Ryobi RS280 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Random Orbit Sander
Model RS280

DOUBLE INSULATED

SPECIFICATIONS:

Sanding disc diameter 5 in. (127 mm)
Variable speed 0 - 13,000 opm
Diameter of orbit 5/32 in. (4 mm)
Rating 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC

2.8 Amperes

Net weight 3.5 lbs. (1.6 kg.)

THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI RANDOM ORBIT SANDER.

Your new Random Orbit Sander has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard for dependability, ease of
operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.

CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire operator's manual before using your new sander.

Pay close attention to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your sander properly and only for what
it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

Please fill out and return the Warranty Registration Card so we can be of future service to you.
Thank you again for buying Ryobi tools.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

■ Product Specifications .......................................................................................................................................1

■ Table Of Contents.............................................................................................................................................. 2

■ Rules For Safe Operation ...............................................................................................................................2-4

■ Unpacking and Features.................................................................................................................................5-7

■ Operation ......................................................................................................................................................7-10

■ Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................................11

■ Optional Accessories ....................................................................................................................................... 11

■ Exploded View and Parts List .....................................................................................................................12-13

■ Parts Ordering / Service .................................................................................................................................. 14

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the
explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident
prevention measures.

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others. Always

follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others. Always

follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to yourself

or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal
injury.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

DOUBLE INSULATION

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.

IMPORTANT

Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires extreme
care and knowledge of the system and should be performed
only by a qualified service technician. For service we suggest
you return the tool to your nearest RYOBI AUTHORIZED
SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servicing use only
identical Ryobi replacement parts.

WARNING:

The double insulated system is intended to protect the
user from shock resulting from a break in the tool's
internal wiring. Observe all normal safety precautions
related to avoiding electrical shock.

W ARNING:

Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have read
thoroughly and understand completely all instructions,
safety rules, etc. contained in this manual. Failure to
comply can result in accidents involving fire, electric
shock, or serious personal injury. Save operator's manual
and review frequently for continuing safe operation, and
instructing others who may use this tool.

Page 2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

■ KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read operator's
manual carefully. Learn its applications and
limitations as well as the specific potential hazards
related to this tool.

■ GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK by
preventing body contact with grounded surfaces.
For example: Pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerator
enclosures.

■ KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.

■ KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and

benches invite accidents.

■ AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don't use
power tool in damp or wet locations or expose to
rain. Keep work area well lit.

■ KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All
visitors should wear safety glasses and be kept a
safe distance from work area. Do not let visitors
contact tool or extension cord.

■ STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use tools
should be stored in a dry and high or locked-up
place - out of the reach of children.

■ DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.

■ USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or
attachment to do the job of a heavy duty tool.
Don't use tool for purpose not intended - for
example - A circular saw should never be used for
cutting tree limbs or logs.

■ WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry that can get caught in the tool's
moving parts and cause personal injury. Rubber
gloves and nonskid footwear are recommended
when working outdoors. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair and keep it from
being drawn into nearby air vents.

■ ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. Everyday
eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they
are NOT safety glasses.

■ PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust
mask if operation is dusty.

■ PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing
protection during extended periods of operation.

■ DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by cord
or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep
cord from heat, oil and sharp edges.

■ SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold
work. It's safer than using your hand and it frees
both hands to operate the tool.

■ DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. Do not use while standing on
a ladder or unstable support.

■ MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp
at all times, and clean for best and safest
performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.

■ DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use, before
servicing, or when changing or adjusting
attachments, blades, bits, cutters, sandpaper, etc.,
all tools should be disconnected from power supply.

■ REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES.

Form habit of checking to see that keys and
adjusting wrenches are removed from tool before
turning it on.

■ AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Don't carry
plugged-in tools with finger on switch. Be sure
switch is off when plugging in.

■ MAKE SURE YOUR EXTENSION CORD IS IN
GOOD CONDITION. When using an extension

cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry
the current your product will draw. An undersized
cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in
loss of power and overheating. A wire gage size
(A.W.G.) of at least 16 is recommended for an
extension cord 100 feet or less in length. A cord
exceeding 100 feet is not recommended. If in doubt,
use the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage
number, the heavier the cord.

■ OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS. When
tool is used outdoors, use only extension cords
suitable for use outdoors. Outdoor approved
cords are marked with the suffix W-A, for example

- SJTW-A or SJOW-A.

■ NEVER USE THIS OR ANY POWER SANDER
FOR WET SANDING OR LIQUID POLISHING.

Failure to comply can result in electrical shock
causing serious injury or worse.

■ KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM SANDING AREA.

■ NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE.

Normal sparking of the motor could ignite fumes.

Page 3

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

■ INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY and if
damaged, have repaired at your nearest authorized
service center. Stay constantly aware of cord
location.

■ INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODICALLY

and replace if damaged.

■ KEEP HANDLES DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE
FROM OIL AND GREASE. Always use a clean

cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids,
gasoline, petroleum-based products or any strong
solvents to clean your tool.

■ STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use
common sense. Do not operate tool when you are
tired. Do not rush.

■ CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use
of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it
will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving parts,
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
mounting, and any other conditions that may affect
its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center unless indicated
elsewhere in this instruction manual.

■ DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT
TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have defective switches

replaced by an authorized service center.

■ INSPECT FOR and remove all nails from lumber
before sanding.

■ DRUGS, ALCOHOL, MEDICATION. Do not
operate tool while under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or any medication.

■ WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL
RYOBI REPLACEMENT PARTS.

■ MAKE THE WORKSHOP CHILD-PROOF with
padlocks, master switches, or by removing starter
keys.

■ POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of electric
shock, this tool has a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the
outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact
a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do
not change the plug in any way.

■ SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Review them
frequently and use them to instruct others who
may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool,
loan them these instructions also.

WARNING:

WEAR

YOUR

SAFETY

FORESIGHT IS BETTER

GLASSES

THAN NO SIGHT

The operation of any sander can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always
wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when
needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard
safety glasses with side shields.

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
It means attention!!! Your safety is involved.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Page 4

UNPACKING

■ Carefully remove the sander, and accessories from box.
Make sure all items listed in the Packing List are included.

■ Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully
inspected and satisfactorily operated sander.

■ Examine all parts and accessories to make sure that no
breakage has occurred during shipping. Any damaged
part should be replaced before attempting to use the tool.

■ If any parts are damaged or missing, contact your nearest
Ryobi dealer to obtain replacement parts before attempting
to operate sander.

PACKING LIST

Sanding Disc
Conversion Pad (for velcro type sanding discs)
Warranty Card
Operator's Manual

Page 5