Ryobi Be3182 Manual

							11
OPERATION
TO ADJUST SANDING BELT TRACKING
See Figures 7 and 8.
Belt life is greatly increased if you regularly adjust the
sanding belt tracking. When correctly adjusted, the outer
edge of the sanding belt should be even with the outer
edge of the base of the sander.
When you install a new sanding belt, you  may need to
adjust the sanding belt tracking several times until the
belt becomes pliable.
Follow these directions to adjust sanding belt tracking.
WARNING:
Before connecting the sander to a power supply,
always make sure it is not in the “locked-on” posi-
tion. Failure to do so could result in accidental start-
ing of the sander resulting in possible serious injury.

Connect the sander to a power supply.

Position the sander upside down with the cord on
the left.
NOTE: This position is for adjustments only. The
sanding belt should not contact a workpiece or any
foreign object when you are making belt tracking
adjustments.

Depress the switch trigger and release immediately.

If sanding belt runs inward: Turn the tracking screw
slowly counterclockwise.

If sanding belt runs outward: Turn the tracking screw
slowly clockwise.
NOTE: Turn the tracking screw until you are sure the
sanding belt is secure, i.e, it will not come off the
sander or contact internal parts.
CAUTION:
If the sanding belt wears excessively on the inner
edge, it is probably adjusted too far inward and is
rubbing against internal parts. If this is the case,
readjust the tracking screw.

Start the sander and fine adjust the tracking screw
until the belt stablizes.
WARNING:
Keep hands and fingers away from a moving sand-
ing belt. Any part of the body coming in contact with
a moving sanding belt could result in serious injury.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when operat-
ing the sander. They could get caught in moving
parts and foreign objects could get thrown away
from the sander causing injury.
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
TURN
COUNTERCLOCKWISE IF
BELT RUNS INWARD
TURN CLOCKWISE IF
BELT RUNS OUTWARD 
						

							12
USING THE DUST COLLECTION BAG
The dust collection bag provides a dust collection system
for the sander.
TO ATTACH THE DUST COLLECTION BAG
See Figure 9.
Follow these directions to attach the dust collection bag.

Unplug the sander.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.

Slide the dust bag retainer over the blower exhaust
hole on the sander.
TO EMPTY THE DUST COLLECTION BAG
For more efficient operation, empty the dust collection
bag when it is no more than half full. This action permits
the air to flow through the bag better. Always empty and
clean the dust collection bag thoroughly upon completion
of a sanding operation and before placing the sander in
storage.
WARNING:
Collected sanding dust from sanding surface coat-
ings such as polyurethanes, linseed oil, etc. can self-
ignite in your sander dust collection bag or else-
where and cause fire. To reduce the risk of fire
always empty your dust bag frequently (10-15 min-
utes) while sanding and never store or leave a sander
without totally emptying its dust bag. Also follow the
recommendations of the coatings manufacturers.
Follow these directions to empty the dust collection bag.

Unplug the sander.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.

Remove the dust collection bag from the sander.

Unzip the dust bag.

Shake out the dust.

Zip up the dust bag.

Replace the dust collection bag.
NOTE: Periodically, you should turn the dust bag
inside-out and thoroughly clean it.
OPERATION
Fig. 9
BLOWER
EXHAUST
HOLE
DUST BAG
RETAINER 
						

							13
OPERATION
OPERATING THE SANDER
See Figure 10.
Follow these steps to operate the sander.

Secure the work to prevent it from moving under the
sander.
WARNING:
Unsecured work could be thrown towards the opera-
tor causing injury.

Turn the sander on and let the motor reach its maxi-
mum speed before placing the sander on the work
surface.

Lower the sander to the work surface with a slight
forward motion.

Move the sander slowly over the work surface, using
the rear handle to control the sander and the front
handle to guide the sander.
NOTE: Allowing the sander to remain in one place
will result in an uneven surface.
WARNING:
Keep a firm grip on the sander with both hands at all
times. Failure to do so could result in loss of control
leading to possible serious injury.
We designed the sander to provide the proper weight on
the sanding belt. Excessive pressure will result in the
following:

Uneven work.

Clogged sanding belts.

Premature sanding belt wear.

Possible motor burnout.

Irregular sanding belt tracking.
PROPER HAND PLACEMENT
See Figure 11.
For ease of operation and maintaining proper control,
the sander has a front handle and a rear handle. These
handles allow two-handed operation, which aids in
maintaining control, keeping the sanding area level with
the workpiece, and keeping hands clear of the sanding
belt. When operating the sander, always hold the front
handle with your left hand and the rear handle with your
right hand.
WARNING:
Keep hands and fingers clear of moving sanding
belt, front idler roller, and driver roller assembly.
Failure to do so will result in serious personal injury.
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
WARNING:
Do not let your fingers rest over the front or right
edge of the sander. If the sanding belt were to run
off, or if it were not properly adjusted, your fingers
could come in contact with the moving sanding belt
resulting in possible serious injury. 
						

							14
OPERATION
WARNING:  
When servicing use only identical Ryobi replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product damage.
GENERAL
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use.
Use clean cloths to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petro-
leum-based products, penetrating oils, etc. come in
contact with plastic parts. They contain chemicals
that can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic.
MAINTENANCE
Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard,
spackling compounds, or plaster are subject to
accelerated wear and possible premature failure, as the
fiberglass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to
bearings, brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, we
do not recommend that this tool be used for extended
work on these types of materials. If, however, you do
work with any of these materials, it is extremely important
that you clean the tool frequently by blowing it with an air
jet.
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.
HELPFUL TIPS

If the sanding belt slips or doesn’t track while sand-
ing, you may be applying too much pressure. When
this occurs, remove the sander from the workpiece.
If you properly adjust the belt tracking, the sanding
belt will return to its normal and correct position on
the driver roller and front roller.

Use a coarser sanding belt for heavy sanding, not
heavy pressure. The weight of the tool is sufficient to
provide adequate pressure at the correct location.
The front roller of the sander is not designed for
contour sanding. Sanding on the front roller could
cause irregularity in the sanding belt tracking. 
						

							15
MAINTENANCE
REPLACING THE TIMING BELT
See Figures 12 and 13.
Follow these directions to replace the timing belt.

Unplug the sander.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.

Remove the sanding belt from the sander. Refer to
“TO INSTALL/CHANGE SANDING BELTS” earlier
in this manual.

Remove the belt cover screws and the belt cover.
WARNING:
Never attempt to operate the belt sander without the
belt cover in place.

Force the old timing belt from the small pulley with a
screwdriver and remove it from the large pulley.
NOTE: If the timing belt is worn, simply cut it and
remove it.

Install the new timing belt over the small pulley.

Hold the timing belt as shown.

Press the belt onto the large pulley turning it as you
press the belt on.

Replace the belt cover and screws.

Tighten the screws securely.
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
SMALL
PULLEY
LARGE
PULLEYTIMING
BELT 
						

							OPERATOR'S MANUAL
BELT SANDER
BE318
DOUBLE INSULATED
RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
1428 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson, SC 29625
Post Office Box 1207 Anderson, SC 29622
www.ryobitools.com
Phone 1-800-525-2579
983000-130
       7-03
• SERVICE
Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repa\
ir parts or
service, simply contact your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. Be\
 sure to
provide all pertinent facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-52\
5-2579 for your
nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center.  You can also check our Web site at
www.ryobitools.com for a complete list of Authorized Service Centers.
• MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO.
The model number of this tool will be found on a plate attached to the m\
otor housing.
Please record the model number and serial number in the space provided b\
elow.
•HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS,
ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
•MODEL NUMBER
• SERIAL NUMBER BE318
EXTENSION CORD CAUTION
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. An under-
sized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in over-
heating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine the mini-
mum wire size required in an extension cord. Only round jack-
eted cords should be used.
When working with a tool outdoors, use an extension cord
that is designed for outside use. This is indicated by the letters
"WA" on the cord's jacket.
Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or ex-
posed wires and cut or worn insulation.
**Ampere rating
    (on tool faceplate) 0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0
Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)
25' 16 16 16 16 14 14
50' 16 16 16 14 14 12
100' 16 16 14 12 10 —
CAUTION: Keep the extension cord clear of the working
area. Position the cord so that it will not get caught on
lumber, tools or other obstructions while you are working
with a power tool.
**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.