Axminster SS-12VS, User Manual

Page: 4 / 24

General Instructions for 230V Machines
4
Good Working Practices/Safety
Disc Sander
Primary Precautions
Work Place/Environment
The following suggestions will enable you to observe
good working practices, keep yourself and fellow
workers safe and maintain your tools and equipment
in good working order.
WARNING! KEEP TOOLS AND
EQUIPMENT OUT OF THE
REACH OF YOUNG CHILDREN
These machines are supplied with a moulded 13
Amp. plug and 3 core power cable. Before using the
tool inspect the cable and the plug to make sure that
neither are damaged. If any damage is visible have
the tool inspected/repaired by a suitably qualified
person. If it is necessary to replace the plug, it is
preferable to use an ‘unbreakable’ type that will resist
damage on site. Only use a 13 Amp plug, make sure
the cable clamp is tightened securely. Fuse at 13
Amp. It is also good practice to use switched outlets.
If extension leads are to be used, carry out the same
safety checks on them, and ensure that they are
correctly rated to safely supply the current that is
required for your machine. This machine is intended
primarily for inside/workshop usage.
Always mount the machine on a flat, level stable
surface. There are several methods of achieving
this; bolting the machine directly to a ‘good solid
workbench’; bolting the machine to a sturdy base
board that can be clamped to the ‘good solid
workbench’; create an independent entity by bolting
the machine to its own stand. However you mount
your machine, make sure it is secured down and
stable before use.
Paper belts and discs do not respond well to wet or
damp conditions. In the worst case the adhesives
holding the belt and the abrasive fail completely, the
belts fall apart and the abrasive becomes a soggy
mess against the edge of your workpiece.
Try to keep the machine in a reasonably dry, warm
environment. If this is not possible, or if the machine
is to remain unused for some time, at least remove
the disc, put in a ‘plastic’ bag and store in a warm
dry place. With regard to the disc, this advice is on
practical if you have upgraded to a Velcro fastening
method. Also ensure that spare belts/discs are not
stored in damp conditions.
Keep the work area as uncluttered as is practical; this
includes personnel as well as material.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
SHOULD CHILDREN BE
ALLOWED IN WORK AREA
Specific to Sanding Machines
Once the sander is mounted, carry out any setting
operations and remove all tools used in the setting
operations (if any) and place safely out of the way. If
you are working long lengths of material, arrange for
extra support beyond the boundary of the machine,
and check you have sufficient room to manoeuvre
the material through all the operations you will wish
to carry out.
It is good practice to leave the machine unplugged
until work is about to commence; also make sure
to unplug the machine when it is not in use. Always
disconnect by pulling on the plug body and not the
cable.
After fitting a new sanding disc, it is good practice
to lightly sand across the left side of the disc with a
reasonable sized (20mm x 50mm) piece of timber to
make sure the sanding disc is correctly ‘seated’ on the
disc. The sanding action will press the sanding disc
firmly back against the disc itself.
DO NOT sand very small pieces of work with bare
hands; try to construct some form of holder.
Make sure you are comfortable before you start
work, balanced, not reaching etc. If the work you are
carrying out is liable to generate excessive grit or
dust or chips wear the appropriate safety clothing,
goggles, masks etc. If the work operation appears
to be excessively noisy wear ear-defenders. If you
wear your hair in a long style wearing a cap, safety
helmet, hair net, even a sweatband, will minimise
the possibility of your hair being caught up in the
rotating parts of the machine. Likewise,