Clarke
®
American Sanders American 8 Floor Sander Operator's Manual
Page 11
To operate the machine follow this procedure:
1. Install the operator’s belt as follows:
a. Position the operator’s belt around waist.
b. Cross the straps at the waist. See figure 5.
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: Should quick release of the machine
be necessary, serious operator injury
could occur if the operator has tied the
loose end of the operator’s belt strap to
the machine. Always position the strap
so that you can let go and get away
quick in case of bag fire or explosion.
2. Put the On/Off switch into the “ON” position.
DANGER: Serious damage can occur to the floor
surface if the machine is not in motion
while the contact wheel is running on
the floor surface. To prevent damage to
the surface, make sure the machine is
always moving when the contact wheel
is in contact with the floor.
3. Work right to left. For each forward pass, move the
machine 4” over the pass you have just finished. Retrace
your reverse path without overlapping. See figure 6.
4. Feather-cut in by easing the contact wheel down onto the
surface with the control lever while the sander is in motion.
5. When contact wheel is fully engaged with the surface,
gradually adjust your pace for adequate finish removal.
Keep sander in motion while the contact wheel is engaged
with the surface or dwell marks will occur.
6. Move the machine in the direction of the grain in the wood
whenever it is possible. Sand the surface at a constant
pace.
7. Gradually feather-cut out at the termination point (the end of
your pass) by easing the contact wheel up with the control
lever. Stagger the termination points for a better blend
when edging.
Figure 5
8. Empty dust bag whenever it is 1/3 full. Never leave a dust
bag unattended with sanding dust in it. Sanding dust
can spontaneously ignite and cause a fire or explosion.
Empty dust into a metal container located outside of the
building.
