Ryobi ESS-3215V Operation manual

OWNER’S OPERATING MANUAL
SHEET SANDER
MODEL ESS3215V
Double
Insulated
THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI SHEET SANDER
Your new sheet sander has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’s high standard for
dependability, ease of operation and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of
rugged, trouble free performance.
Pay close attention to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings and Cautions.
If you use your sheet sander properly and only for what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe,
reliable service.
Thank You again for buying Ryobi tools.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire owner’s manual before using
your sheet sander.

Fig. 3
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
3
1
9
7
2
4
56
8
10 Fig. 4

240V 50Hz 320W
n
o
: 6000-12000 min
-1
SER.
No.
MADEIN CHINA
115 x 229 mm
ApprovalNo. SGS858
1/2SHEETSANDER
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
11
12 11
13
9

1
English
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including
children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capa-
bilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they
have been given supervision or instruction concerning use
of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not
play with the appliance.
WARNING
Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions
listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or
serious injury. The term “power tool’’ in all of the
warnings listed below refers to your mains operated
(corded) power tool or battery operated (cordless)
power tool.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL. Indicates caution or
warning. May be used in conjunction with other
symbols or pictures.
WARNING
Failure to obey a safety warning can result in seri-
ous injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock and personal injury.
WARNING
Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have
read thoroughly and understood completely safety
rules, etc. contained in this manual. Failure to com-
ply can result in accidents involving fire, electric
shock or serious personal injury. Save owners
manual and review frequently for continuing safe
operation and instructing others who may use this
tool.
The operation of any tool can result
in foreign objects being thrown into
your eyes, which can result in severe
eye damage. Before beginning
power tool operation, always wear
safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recom-
mend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or
standard safety glasses with side shields.
WORK AREA
nKeep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark
areas invite accidents.
nDo not operate power tools in explosive atmos-
pheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
nKeep children and bystanders away while operat-
ing a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose
control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
nPower tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter
plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified
plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric
shock.
nAvoid 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.
nDo not expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the
risk of electric shock.
nDo not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for car-
rying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Dam-
aged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric
shock.
nWhen 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.
nIf operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD)
protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk
of electric shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
nStay alert, watch what you are doing and use com-
mon 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.
nUse 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.
nPrevent 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 plugging in power tools that have the switch
on invites accidents.
nRemove any adjusting key or wrench before
turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left at-
tached to a rotating part of the power tool may result
in personal injury.

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English
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
nDo not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. This enables better control of the power
tool in unexpected situations.
nDress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jew-
ellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long
hair can be caught in moving parts.
nIf devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of these devices
can reduce dust related hazards.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
nDo 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.
nDo 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.
nDisconnect the plug from the power source before
making any adjustments, changing accessories,
or storing power tools. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool
accidentally.
nStore 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.
nMaintain power tools. Check for misalignment or
bindling of moving parts, breakage of parts and any
other condition that may affect the power tools opera-
tion. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before
use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained
power tools.
nKeep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly main-
tained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less
likely to bind and are easier to control.
nUse 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.
SERVICE
nHave 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.
nCheck damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, a
guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and
perform its intended function. Check for alignment of
moving parts, free running of moving parts, breakage
of parts, mounting and any other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by an author-
ized service center unless otherwise indicated in this
instruction manual.Have defective switches replaced
by an authorized service facility. Do not use the tool if
the switch does not turn it on and off.
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR SANDERS
nAlways wear safety goggles and a dust mask when
sanding, especially sanding over-head.
nThe machine is not suitable for wet sanding.
nDo not use sanding paper larger than needed. Extra
paper extending beyond the sanding pad can also
cause serious lacerations.
nThe dust bag shall be equipped with the tool. It shall
be emptied frequently. To connect dust bag, insert the
adapter 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 woods and metal to avoid
breathing the harmful/toxic dust or air.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
I nput 240 V 50 Hz
Wattage 320 W
No load speed 6000-12000 min-1
Orbital diameter 2.2 mm
Weight 2.2 kg

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English
APPLICATIONS
Use only for the purposes listed below:
nSanding on wood surfaces.
nRemoving rust from and sanding steel surfaces.
nSanding plastics.
DESCRIPTION
1. Variation Speed Control
2. “ON / OFF” Switch Trigger
3. Power Supplier Cord
4. Dust Exhaust
5. Sanding Pad Assembly
6. Platen
7. Live Tool Indicator
8. Sandpaper Puncher
9. Non-Adhesive Sandpaper
10. Dust Bag Assembly
11. Handle of Clamp
12. Clamp
13. Adhesive Sandpaper
FEATURES
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 pro-
vides maximum one-hand comfort, and reduces operator
fatigue during continuous sanding operations.
Your sander also has a built in dust collection that col-
lects dust through punched holes in the sandpaper and
cushion.
Before attempting to use your sander, familiarize
yourself with all operating features and safety require-
ments.
SWITCH (2)
This tool is equipped with a simple switch control. To turn
the sander “ON”, slide the switch to the left.
Slide the switch to the right to turn the sander “OFF”.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL(1)
The electronic speed control allows the operator to adjust
speed to meet varity sanding material from tough heavy
grained timber to delicate veneer.
WARNING
Do not allow familiarity with your sander to make
you careless. Remember, a careless fraction of a
second is sufficient to inflict severe injury
OPERATION
WARNING
Your sander should never be connected to power
supply when you are assembling parts, making
adjustments, assembling or replacing sandpaper,
cleaning, or when not in use. Disconnecting sander
will prevent accidental starting that could cause
serious personal injury.
INSTALLING SANDPAPER (Fig. 5)
Inspect sandpaper before installing. DO NOT use if broken
of defective.
INSTALLING ADHESIVE (HOOK& LOOP)
SANDPAPER (13)
nUnplug the sander.
nIf replacing ahesive sandpaper, remove old sandpaper
by peeling it off cushion.
NOTE: Sand for a few minutes to soften the adhesive back-
ing before attempting to remove old sandpaper.
nCarefully peel adhesive backing from new 1/2 sheet
sandpaper.
nPosition sandpaper, making sure front edge of sand-
paper is aligned with front edge of the cushion, then
carefully press sticky side of sandpaper on cushion.
nIf the new sandpaper have a dust hole, then align holes
in paper with holes in cushion, then carefully press
fuzzy side of sandpaper against cushion as tightly as
possible.
INSTALLING NON-ADHESIVE SANDPAPER (9)
nLifting up the handle (11), and observing the sandpa-
per clamp (12) be lifting up also.
nInsert end of new 1/2 sheet sandpaper approximately
1/2 in. (12.7mm) under the paper clamp.

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English
Note: 1/2 in. clamping of sandpaper is necessary for multi-
sheet stacking of paper.
nRelease down the handle and apply clamp downward
pressure to conform sandpaper to platen.
nWrap sandpaper around cushion. Lifting up another
handle on opposite end of sander and insert loose
end of sandpaper under clamp also. Fit sandpaper
tight against with cushion.
nRelease down the handle.
nMulti-sheet of sandpaper can be installed at one time
for convenience.
PAPER PUNCH (Fig. 6)
A paper punch template has been supplied with your sander
for aligning and punching holes in sandpaper. The punched
holes must align with the holes in the sander cushion.
nInstall sandpaper on your sander.
nAlign sander cushion over the paper punch.
nPush down on sander
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 uni-
form. 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.
PREPARING FOR OPERATION
CAUTION
Be careful not to let your hand completely cover
air vents.
SANDING (Fig. 1)
WARNING
Unsecured work could be thrown towards the
operator causing injury.
Hold your sander in front and away from you, keeping it
clear of the workpiece. Start your sander by pressing the
switch button to “ON” position and letting the motor build
to its maximum speed. Gradually lower your sander on the
work with a slight forward movement. Move it slowly using
forward and backward strokes.
DO NOT FORCE. The weight of the unit supplies adequate
pressure, so let the sandpaper and sander do the work.
Applying additional pressure only slows the motor, rapidly
wears sandpaper and greatly reduces sander speed. Ex-
cessive 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, mak-
ing the surface uneven.
WARNING
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when op-
erating sander. They could get caught in moving
parts causing serious injury. Keep head away from
sander and sanding area. Hair could be drawn into
sander causing serious injury.
ORBITAL MOTION (Fig. 2)
Orbital motion is ideal for fast cutting action when removing
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.
WARNING
Collected sanding dust from sanding surface coat-
ings such as polyurethanes, linseed oil, etc. can
self-ignite in your sander dust bag or elsewhere
and cause fire. To reduce the risk of fire always
empty your dust bag frequently while sanding and
never store or leave a sander without totally empty-
ing its dust bag. Also follow the recommendations
of the coatings manufacturers.
USING THE DUST BAG ASSEMBLY
The dust bag assembly 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 bag during
sanding.
OPERATION

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English
TO ATTACH THE DUST BAG ASSEMBLY (Fig. 3)
Follow these directions to attach the dust bag assembly.
nUnplug the sander.
WARNING
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.
nSlide the dust bag assembly onto the blower exhaust
on the sander using a slight twisting motion.
TO EMPTY THE DUST BAG ASSEMBLY (Fig. 4)
For more efficient operation, empty the dust bag when
it is no more than half full. This will permit the air to flow
through the bag better. Always empty and clean the dust
bag thoroughly upon completion of a sanding operation and
before placing the sander in storage.
To empty dust bag:
nUnplug your sander.
WARNING
Failure to unplug your sander could result in ac-
cidental starting causing possible serious personal
injury.
nRemove the dust bag assembly from the sander.
nRemove the dust bag from the frame.
nShake out the dust.
nReplace the dust bag on the frame.
nReplace the dust bag assembly on the sander.
LIVE TOOL INDICATOR
This tool features a live tool indicator (7) 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 replace-
ment 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 sol-
vents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths
to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petro-
leum 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 acceler-
ated wear and possible premature failure because the
fiberglass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to bear-
ings, 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 lubrica-
tion is required.
CLEANING THE SCRUBBING PADS
To ensure longer life and optimum performance, periodically
clean all sanding residue and foreign materials from the
scrubbing pads. This can be done simply by rinsing the pad
with warm water until all foreign material has been washed
away. After cleaning, gently squeeze the pad to remove
excess water and allow pad to dry. Always store pads and
sanding sheets flat in a cool dry location.
OPERATION

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English
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.
To clean sanding sheets, 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.
SYMBOL
The following show the symbols used for the tool. Be sure
that you understand their meaning before use.
V.................................................................................Volts
Hz.............................................................................Hertz
........................................................Alternating Current
W..............................................................................Watts
n0..............................................................No load Speed
min-1...................Revolutions or reciprocation per minute
...................................................Double Insulation
....................................Read instruction manual
...................Wear Personal protective equipment
....................................Recycle raw materials
instead of disposing as waste. The machine,
accessories and packaging should be sorted for
environmental-friendly recycling.
MAINTENANCE
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
GUARANTEE
A.B.N. 98 002 277 509
Contact during normal business hours.
AUCKLAND: 27 Clemow Drive, Mt Wellington, N.Z.
Contact during normal business hours.
ALL AUSTRALIAN ENQUIRIES TEL : [phone]
WEST AUSTRALIAN ENQUIRIES TEL : [phone]
A
Purchased From
ddress Of Dealer
Present This Form With Your Purchase Docket When Guarantee Service Is Required.
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - www.ryobi.com.au
Tel: [phone] - Free Call: 0800 279 624 - Fax: [phone] - www.ryobi.co.nz
For your record and to assist in establishing date of purchase (necessary for in-guarantee service)
please keep your purchase docket and this form completed with the following particulars.
This Guarantee Form Should Be Retained By The Customer At All Times
Date Model No Serial No
SYDNEY: Building B, Rosehill Industrial Estate, 3-5 Shirley Street, Rosehill N.S.W. 2142
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES N.Z. LIMITED
Subject to the guarantee condition below, this Ryobi
tool (hereinafter called “the product”) is guaranteed by
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY
LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Company”) to be free
from defects in material or workmanship for a period of
24 months from the date of original purchase covering
both parts and labour. Under the terms of this guaran-
tee, the repair or replacement of any part shall be the
opinion of the Company or its authorised service
centre. Should service become necessary during the
warranty period, the owner should contact the
customer service HELPLINE 1300 361 505 or contact
the retailer from whom the product was purchased.
In order to obtain guarantee service, the owner must
present the sales docket and Guarantee Certificate to
confirm date of purchase. This product is sold by the
dealer or service centre as principal and the dealer
has no authority from the Company to give any
additional guarantee on the Company’s behalf except
as herein contained or herein referred to.
Guarantee Conditions
This guarantee only applies provided that the Product
has been used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations under normal use and reasonable
care (in the opinion of the Company) and such
guarantee does not cover damage, malfunction or
failure resulting from misuse, neglect, abuse, or used
for a purpose for which it was not designed or is not
suited and no repairs, alterations or modifications
have been attempted by other than an authorised
service centre. This guarantee will not apply if the tool
is damaged by accident or if repairs arise from normal
wear and tear.
The Company accepts no additional liability pursuant
to this guarantee for the costs of travelling or transpor-
tation of the Product or parts to and from the service
dealer or centre - such costs are not included in this
guarantee.
Certain legislation, including the Trade Practices
Act, 1974 (as amended) and other state and
territorial laws give rights to the buyer and impose
liability on the seller in certain circumstances. Nothing
herein shall have the effect of excluding, restricting or
modifying any condition, guarantee, right or liability
imposed, to the extent only that such exclusion,
restriction or modification would render any term
herein void.

TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
GUARANTEE
A.B.N. 98 002 277 509
Contact during normal business hours.
AUCKLAND: 27 Clemow Drive, Mt Wellington, N.Z.
Contact during normal business hours.
ALL AUSTRALIAN ENQUIRIES TEL : [phone]
WEST AUSTRALIAN ENQUIRIES TEL : [phone]
A
Purchased From
ddress Of Dealer
Present This Form With Your Purchase Docket When Guarantee Service Is Required.
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - www.ryobi.com.au
Tel: [phone] - Free Call: 0800 279 624 - Fax: [phone] - www.ryobi.co.nz
For your record and to assist in establishing date of purchase (necessary for in-guarantee service)
please keep your purchase docket and this form completed with the following particulars.
This Guarantee Form Should Be Retained By The Customer At All Times
Date Model No Serial No
SYDNEY: Building B, Rosehill Industrial Estate, 3-5 Shirley Street, Rosehill N.S.W. 2142
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES N.Z. LIMITED
Subject to the guarantee condition below, this Ryobi
tool (hereinafter called “the product”) is guaranteed by
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY
LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Company”) to be free
from defects in material or workmanship for a period of
24 months from the date of original purchase covering
both parts and labour. Under the terms of this guaran-
tee, the repair or replacement of any part shall be the
opinion of the Company or its authorised service
centre. Should service become necessary during the
warranty period, the owner should contact the
customer service HELPLINE 1300 361 505 or contact
the retailer from whom the product was purchased.
In order to obtain guarantee service, the owner must
present the sales docket and Guarantee Certificate to
confirm date of purchase. This product is sold by the
dealer or service centre as principal and the dealer
has no authority from the Company to give any
additional guarantee on the Company’s behalf except
as herein contained or herein referred to.
Guarantee Conditions
This guarantee only applies provided that the Product
has been used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations under normal use and reasonable
care (in the opinion of the Company) and such
guarantee does not cover damage, malfunction or
failure resulting from misuse, neglect, abuse, or used
for a purpose for which it was not designed or is not
suited and no repairs, alterations or modifications
have been attempted by other than an authorised
service centre. This guarantee will not apply if the tool
is damaged by accident or if repairs arise from normal
wear and tear.
The Company accepts no additional liability pursuant
to this guarantee for the costs of travelling or transpor-
tation of the Product or parts to and from the service
dealer or centre - such costs are not included in this
guarantee.
Certain legislation, including the Trade Practices
Act, 1974 (as amended) and other state and
territorial laws give rights to the buyer and impose
liability on the seller in certain circumstances. Nothing
herein shall have the effect of excluding, restricting or
modifying any condition, guarantee, right or liability
imposed, to the extent only that such exclusion,
restriction or modification would render any term
herein void.