Craftsman 17556 Operation Manual - Page 9

PREPARING FOR OPERATION For ease of operation, this tool has a front auxiliary handle and rear handle. See Figure 1. This provides for two-hand operation, which is necessary in order to maintain proper control and keep both hands clear of the sanding disc and sanding area. When operating your sander/polisher, always use both hands. Check the auxiliary handle before each use and make sure the handle bolt is tight against the housing. SANDING Clamp or otherwise secure the work to prevent it from moving under your sander/polisher. Secure small workpieces in a vise or use clamps to secure them to a workbench. WARNING: Unsecured work could be thrown towards the operator causing injury. Hold the tool in front and away from you, keeping it clear of the workpiece. Start the tool by depressing the switch trigger and letting the motor build to its maximum speed. Gradually lower sander/polisher to the workpiece at a slight 5 ° to 8 ° angle. See Figure 5. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HOLD THE SANDING DISC FLAT ON THE WORKPIECE. Always keep the tool in motion moving over the work, allowing it to operate freely without unnecessary pressure. 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 discs 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. Sanding in one spot too long will cause uneven sanding and gouging of the work. Fig. 5 Upon completion of a sanding operation, lift tool away from work surface before turning off. _IIL WARNING: Sanding disc must come to a complete stop before setting tool down on workbench. Failure to do so can cause the tool to be thrown from workbench because of sanding disc rotation. This could result in damage to the tool or possible serious injury to the operator. A WARNING: Keep a firm grip on the tool with both hands at all times. Failure to do so could result in loss of control leading to possible serious injury.