6
English
Operation
To operate your sander, grasp it as shown in Figure 5 and turn it
on. Move the unit in long, sweeping strokes along the surface being
sanded, letting the sander do the work.
NOTE: Excessive downward pressure on the tool while sanding actu-
ally slows the removal rate and produces an inferior quality surface.
A side handle has been provided with your unit and can be used if
desired. The side handle can be screwed into either side of tool by
first removing the plastic screw, as shown in Figure 6.
NOTE: Be sure to check your work often, this sander is capable of
removing material rapidly, especially with coarse paper.
The random orbital action of your sander allows you to sand with
the grain or at any angle across it for most sanding jobs. To produce
the best finish possible, start with coarse grit sandpaper and change
gradually to finer and finer paper. Vacuum and wipe surface with a
tack cloth between grit steps.
The rate at which the dust bag fills up will vary with the type of material
being sanded and the coarseness of the sandpaper. For best results,
empty the bag frequently.
When sanding painted surfaces, (see additional precautions when
sanding paint) you may find that the sandpaper loads up and clogs
with paint. A heat gun will work much better to remove paint before
sanding. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN HEAT GUN
INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
NOTE: (DW441 and DW444 only): When using PSA sanding discs, it
is necessary to remove the disc soon after operation. PSA papers, if
left on during tool storage, sometimes become difficult to remove. To
aid in the removal of old PSA paper, sand for a few minutes to soften
adhesive backing prior to changing disc.
Precautions To Take When Sanding
Paint
1. Sanding of lead based paint is NOT RECOMMENDED due to the
difficulty of controlling the contaminated dust. The greatest danger
of lead poisoning is to children and pregnant women.
2. Since it is difficult to identify whether or not a paint contains lead
without a chemical analysis, we recommend the following precau-
tions when sanding any paint:
PERSONAL SAFETY
a. No children or pregnant women should enter the work area where
the paint sanding is being done until all clean up is completed.
b. A dust mask or respirator should be worn by all persons entering
the work area. The filter should be replaced daily or whenever the
wearer has difficulty breathing.
NOTE: Only those dust masks suitable for working with lead paint
dust and fumes should be used. Ordinary painting masks do not
offer this protection. See your local hardware dealer for the proper
N.I.O.S.H. approved mask.
c. NO EATING, DRINKING or SMOKING should be done in the
work area to prevent ingesting contaminated paint particles.
Workers should wash and clean up BEFORE eating, drinking or
smoking. Articles of food, drink, or smoking should not be left in
the work area where dust would settle on them.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
a. Paint should be removed in such a manner as to minimize the
amount of dust generated.
b. Areas where paint removal is occurring should be sealed with
plastic sheeting of 4 mils thickness.
c. Sanding should be done in a manner to reduce tracking of paint
dust outside the work area.
CLEANING AND DISPOSAL
a. All surfaces in the work area should be vacuumed and thoroughly
cleaned daily for the duration of the sanding project. Vacuum filter
bags should be changed frequently.
b. Plastic drop cloths should be gathered up and disposed of along
with any dust particles or other removal debris. They should be
placed in sealed refuse receptacles and disposed of through regu-
lar trash pick-up procedures.