OWNER’S MANUAL

MODEL ALPS 633BP - Backpack

Designed, manufactured and assembled in New Zealand

Patent Pending PCT/NZ/2012/000230.

www.aldesrsonsanders.co.nz

Alderson (NZ) Limited

4/3 Loft Place, Kumeu

PO Box 301146

Albany

New Zealand

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CONTENTS

Page

1 ABOUT YOUR BACKPACK PORTABLE SANDING MACHINE 2

2 PARTS LOCATION 3

3 RANGE OF SANDING AND POLISHING DISCS 4

4 ATTACHING SANDING DISCS 7

5 SANDING TIPS 7

6 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 8

7 FUEL 9

8 OPERATION 10

9 MAINTENANCE 11

10 SPECIFICATIONS 13

11 FAQ’s TROUBLESHOOTING 13

12 OWNERS WARRANTY 14

1 ABOUT YOUR BACKPACK PORTABLE SANDING MACHINE

Your new portable sanding machine has been designed to be used in conjunction with water. It is the

water that significantly reduces frictional heat build-up which causes damage to the paint substrata

that remains after sanding – especially when sanding water based painted surfaces. The damage

results in blisters forming under the substrata paint and these blisters often don’t become obvious

until the surface has been repainted. The use of water also reduces the amount of clogging. Clogged

paper also contributes to heat build-up. So the Alderson sanding machine extends the life of its

abrasive paper and significantly reduces the time it takes to prepare surfaces for painting. The

machine can also be used in wet conditions and it also eliminates the need for pre-sanding preparation

such as water blasting and wiping the surface dry before dry sanding.

Features Summary

Water prevents heat build-up causing substrata damage.

Water reduces clogging.

Water means no dust to interfere with washing on the line or cars parked nearby

Water means you don’t need to water blast first.

Water means that the abrasive discs last much longer – 2 discs per side for an average sized

house.

Water and no electrical leads means surface preparation can be done on a rainy day.

Water with the Alderson sander means that the slurry from lead based paints can easily be

collected in the Alderson “Enviromat”.

There is no need for power cables so trades people don’t need access to the property.

No need for dust masks or vacuum bags.

There is a range of different types of abrasive discs that can be used with the machine.

WARNING -This machine should only be used outside.

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2 PARTS LOCATION

1

12

7

16

15

FIG 3

19

15

FIG 1

FIG 2

10

13

8

9

7

14

17

8

19

17 18

7

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Printed 7/10/2014

1 Fuel tank 2 Fuel Cap

3 Carburettor Primer 4 Choke

5 Spark Plug 6 Starter handle

7 Engine start/stop switch 8 Throttle lever

9 Rev limiter 10 Throttle cable

11 Air cleaner 12 Backpack Harness

13 Clutch Housing 14 Handle

15 Water Control Valve 16 Water Hose with connector to main supply

17 Water spray Extension with nozzle 18 Sanding attachment gearbox

19 Disc/Hub lock

3 RANGE OF SANDING AND POLISHING DISCS

There is a full range of ALDERSON discs available. All are available in 150 mm and some in200 mm

diameter. All of them for use with water. It is important that all discs be used flat on the surface being sanded.

1 Acrylic Sanding Discs.

These are all sand screen based discs and come in 60, 80 and 100grit grades. With the use of water and

the sanding disc speed, the 60 grit discs produce a result similar to what a 120 grit dry sander produces.

It is best to start with the 60 grit discs because they are a lot more productive than the other discs

which are better suited to final finishing prior to the application of the final coat of paint.

a) There is the “Single Sided Combo” with Sand Screen just on one side. This can be used with the

orbital attachment but must be attached with the spring washer under the fixing nut when used with

the orbital attachment.

b) There is the “Double Sided Combo” with Sand Screen on both surfaces. This disc should not be used

with the orbital attachment because it has no fixing nut. It must be used with the backing plate.

1

4

FIG 4

3 6

5

11

2

2

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Printed 7/10/2014

c) There is the “The Edge Combo” which has Sand Screen on one side but it also has abrasive material

on its edge that allows the sanding of a weatherboard and simultaneously sands the underside of the

weatherboard above it. This disc should not be used with the orbital attachment because the edge,

running or bumping the under edge of a weatherboard can cause the orbital’s nut to unwind.

2 Stripping Discs.

These “Shredder” discs come in a range of four discs - 16g, 36g, 60g and 80 grit and are used for

stripping multiple layers of paint back to bare timber.

a) The 16grit and 36 grit discs are the primary discs used for stripping paint back to bare timber. They

do leave scratch marks but these can easily be removed using the 60g or 80g finishing discs depending

on the softness or hardness of the exposed timber. The 60 and 80 grit discs have abrasive material on

their edge that allows the sanding of a weatherboard and simultaneously sands the underside of the

weatherboard above it.

3 Other Discs.

There are three “Grunty Rippa” discs that are used in situations where heavy duty removal of

material is required especially in areas likely to cause damage to any of the other discs. For example

use the black discs around soakers, joiners and flashings prior to starting with any sand screen based

discs. The black disc is softer and gentler than the purple disc which is the hardest. The blue disc is in

between. These discs can be used with the orbital attachment providing the spring washer is used as

per (a) above. These discs have 22 mm holes in the centre and so must be attached to the machine

using the special washer under the fixing nut.

A1= Single Sided Combo

A2= Double Sided Combo

A3= The Edge Combo

B1= The Shredder16 grit

B2= The Shredder 60 grit finishing disc

C1= The Grunty Rippa Black

CHOICE OF DISC AND GRIT SIZE

All painted surfaces are different. Some are hard, some are soft, some have just acrylic, and some have acrylic

and oil based or even lead based paints. Some surfaces are soft and some are really hard. Some just need a

relatively light skimming to remove flaky paint before repainting, others need stripping. Some houses only

need stripping on the sunny side. We have a comprehensive range of discs to deal with all of these situations

(A) Sand Screen Based Discs

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

A= Range of Acrylic Prep discs

B= Range of Acrylic Prep discs

C= Range of “Other” discs

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The sand screen based discs, being the Single Sided Combo, the Double Sided Combo and The Edge Combo

were all developed to sand acrylic and oil base painted surfaces that just needed a relatively light sanding to

prepare the surface for repainting. These work extremely well with the Alderson water based system and don’t

clog like traditional dry sanding paper. Generally start with the 60 grit but trial different discs until the best

result is achieved.

60 Grit: This removes large amounts of flaky or chalky paint leaving a traditional 120 grit finish, ready

for painting.

Always try this disc first.

For weatherboards, concrete block walls, ply

Sands through mould, lichen, red mould, antifouling.

80 Grit: Use for fine sanding weatherboards, pine, cedar and even tin where the boards and painted

surface is in relatively good condition.

100 Grit: For sanding filler, undercoat, cedar, tin weatherboards or dry sanding.

(B) The Zirconia (“Diamond”) based Discs

These are “The Shredder” range of discs. Trial different discs until the best result is achieved. It is also very

important to keep the disc flat on the boards being sanded.

16/24 Grit: The 16 and 24 grit shedding discs are the main stripping discs and their effectiveness depends

entirely on what sort of paint and how many layers are to be stripped. The 24 grit disc can be

more effective stripping off layers of acrylic down to say an enamel base. It does not “score”

the surface as much as the 16 grit disc does. On the other hand the 16 grit disc is more effective

when you need to remove all the paint. At one end of its range the 16 grit disc can strip many

square meters of acrylic (soft) based paint but in some cases, at the other end, it will struggle to

strip 4 to 6 square meters of really old hard painted surfaces. Some of these old painted

surfaces are like glass and these are the hardest to totally remove by any other means. In these

cases the disc can be used in conjunction with stripper. Apply a coat of stripper and then use

the 16 grit disc without scraping off the stripper. The disc will be a lot more effective and in

most cases only the one coat of stripper is all that will be required. When using this disc don’t

try and get every last bit of paint off. 80 – 90% off in the first run through is sufficient then

follow up with a 24, 60 or 80 grit disc. Warning: Do not push too hard using the 16 grit disc;

just let it do all the work.

60 & 80 Grit: Because of the score marks left by the 16 grit discs and to a lesser extent, the 36 grit discs, there

is a need to follow up with a 60 or 80 grit disc. These discs will remove the remaining paint and

do the final surface preparation ready for painting. In some cases the 60 grit disc will strip

softer painted surfaces or surfaces with 3 or 4 layers off just as effectively as the 16 grit disc.

Just try them to see how they work in each different situation. Both of these discs have an

abrasive edge so that the undersides of the boards are sanded as the flats are sanded.

(C) The Non-woven Discs

Grunty Rippa Black: This disc is best used around soakers, joiners, flashings and tight spots. If you

catch a sharp protrusion with a sand screen disc you probably will destroy the

disc and so it is better to use the black Grunty Rippa wherever there is a risk of

damaging a sand screen based disc.

Grunty Rippa Blue: Use with stripper on weatherboards steel and block work. This disc will work

but will be a lot slower compared to The Shredder discs - a least four times

slower.

Grunty Rippa Purple: For removing paint or plaster off concrete. Good for removing creeper.

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4 ATTACHING SANDING DISCS

There are three types of Alderson sanding discs – two with 10 mm holes and one type with 22 mm holes in their

centres. The discs with 22 mm central holes include the Grunty Rippa range and some older Single Sided

Combo’s. These all need to be fixed using the recessed washer, see Fig 5.1

For discs with 10mm holes in their backing plates, attach the disc as per Fig 5.2 push the brass hub lock pin

(Fig 3) (19) downwards and rotate the disc until the pin locks the disc preventing it from turning. Hand

tighten.

For Alderson Double Sided disc with the threaded central core, attach the disc as per Fig 5.3 push the brass

hub lock pin (Fig 3) (19) downwards and rotate the disc until the pin locks the disc preventing it from turning.

Hand tighten. Remember it is a left hand thread.

4 SANDING TIPS

Special Instructions

This Backpack machine, compared with our “pole” sanding machine, is different to operate.

1 Under some circumstances the sanding disc will “bounce” on the weatherboard; this is caused by

either of the following:

a The disc is not positioned flat on the board. – drop the revs, keep the disc flat on the job and start

again.

b The wrong disc is being used: Sometimes if the grit size is too fine the disc will clog up causing it to

bounce. Change the disc to a courser grit size.

2 Always use e right disc for the job.

a Shredder discs should always be used for stripping back to bare timber. Always use in conjunction

FIG 5 - 1

Recessed

washer

Fixing

nut

Any Disc with

22 mm hole in

backing plate

FIG 5.2

FIG 5.3

Any Disc with

10 mm hole in

its backing plate

Fixing

nut

Double Sided

Combo has its

own threaded

core so needs

no fixing nut –

but it must

be used with

a backing

plate.

Backing Plate

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Printed 7/10/2014

with Sea to Sky SPC 203N stripper as this will extend the life of the shredder disc by up to 4 times. The

acrylic or Grunty Rippa discs will not strip back to bare timber through multiple layers of different type of

often very hard old paint.

b Use the Shredder finishing disc to remove the “score” marks caused by the primary stripping disc.

c The acrylic sanding disc should only be used for prep sanding acrylic to remove flaky bits and provide a

“key” for the application of new paint.

d Grunty Rippa’s are for sanding concrete floors, soakers, joiners and around flashings where the foam disc

could easily be damaged.

Go to our web site for more information about using the right disc for the job.

www.aldersonsanders.co.nz

2) As with any sandpaper, nails and sharp protrusions can destroy a sanding disc. Check for protruding nails

before sanding and do not sand soakers or joiners. Soakers and joiners should be sanded using a black

“Grunty Rippa”. We strongly recommend that you use a black “Grunty Rippa” around window frames

where there are often protruding flashings and nails, around “hard to get at” areas, soakers and joiners,

and then do the rest using any of the other Alderson® discs. This will significantly reduce the risk of

destroying a sanding disc before it has been worn out.

3) The machine is very powerful and at full throttle will rev at 10,500 rpm. That means that a 150 mm disc

is travelling at around 300 km per hour! We strongly recommend that, while you become familiar with

the machine, you screw the rev limiter Fig 2(9) right in so that the revs are reduced to about half full

throttle.

4) Always use the Alderson Backing Plate with all Alderson Double Sided Combo’s and the earlier Single

Sided Combo disc that have an internal PVC core. If a backing plate is not used, the joint between the

core and the foam will stress, eventually breaking the bond and destroying the disc. The use of the backing

plate prevents this from happening. All other discs have their own backing pads with either 10 mm or

22mm holes and don’t need the special Alderson backing plate.

5) The discs rotate in an anti-clockwise direction so when using the “The Edge Combo” it is better to work

from right to left to avoid any “bounce effect” caused by the edge abrasive contacting the underside of the

weather board.

6) MOST IMPORTANT: Best results are always achieved by making sure the disc is positioned as

flat as possible on the board being sanded rather than sanding with the edge at an angle to the

board. Move the disc along the board in a smooth “sweeping” motion, forward and back along

the board until the desired result is achieved. This is very extremely important and results in a

much longer disc life.

6 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

BEFORE USING THE MACHINE

a. Read this owner's manual carefully to understand how to operate this unit properly.

b. Avoid running the engine indoors. The exhaust gases contain harmful carbon-monoxide.

c. Be sure to keep this manual handy so that you may refer to it later whenever any questions

arise.

HANDLING OF FUEL

a. The engine of this sanding machine is designed to run on mixed fuel, which contains highly

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Printed 7/10/2014

flammable gasoline. You should never store cans of fuel or refill the fuel tank in any place where

there is a boiler, stove, wood fire, electrical sparks, welding sparks, or any other source of heat or

fire which might ignite the fuel.

b. Smoking while operating this sanding machine or refilling its fuel tank is extremely dangerous.

Always be sure to keep lit cigarettes away from the sanding machine at all times.

c. When refilling the tank always turn off the engine first and take a careful look around to make sure

that there are no sparks or, open flames anywhere nearby before refuelling.

d. If any fuel spillage occurs during refuelling, use a dry rag to wipe up spills before turning the

engine back on again.

e. After refuelling, screw the fuel cap back tightly onto the fuel tank and then carry the sanding

machine to a spot 3 meters or more away from where it was refuelled before turning on the engine.

PERSONAL SAFETY

When using your sanding machine, you should wear safety glasses and ear protection.

OPERATING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Grip the handle and the control handle of the sanding machine firmly.

2. Maintain the speed of the engine at the level required to perform abrading work, and never raise the

speed of the engine above the level necessary.

3. When replacing sanding discs, or if you need to check the unit or refuel the tank, always be sure to

turn off the engine.

4. Never touch the spark plug or plug cord while the engine is in operation. Doing so may result in

being subjected to an electrical shock.

5. Never touch the muffler, spark plug, or other metallic parts of the engine while the engine is in

operation or immediately after shutting down the engine. Doing so may result in serious burns.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Perform the maintenance and checking operations described in this manual at regular intervals. If

any parts need to be replaced or any maintenance or repair work not described in this manual need

to be performed, take the unit to a reputable servicing dealer for assistance.

2 Under no circumstances should you ever take apart the sanding machine or alter it in any way.

Doing so will void the warranty.

3 Always be sure to turn off the engine before performing any maintenance or checking procedures.

7 FUEL

1 Petrol is very flammable. Avoid smoking or bringing any flame or sparks near fuel. Wipe up all

spills before starting the engine.

2 Make sure to stop the engine and allow it cool before refuelling the unit.

3 Keep open flames away from the area where fuel is handled or stored.

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(IMPORTANT) Never use oil for 4-cycle engine or water cooled 2-cycle engine. It can cause spark plug fouling,

exhaust port blocking, or piston ring sticking.

Mixed fuels, which have been left unused for a period of one month or more, can attract condensation which, when

mixed with the fuel will result in the engine failing to operate properly. The most common sign of this is that the

engine will just not start. If this happens remove all the old fuel replacing it with fresh fuel. Put remained fuel

into an airtight container and keep it in a dark and cool room.

Mix of 91grade petrol (leaded or unleaded, alcohol-free) and a quality-proven two stroke motor oil for air-cooled 2

cycle engines.

MIXING RATIO: PETROL 25:1 GOOD QUALITY TWO STROKE OIL

8 OPERATION

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting the engine, inspect the entire unit for loose fittings or fuel leaks, and make sure that the

sanding attachment is properly installed and securely fastened.

Place the unit on a flat, firm place. Keep the sanding head clear of everything around it.

1 Turn the start/stop button Fig 2 (7) to the “on” or start position.

2 Turn the cap of the fuel tank Fig 6 (2) to make sure that it is fixed on tightly and the tank (1) contains

petrol.

3 Pull the choke lever (4) upwards to set the choke

4 Prime the carburettor by pushing the clear plastic dome, located underneath the carburettor (3), until you see

fuel through the clear plastic line leading to the carburettor.

5 Pull the starter handle (6) until the motor starts, and then slowly push the choke downwards to turn the choke

off.

6 Let the machine idle for two to three minutes to allow it to warm up.

6

FIG 6

4

1

3

2

11

Printed 7/10/2014

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1 Release the throttle lever so that the engine comes to idle.

2 Push the engine switch button to the “stop” position.

9 MAINTENANCE

• AIR FILTER

Because of the use of water much of the air taken into the carburettor is moisture laden and so the air filter

should be cleaned regularly, at least after each house. Check and clean the filter element as required using

solvent such as kerosene or petrol. Dry completely before installing. If the element is broken or shrunk,

replace with a new one. (FIG 7)

(IMPORTANT) A clogged air filter may increase fuel consumption while cutting down the engine power.

Another sign of a blocked air filter is that the machine is hard to start.

And operating the sanding machine without the air filter or with a deformed filter element will quickly ruin

the engine.

• FUEL FILTER

Take the filter out of the fuelling pod using a small wire hook. Disconnect the filter assembly from the fuel

pipe and unhook the retainer to disassemble it. Clean the components with petrol, turps or meths.

(IMPORTANT) A clogged fuel filter may cause poor operation of the engine.

• SPARK PLUG

Remove and inspect the spark plug and clean the electrodes as necessary with brush.

The spark gap should be adjusted to 0.6-0.7 mm (FIG 8)

• AIR INTAKE COOLING VENT

Check the intake air-cooling vent and the area around the cylinder cooling fins, and remove any waste,

1 2

3

4 FIG 7

(1) Cover

(2) Filter

(3) Screen

(4) Body

FIG 8

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Printed 7/10/2014

which has attached itself to the sanding machine.

(IMPORTANT) Note that failing to do so could cause the muffler to become overheated, and this in turn,

could cause the sanding machine to catch on fire.

AFTER 100 HOURS OF USE

1 Remove the muffler, insert a screwdriver into the vent, and wipe away any carbon build up. Wipe

away any carbon build up on the muffler exhaust vent at the same time.

2 Tighten all screws, bolts, and fittings.

3 Check the clutch pads and replace if required.

4 Check to see if any oil or grease has worked its way in between the clutch lining and drum, and if it

has, wipe it away using a suitable solvent.

5 Remove the float housing of the carburettor and clean the inside.

ADJUSTING CARBURETTOR

(IMPORTANT) A wrong adjustment may cause damage to your unit. If the engine does not run well after

adjusting the carburettor, please contact the shop where you purchased the product.

1 IDLE ADJUSTMENT SCREW (FIG 9) (1)

This is the screw to adjust the engine rotation at idle. If you turn it clockwise, the idle speed increases, and

counter clockwise it decreases.

2 FUEL MIXTURE SCREW (FIG 9) (2)

It is important that this be set correctly. If the mixture is too lean it will damage the motor, too rich and it

will not deliver full power. Turn the screw clockwise to reduce the fuel mix until the motor starts to “hunt” or

die. Then turn the screw counter clockwise 1 to 1.5 turns to give the motor the correct amount of fuel. Rev

the machine to make sure that there is instant power. If there is not sufficient fuel the engine will hesitate

when given full power and it will not reach its maximum revs.

FIG 9

1

1

2

1

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Printed 7/10/2014

10 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Displacement 33cc

Cylinder Diameter 36mm

Maximum Engine Speed 7,500/rpm

Idle Speed 2,800/rpm

Start type Recoil Ergo start

Power Transmission Automatic centrifugal clutch, steel spiral gear

Weight 6.0 Kg

11 FAQ’s TROUBLESHOOTING

Motor doesn’t start On/off switch not in the “On” position Turn switch to the “on” position.

Carburettor not properly primed. Prime the carburettor until fuel appears in the tube

leading to the carburettor.

Motor flooded. Remove spark plug and allow cylinder to dry out.

Motor hard to start Petrol contaminated, stale or not of good quality.

Replace with fresh fuel. 96 octane is better than 91.

Air filter clogged. Remove filter and clean with

petrol or turps.

Fuel mixture screw needs resetting. Reset as per

section 11

Motor stops suddenly “On/off switch accidentally moved to “off” position.

Turn to “on” and restart.

Sanding disc flew off The Double Sided Combo discs and some older Single

Sided Combo discs need to have the backing plate

fitted.

Fit backing plates to all Alderson “Combo” discs that

have a central PVC core with 10mm hole.

Disc hit a nail or some other protrusion. Remove nails and don’t sand near other protrusions.

Use the “Grunty Rippa” around protrusions such as

flashings, joiners and soakers.

Double Sided Combo can fly off if used with the

orbital attachment.

Only use the “Single Sided Combo”, “The Shredder”,

“Grunty Rippa” discs with nut and spring washer to

tighten disc to the orbital attachment.

Sanding disc does not rotate The disc does not rotate when power is applied The most common cause is because the gearbox

bearings have seized. This can happen when the

machine has been used with stripper. The caustic

nature of the stripper can destroy the grease in the

bearings. The bearings are readily available from

bearing suppliers or Alderson (NZ) Limited.

The Shredder 16 grit disc wears out prematurely The disc shows signs off undue wear. These discs

should normally remove 10 to 20 square meters before

they totally wear out.

The most common cause for this is too much force

pushing on the disc. There is no need to push too

hard with these or any of our discs. It is just that

with the 16 grit discs there is so much resistance with

such a powerful motor that the abrasive surface will

“ripple” and wear too quickly if too much force is

used. Just let the disc do all the work.

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Printed 7/10/2014

12 WARRANTY DETAILS

OWNER’S COPY

Full One Year Replacement Warranty

This product is covered by a full 1 year replacement or repair warranty against manufacturing defects. The

warranty does not cover damage due to misuse or normal wear and tear. This warranty is voided if non

Alderson discs or attachments are used.

To make a claim the machine must be returned to the distributor who sold it to you together with the original

receipt/invoice and this completed warranty form.

Owner/Customer Details:

Owner’s name ....................................................................

Date purchased ....................................................................

Distributor Details:

Distributor’s name ....................................................................

Distributor’s address ....................................................................

Distributor’s signature ....................................................................

Date ....................................................................