your sander has a comfortable palm grip handle that
provides maximum one-hand comfort and reduces
operator fatigue during continuous sanding operations.
Before using this product, familiarize yourself with all
operating features and safety requirements. However, do
not let familiarity with the tool make you careless.
SWITCH
This tool is equipped with a simple switch control located
near the front of the motor housing.
EXCHANGEABLE HOOK AND LOOP BASE PADS
This sander includes 2 base pads which are
interchangeable for different applications.
Triangular detail pad for detail sanding.
1/3 sheet pad for sanding large areas.
The hook and loop design allows for quick change of
sanding sheets and different pads. It also enables you to
easily clean and reuse them.
CIRCULAR SANDING ACTION
The oscillating action of your sander produces very quick,
small circular motion of the sanding pad. The motion is
ideal for producing a fine finished grain.
DUST COLLECTION BOX
The dust collection box attaches to the sander and keeps
dust to a minimum.
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL
See Figure 4.

3
Your sander has advanced electronic features, designed
to assist you in getting the maximum use from your
sander. By making proper speed selections, your sander
can be adjusted to specific sanding needs.
The variable speed control allows the sander to develop a
no-load speed that can be adjusted from 6,000 to 12,000
min-1. The variable speed control selector is conveniently
located on the front of the sander.
The electronic feature of your sander introduces the
flexibility of adjusting the motor speed to required job
conditions. An electronic speed control module senses
the load applied to the motor and increases or decreases
motor voltage to compensate for and maintain desired
RPM. Speed can be set according to the sanding purpose
or the surface of the workpiece you will be using. Increase
speed for rough surfaces or for quick removal of stock and
decrease speed for smaller, delicate sanding applications.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING
The tool should never be connected to a power supply
when you are assembling parts, making adjustments,
cleaning, performing maintenance, or when the tool is
not in use. Disconnecting the tool will prevent accidental
starting that could cause serious injury.
SANDPAPER SELECTION
Selecting the correct size, grit and type of sand paper 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
Do not use sander without sandpaper; doing so will
damage the cushion.
Sheet/pad recommended use
80-grit sanding sheet Coarse sanding
120-grit sanding sheet Light sanding
150-grit sanding sheet Light sanding
ATTACHING HOOK AND LOOP SANDING DISCS
See Figure 2.
1. Unplug the sander.
2. Align holes in hook and loop type sanding disc with
holes in pad, then carefully press fuzzy side of sanding
disc against 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.
ATTACHING THE DUST COLLECTION BOX
See Figure 3.
The dust collection box provides a dust collection system
for the sander. Sanding dust is drawn up through the holes
of the sanding disc and collected in the dust collection box
during sanding.
1. Unplug the sander.
2. Using a slight twisting motion, firmly slide the dust
collection box assembly in the blower exhaust on the
sander.
WARNING
Exercise caution when using this tool. Careless actions,
for even a fraction of a second, can result in serious
personal injury.
INTENDED USE
You may use the sander for the purposes listed below:
sanding on wood surfaces
removing rust from and sanding steel surfaces
polishing and scrubbing porcelain and metal
CAUTION
Keep the cord away from the sanding pad and position
the cord so that it will not be caught on lumber, tools, or
other objects during sanding.
WARNING
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating this tool. Failure to do so could
result in dust, shavings, or loose particles being thrown
into your eyes, resulting in possible serious injury.
OPERATION
TURNING THE SANDER ON/OFF
See Figure 4.
Turn on the sander: Push the on/off switch to the left.
Turn off the sander: Push the on/off switch to the

4
right.
OPERATING THE SANDER
See Figure 5.
1. Secure the workpiece to prevent it from moving under
the sander.
WARNING
Unsecured workpieces could be thrown towards the
operator, causing injury.
WARNING
Keep your head away from the sander and the sanding
area. Your hair could be drawn into the sander causing
serious injury.
2. Place the sander on the workpiece so that all of the
sanding disc surface is in contact with the workpiece.
CAUTION
Avoid damaging the motor from overheating, be careful
not to let your hand cover the air vents.
3. Turn on the sander and move it slowly over the
workpiece.
NOTE: Hold the sander in front and away from you,
keeping it clear of the workpiece. Start sander and let the
motor build to its maximum speed, then gradually lower
the sander onto the workpiece. Move the sander slowly
across the workpiece using small circular motions.
Do not force. The weight of the unit supplies adequate
pressure, so let the sanding disc and sander do the work.
Applying additional pressure only slows the motor, rapidly
wears sanding disc and greatly reduces sander speed.
Excessive pressure will overload the motor causing
possible damage from motor overheating and can result in
inferior work. Any finish or resin on wood may soften from
the frictional heat.
Do not allow sanding on one spot too long as the sander’s
rapid action may remove too much material, making the
surface uneven.
Extended periods of sanding may tend to overheat the
motor. If this occurs, turn sander off and wait until sanding
disc comes to a complete stop, unplug the sander, then
remove it from workpiece. Allow the tool to cool down.
CORNERS AND CREVICES
See Figure 6.
For detail sanding such as corners and crevices, use
the tip of the sanding pad with small back and forth
motions.
EMPTYING THE DUST COLLECTION BOX
See Figure 7.
For more efficient operation, empty the dust collection
box when it is no more than half full. This will permit the
air to flow through the dust collection box better. Always
empty and clean the dust collection box thoroughly upon
completion of a sanding operation and before placing the
sander in storage.
WARNING
Collected sanding dust from sanding surface coatings
such as polyurethanes, linseed oil, etc., can self-ignite
in your sander dust collection box or elsewhere and
cause fire. To reduce the risk of fire always empty your
dust collection box frequently (10-15 minutes) while
sanding and never store or leave a sander without
totally emptying its dust collection box. Also follow the
recommendations of the coatings manufacturers.
1. Unplug the sander.
WARNING
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.
2. Remove the dust collection box from the sander.
3. Shake out the dust.
4. Reattach the dust collection box to the sander.
NOTE: For a more thorough cleaning of the dust collection
box, remove dust collection box from frame and shake out
dust. Replace dust collection box over frame then install
dust collection box assembly on sander.
CHANGING THE BASE PADS (1/3 SHEET AND
TRIANGULAR PAD)
See Figure 8.
1. For safety, ensure your sander is unplugged.
2. Remove the sanding sheet from the base. Remove the
allen screws on the base, using the hex key provided.
3. Once all 3 screws have been removed, remove the
base.
4. When fitting the new base, place the base up to the
sander and insert the first screw (do not tighten).
5. Insert the remaining 2 screws, then tighten all 3
screws. Tighten up the allen screws opposite to each
other.
NOTE: Do not over tighten.
Place the desired sanding paper on to the base and
continue to work.
CAUTION
Remove the sanding sheet when not in use to prevent
warping.
INSTALLING SANDPAPER
Inspect sandpaper before installing. Do not use if broken
or defective.

5
INSTALLING ADHESIVE (HOOK AND LOOP)
SANDPAPER - FOR ALL BASE PADS
See Figure 9 and 10.
1. Unplug the sander.
2. Align holes in hook and loop type sanding disc with
holes in pad, then carefully press fuzzy side of sanding
disc against 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.
WARNING
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.
INSTALLING NON-ADHESIVE SANDPAPER - 1/3
SHEET PAD ONLY
See Figure 11.
1. Unplug the sander.
2. Release the paper clamp. Remove used sandpaper,
if any.
3. Insert the new sandpaper under the paper clamp.
4. Clamp the sandpaper in place.
ORBITAL MOTION
Orbitalmotionisidealforfastcutting action whenremoving
old finishes, smoothing rough wood, cutting stock down to
required dimensions or for finishing surfaces to be painted.
The sandpaper moves in tiny circles at a very high speed,
allowing the sander to move easily.
USING THE FINGER PAD
See Figure 12.
1. Open the finger pad cover.
2. Lower the finger pad and lock it in place.
3. Close the finger pad cover.
LIVE TOOL INDICATOR
This tool features a live tool indicator which illuminates as
soon as the tool is connected to the supply. This warns the
user that the tool is connected and will operate when the
switch is pressed.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
The tool should never be connected to a power supply
when you are assembling parts, making adjustments,
cleaning, performing maintenance, or when the tool is
not in use. Disconnecting the tool will prevent accidental
starting that could cause serious injury.
WARNING
When servicing use only identical Ryobi replacement
parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or
cause product damage.
GENERAL
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to various types of commercial
solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean
cloths to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.
WARNING
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact
with plastic parts. They contain chemicals that can
damage, weaken or destroy plastic.
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 recommend 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.
WARNING
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields during power tool operation or when blowing
dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
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.
CLEANING THE SANDING SHEETS
The sanding sheets that came with your sander are
made to be re-used. Therefore, it is important that they
be cleaned periodically to remove sanding residue and
foreign material that can accumulate over time.
One of the ways to clean sanding sheets is to rub the
sheets with a hard rubber block. You can also use the clean
rubber sole of a shoe.
WARNING
Always remove scrubbing or sanding pad from sander
before cleaning. Failure to do so could cause serious
personal injury.

6
SYMBOL
Safety alert
V Volts
Hz Hertz
Alternating current
WWatts
noNo-load speed
min-1Revolutions or reciprocations per minute
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). Product
meets applicable regulatory requirements.
Double insulation
Wear ear protection
Wear eye protection
Please read the instructions carefully before
starting the machine.
Waste electrical products should not be
disposed of with household waste. Please
recycle where facilities exist. Check with your
Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice.

20140522
Techtronic Industries (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Level 1, 660 Doncaster Road
Doncaster, VIC 3108, Australia
Techtronic Industries New Zealand Ltd.
18-26 Amelia Earhart Avenue
Mangere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand