Ryobi ESS200RG Operation manual

1/3 SHEET SANDER
OWNER’S OPERATING MANUAL
ESS200RG / ESS280RG
ESS200RG
ESS280RG

Fig. 2 Fig. 3
1. On/off trigger switch
2. Variable speed control selector
3. Overmold handle
4. Dust collection box
5. Sanding pad
6. Paper clamp
7. Live tool indicator
8. Hook and loop sandpaper
9. Non-adhesive sandpaper
10. Paper punch
Fig. 1
ESS200RG ESS280RG
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2
7
71
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3
DESCRIPTION
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Fig. 8
Fig. 6 Fig. 7
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Fig. 4 Fig. 5
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Important!
It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before
operating this machine.
Subject to technical modifications.

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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
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
commonsensewhenoperatingapowertool.Do
notuse apowertool whileyou aretiredor 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.

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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.
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.
SPECIAL SAFETY RULES
This appliance is not intended for use by persons
(includingchildren)withreducedphysical,sensory
or mental capabilities, 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.
This appliance is not intended for use by young
children or infirm persons. Adequate supervision by a
responsible person must be provided to ensure that
they do not play with the appliance.
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.
Complies with AS/NZS 60745.
Recommended for the use of a residual current device
with a rated residual current of 30 mA or less.
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
SANDERS
Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when
sanding, especially sanding over-head.
The machine 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 collection box shall be equipped with the
tool. It should be emptied frequently. To connect dust
collection box, insert the adaptor of dust box 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model ESS200RG ESS280RG
Power 200 W 280W
Voltage 230 V - 240 V
50 Hz 230 V - 240 V 50 Hz
No load speed 12000 min-1 7000-12000
min-1
Orbital diameter 2.0 mm 2.0 mm
Weight 1.5 kg 1.7 kg
FEATURES
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
Electronic speed control (ESS280RG only)
The electronic speed control allows the operator to adjust
speed to meet a variety of sanding material from tough
heavy grained timber to delicate veneer.
Both ESS200RG and ESS280RG are equipped with a

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simple switch control. To turn the sander "On", slide the
switch to " I ". To turn the sander " Off ", slide the switch
to "O".
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.
DUST COLLECTION BOX
The dust collection box attaches to the sander and keeps
dust to a minimum.
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL (ESS280RG ONLY)
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 7,000 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 work-piece's surface you will be using.
Select clockwise to increase speed for rough surfaces or
for quick removal of stock and anti-clockwise to decrease
speed for the 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 THE DUST COLLECTION BOX
See Figure 2.
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.
APPLICATIONS
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.

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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
INSTALLING ADHESIVE SANDPAPER
Inspect sandpaper before installing. Do not use if broken
or defective.
INSTALLING ADHESIVE (HOOK AND LOOP) SANDPA-
PER
See Figure 5.
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
See Figure 6.
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.
PAPER PUNCH
See Figure 7.
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.
1. Install sandpaper on your sander.
2. Align sander cushion over the paper punch.
3. Push down on the sander.
TURNING THE SANDER ON/OFF
See Figure 1.
Turn on the sander: Slide the switch to the '' I ''.
Turn off the sander: Slide the switch to the '' O ''.
OPERATING THE SANDER
See Figure 3.
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.
EMPTYING THE DUST COLLECTION BOX
See Figure 4.
For more efficient operation, empty the dust collection

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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.
ORBITAL MOTION
See Figure 8.
Orbitalmotionisideal for fastcuttingactionwhenremoving
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.
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 recommended 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
Allof the bearings in this toolarelubricated with a sufficient
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit
under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further
lubrication is required.

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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 theways to clean sanding sheetsis torub thesheets
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
Safety Alert
V Volts
Hz Hertz
Alternating Current
WWatts
noNo-load speed
min-1Revolutions or reciprocations per minute
Orbital Diameter
Conformity
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.