American Sanders FloorCrafter Belt Sander - Manual (Page 11)

EN ENGLISH
Clarke ® American Sanders Operator's Manual (EN) - Floorcrafter - 11 -
How to Operate the Machine
DANGER: Sanding/finishing wood floors can
create an environment that can be
explosive. Cigarette lighters, pilot
lights and any other source of ignition
can create an explosion when active
during a sanding session. All sources
of ignition should be extinguished or
removed entirely if possible from the
work area.
DANGER: Work areas that are poorly ventilated,
can create an explosive environment
when certain combustible materials
are in the atmosphere, i.e., solvents,
thinners, alcohol, fuels, certain
finishes, wood dust and other
combustible materials. Floor sanding
machines can cause flammable
material and vapors to ignite. Read the
manufacturer’s label on all chemicals
used to determine combustibility.
Keep the work area well ventilated.
DANGER: Sanding dust can self ignite and
cause an injury or damage. Remove
the contents of the dust bag each
time you finish using the machine.
Always dispose of the dust in a
metal container located outside of
the building. Never leave a dust bag
unattended with sanding dust in it.
Empty the contents frequently. Do not
empty the contents of the dust bag into
a fire.
DANGER: Hitting a nail while sanding can cause
sparks and create an explosion or fire.
Always use a hammer and punch to
countersink all nails before sanding
floors.
To operate the machine follow this procedure:
1. Before sanding, decide on best approach for sanding
desired area. If the floor is uneven, it may be necessary to
sand diagonally to the direction that the floor is laid. This
will help “pull” or stretch low and high spots in the floor over
a greater area, producing a flatter surface.
Preliminary cuts should be performed at angles
approximately 15° to the direction of the wood grain. Cut
direction should change on successive cuts with the final
cut performed in the direction of the wood grain. This will
minimize the tendency of waves to form and provide the
most even floor surface.
When sanding the area, work in a way so that you are
moving away from where the cord set enters the room.
This will help to avoid entanglement with the cord set and
eliminate the need to move the cord set out of the way so
frequently.
Work the area in a way that avoids interruption or
termination points (an end of pass.) Make long continuous
passes.
2. Swing cable arm to side of machine opposite the direction
you intend to work. Rotate elbow on dust pipe until dust
bag rest on motor. This will maintain balance and sanding
pressure as the dust bag fills. The machine should be
operated with the dust bag in this position whenever
possible.
3. If the operating belt (Clarke American Sanders PN 60724A)
is used proceed as follows:
a. Position the operating belt around waist.
b. Cross the straps at the waist. See figure #13.
c. Slide the belt loop end over the handle on the control
lever side. Adjust the length as needed.
d. Wrap the remaining strap around the opposite side of
the handle, and hold it in place with your hand.
WARNING: Serious operator injury could occur if the
operator has tied or strapped the loose end
of the operator’s belt strap to the machine.
Always wrap the strap so that you can let
go and get away quickly in case of bag fire
or explosion.
4. Activate the control switch.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the floor, make sure
the machine is in motion when the contact
wheel is engaged with the floor.
5. Feather-cut in by easing the contact wheel down onto the
surface with the control lever while the sander is in motion.