OPERATOR’S MANUAL 3 in. x 21 in. BELT SANDER VARIABLE SPEED DOUBLE INSULATED R2720 Your belt sander has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance. WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product. Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS n Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2 �n General Safety Rules .................................................................................................................................................... 3-4 �n Specific Safety Rules..............................................................................................................
GENERAL SAFETY RULES n Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury. n Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations. n Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES SERVICE WARNING! n Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained. To reduce risk of injury, user must read instruction manual. n When servicing a power tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance instructions may create a risk of shock or injury.
SYMBOLS Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOLS The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product. SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
ELECTRICAL DOUBLE INSULATION EXTENSION CORDS Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor components with protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need to be grounded. When using a power tool at a considerable distance from a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has the capacity to handle the current the tool will draw.
FEATURES PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Belt Size ..........................................................3 in. x 21 in. Input .............................120 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 10.0 Amps Sanding Surface............................................... 17.5 sq. in. Net Weight............................................................ 10.5 lbs. No Load Speed ........................................800 - 1,500/min.
FEATURES KNOW YOUR BELT SANDER DUST COLLECTION BAG See Figure 1. Before attempting to use this product, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules. The dust collection bag attaches to the sander and keeps dust to a minimum. BELT TENSION RELEASE LEVER SWITCH TRIGGER The tension release lever aids in quick and easy belt changes. ADJUSTABLE FRONT HANDLE To turn the sander ON, depress the switch trigger. Release switch trigger to turn your sander OFF.
OPERATION APPLICATIONS WARNING: You may use this tool for the purposes listed below: n Sanding wood, metals, plastics, and other materials Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury. n Smoothing rough boards, chamfering, rounding edges n Removing rust, paint, varnishes, and stains WARNING: WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating power tools.
OPERATION VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL DIAL (A TO F) VARIABLE SPEED See Figure 2. The sander has a variable speed control dial, A (slowest) to F (fastest), designed to allow operator control of belt speed. To increase belt speed, turn the variable speed control dial to a higher setting. Turn to a lower setting to decrease belt speed. Refer to the chart on page 10 for proper speed selections. PROPER HAND PLACEMENT See Figure 3.
OPERATION SANDING BELT TO INSTALL/CHANGE SANDING BELT See Figures 5 - 6. LIFT BELT TENSION RELEASE LEVER TO REMOVE SANDING BELT n Unplug the sander. n Position sander as shown. WARNING: Keep hands and fingers clear of front roller and spring mechanism at all times. Failure to do so could result in fingers getting pinched, causing possible serious injury. Belt tension must be released in order to install and remove sanding belt: n Release belt tension by lifting tension release lever.
OPERATION LOCKING ON THE SANDER NOTE: If the sanding belt moves while sanding, you may be applying too much pressure. When this occurs, remove sander from workpiece. If belt tracking is properly adjusted, sanding belt will return to its normal and correct position on the drive roller and front roller. Use a coarser belt when heavy sanding is desired, not heavy pressure. The importance of this cannot be over-emphasized.
OPERATION TO ADJUST SANDING BELT TRACKING n When you are sure the belt will not rub against internal parts, start the sander and fine adjust the tracking knob until the belt stabilizes. When correctly adjusted, the outer edge of the belt will be even with the outer edge of the sander. Belt life will be greatly increased if a few seconds are spent adjusting the belt tracking. See Figure 10. n Connect the sander to power supply.
OPERATION To install/remove dust bag: n Unplug the sander. WARNING: To prevent the possibility of sawdust or foreign objects being thrown into your face and eyes, never attempt to use the sander without dust bag properly installed. Sawdust or foreign objects being thrown into your face and eyes could result in possible serious injury. n Place the opening of dust bag over exhaust hole of the sander, aligning the notch inside opening of dust bag with groove on exhaust hole.
MAINTENANCE BRUSH REPLACEMENT WARNING: See Figure 12. When servicing use only identical RIDGID replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage. NOTE: This belt sander is equipped with externally accessible brushes. n Unplug the sander. WARNING: WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields during power tool operation or when blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
MAINTENANCE SCREW TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT BELT COVER See Figures 13 - 14. n Unplug the sander. n Remove dust bag. n Lay belt sander on side as shown. n Remove sanding belt from sander. Follow instructions on page 12 to remove sanding belt. NOTE: Removing sanding belt will simplify the process of installing a new timing belt. n Remove belt cover screw and belt cover. n Force old timing belt from large pulley with a screwdriver and remove it from small pulley.
NOTES 18
WARRANTY RIDGID® HAND HELD AND STATIONARY POWER TOOL 3 YEAR LIMITED SERVICE WARRANTY WHAT IS NOT COVERED Proof of purchase must be presented when requesting warranty service. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser at retail and may not be transferred.
OPERATOR’S MANUAL 3 in. x 21 in. BELT SANDER VARIABLE SPEED DOUBLE INSULATED R2720 Customer Service Information: For parts or service, contact your nearest RIDGID authorized service center. Be sure to provide all relevant information when you call or visit. For the location of the authorized service center nearest you, please call 1-866-539-1710 or visit us online at www.ridgid.com. The model number of this tool is found on a plate attached to the motor housing.