Harbor Freight Tools Sander 97055 User Manual

3/8” x 13” air belt sander  
with accessories  
Model 97055  
set up and operating instructions  
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.  
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.  
®
distributed exclusively by harbor Freight tools .  
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011  
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com  
read this material before using this product.  
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.  
saVe this Manual.  
©
®
Copyright 2007 by Harbor Freight Tools . All rights reserved. No portion of this  
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form  
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.  
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
 
general saFetY rules  
warning! read all instructions  
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in serious injury.  
The term “air tool” in all of the warnings listed below refers to your Air Belt  
Sander.  
saVe these instructions  
1.  
work area safety  
a. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.  
b. Do not operate the Sander in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence  
of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Air tools create sparks which may ignite  
the dust or fumes.  
c. Keep children and bystanders away while operating an air tool. Distractions  
can cause you to lose control.  
2.  
personal safety  
a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating  
the Sander. Do not use an air tool while you are tired or under the influence  
of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating air  
tools may result in serious personal injury.  
b. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Safety equipment such  
as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for  
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.  
c. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the Sander on. A wrench  
or a key left attached to a rotating part of the air tool may result in personal  
injury.  
d. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This  
enables better control of the Sander in unexpected situations.  
e. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair,  
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long  
hair can be caught in moving parts.  
3.  
air tool use and care  
a. Do not force the Sander. Use the correct air tool for your application. The  
correct air tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was  
designed.  
b. Do not use the Sander if the Control Lever (6) does not turn it on and off.  
Any air tool that cannot be controlled with the Control Lever is dangerous  
and must be repaired. When connecting the tool to the air supply, keep your  
hands off the Control Lever to avoid accidentally starting the tool.  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 3  
 
c. Disconnect the Sander from its compressed air supply source before making  
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive  
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the air tool accidentally.  
d. Store idle air tools out of the reach of children, and do not allow people  
unfamiliar with the Sander or these instructions to operate the air tool. Air  
tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.  
e. Maintain air tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,  
breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the Sander’s  
operation. If damaged, have the air tool repaired before use. Many accidents  
are caused by poorly maintained air tools.  
f. Use the Sander in accordance with these instructions and in the manner  
intended for this particular type of air tool, taking into account the working  
conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the Sander for operations  
different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.  
4.  
service  
a. Have your Sander serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical  
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the air tool is  
maintained.  
Vibration hazard  
This tool vibrates during use. Repeated or long-term exposure to vibration may  
cause temporary or permanent physical injury, particularly to the hands, arms  
and shoulders. To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:  
1.  
Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an extended period should first  
be examined by a doctor and then have regular medical check-ups to ensure  
medical problems are not being caused or worsened from use. Pregnant women  
or people who have impaired blood circulation to the hand, past hand injuries,  
nervous system disorders, diabetes, or Raynaud’s Disease should not use this  
tool. If you feel any medical or physical symptoms related to vibration (such as  
tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers), seek medical advice as soon as  
possible.  
2.  
Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces the blood supply to the hands and  
fingers, increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.  
3.  
4.  
Wear suitable gloves to reduce the vibration effects on the user.  
Use tools with the lowest vibration when there is a choice between different  
processes.  
5.  
Include vibration-free periods each day of work.  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 4  
 
6.  
7.  
Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping safe control of it). Let the tool  
do the work.  
To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as explained in this manual. If any  
abnormal vibration occurs, stop use immediately.  
speciFic saFetY rules  
1.  
Maintain labels and nameplates on the Sander. These carry important safety  
information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a  
replacement.  
2.  
3.  
Stay within the maximum air pressure capacity (90 psi). Never operate the  
Sander above 90 PSI.  
Compressed air only. Use clean, dry, regulated, compressed air at 90 PSI.  
Never use oxygen, carbon dioxide, combustible gases, or any other bottled gas  
as a power source for this tool.  
4.  
Remove adjusting wrenches. Check that adjusting wrenches are removed from  
the Sander and work surface before connecting to a compressed air supply  
source.  
5.  
6.  
Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.  
caution! To avoid injury, keep hands and fingers away from the Sanding Belt.  
If both hands are holding the Body (1) of the Sander, your hands and fingers  
cannot be injured by the Belt.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
When using a handheld air tool, use both hands on the tool to resist starting  
torque.  
Do not leave the tool unattended when it is connected to its compressed air  
supply. Turn off the tool, and disconnect it from its air supply before leaving.  
Disconnect air hose and release any built-up air pressure. Never service the  
Sander with the air hose attached. Always release any built-up air pressure in  
the tool (even after disconnecting the air hose).  
10.  
Use clamps (not included) or other practical ways to secure and support the  
workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is  
unstable and may lead to loss of control.  
11.  
12.  
Do not hold the Sander in any area for more than a few seconds. Damage to the  
surface may occur.  
This product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children.  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 5  
 
13.  
14.  
warning! The brass components of this product contain lead, a chemical  
known to the State of California to cause birth defects (or other reporductive  
harm). (California Health & Safety Code 25249.5, et seq.)  
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other con-  
struction activities, contains chemicals known (to the State of California) to cause  
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chem-  
icals are:  
Lead from lead-based paints  
Crystalline silica from bricks and cement or other masonry products  
Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber  
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type  
of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated  
area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that  
are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles. (California Health &  
Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)  
15.  
The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual  
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be  
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which  
cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.  
saVe these instructions.  
speciFications  
Maximum Operating Pressure 90 PSI  
Air Consumption  
Air Inlet Size  
7 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)  
1/4”-18 NPT  
Speed (Max.)  
Activation Method  
Abrasive Belt Size  
Belt Tensioning  
Sound Level  
18,000 RPM  
Paddle Switch with Spring-Loaded Safety Lock  
13” Long x 3/8” Wide  
Spring-Loaded Rack with Tensioning Screw  
93 dBA  
Accessories  
Sanding Belts: 80, 120 Grit (1 Each, Included)  
3mm Hex Wrench (Qty. 1)  
unpacKing  
When unpacking, check to make sure the item is intact and undamaged. If any parts  
are missing or damaged, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number shown on the  
cover of this manual as soon as possible.  
REV 08b  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 6  
 
set up instructions  
read the entire iMportant saFetY inForMation section at the  
beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein  
before set up or use of this product.  
risk of accidental starting; resulting in serious personal  
injury. disconnect the sander from its compressed air  
source before assembling or making any adjustments to the  
tool.  
warning  
note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer  
to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.  
assembly  
1.  
Prior to using the Sander, the Sander must have a male Quick Connector (not  
included) connected to the tool’s Air Inlet (50). To do so, wrap about 3” of Pipe  
Thread Seal Tape (not included) around the threads of the Quick Connector.  
Then firmly screw in the Quick Connector. (see Figure a.)  
Figure a  
QuicK  
connector  
(not included)  
2.  
For best tool performance, you should incorporate an in-line water filter,  
regulator and oiler as shown in the illustration below. If an oiler is NOT used, it is  
recommended that you squirt 3 to 4 drops of pneumatic tool oil (not included) into  
the previously installed Quick Connector of the tool before each use.  
(see Figure b.)  
regulator  
Figure b  
air  
coMpressor  
to  
sander  
oiler  
Filter  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 7  
 
3.  
To install a Sanding Belt, loosen the Belt Tensioning Screw (41) located on the  
Adjusting Bar (36). Place the belt over the Belt Wheel (44). Push the Belt Wheel  
(44) against the work bench to collapse the Adjusting Bar (36), allowing the belt  
to attach over the Driving Belt Wheel (47) at the motor end. Manually rotate the  
belt to make sure that it is centrally located on the two belt wheels. Make sure  
the Belt Wheel (44) center screw is tight at all times. (see Figure c.)  
belt tensioning screw (41)  
Figure c  
bodY (1)  
belt  
wheel  
(47)  
belt  
wheel  
(44)  
sanding belt  
adJusting bar (36)  
4.  
5.  
Loosen the Clamp Screw (52) with the supplied Hex Wrench (51). Rotate the  
Adjusting Bar (36) to the desired position and tighten the Clamp Screw (52).  
Connect a compressed air supply hose (not included) to the previously installed  
Quick Connector. Then turn on the air compressor, and set its regulator to 90  
psi. do not exceed 90 psi. (see Figure d.)  
Figure d  
claMp screw (52)  
air  
supplY  
hose  
(not included)  
operating instructions  
read the entire iMportant saFetY inForMation section at the  
beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein  
before set up or use of this product.  
1.  
2.  
caution! prior to using the sander, make sure to wear ansi-  
approved safety impact goggles, dust mask or respirator, and  
heavy duty work gloves.  
Use clamps (not included) or other practical ways to secure and support the  
workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is  
unstable and may lead to loss of control.  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 8  
 
3.  
4.  
Grip the Sander and make sure the Sanding Belt is not touching any surface  
before you turn on the tool. Then pull on the spring-loaded safety lock and gently  
squeeze the Paddle Switch (6) and allow the Sanding Belt to rotate to its fullest  
speed. (see Figure c.)  
Place the rotating Sanding Belt on the workpiece surface, being careful not to  
strike the workpiece with the sides of the Adjusting Bar (36). Move the Sander  
back and forth to remove material. To increase the rotating speed of the Sanding  
Belt, squeeze the Paddle Switch (6) harder. To decrease the speed of rotation,  
relax pressure on the Paddle Switch. (see Figure c.)  
5.  
6.  
Keep a light pressure on the Sander when in use. Do not apply heavy pressure,  
as damage to the work surface may result.  
When finished using the Sander, release pressure on the Paddle Switch (6).  
Turn off the air compressor. Squeeze the Paddle Switch again to release any  
remaining compressed air in the Sander. Then disconnect the air hose from the  
tool. (see Figure d.)  
7.  
Make sure to store the Sander in a clean, dry, safe location out of reach of  
children and other unauthorized people.  
Maintenance and serVicing  
risk of serious personal injury from accidental starting.  
disconnect sander from its compressed air supply before  
performing inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.  
warning  
damaged equipment can fail, causing serious personal  
injury. do not use damaged equipment. if abnormal noise or  
vibration occurs, correct problem before further use.  
1.  
beFore each use, inspect the general condition of the Sander. Check for  
loose parts, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts,  
damaged hose, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
to clean the exterior oF the sander, wipe with a clean, damp cloth  
using a mild detergent. Do not use solvents. Do not immerse the tool in liquid.  
when storing, keep the Sander in a clean, dry, safe location out of reach of  
children and other unauthorized people.  
caution: All maintenance, service, and repairs not mentioned in this manual  
must only be performed by a qualified service technician.  
grease  
Fitting  
periodicallY applY grease  
to the small grease fitting located at  
the junction of the Sander handle  
and head. See Figure e, right.  
Figure e  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 9  
 
troubleshooting  
problem  
possible solution  
Sander does not start.  
1. Squeeze harder on Paddle Switch.  
2. Make sure air compressor is set at 90 PSI.  
3. Check for air leaks in air hose and all other compressed air  
connections.  
4. Remove Quick Connector. Check Air Filter in Air Inlet for excessive  
debris build-up. If necessary, clean or replace Air Filter.  
Sander will not remove material from  
workpiece, even after repeated attempts.  
1. Make sure Sanding Paper is not dull. If necessary, replace  
Sanding Paper.  
2. Use a more course grit Sanding Paper.  
3. Do not continue using Sander to avoid damaging workpiece. Use  
another method to remove material.  
Sanding Belt slips off tool when in use.  
1. Loosen the Belt Adjusting Screw. Stretch the Sanding Paper tighter  
on the Adjusting Bar. Then retighten Adjusting Screw.  
parts list  
part  
1
description  
Body (with Bushing)  
O-Ring  
Qty.  
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
part  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
41  
42  
43  
44  
45  
46  
47  
48  
49  
50  
51  
52  
description  
Qty.  
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
Nut  
2
Angle Head  
Ball Bearing  
Bevel Gear  
Ball Bearing  
Chuck Casing  
Key  
3
End Cap  
4
C-Ring  
5
Air Filter  
6
Paddle Switch  
Spring Pin  
Brush  
7
8
Cap  
9
Valve  
Belt Track  
Adjusting Bar  
Spring  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
O-Ring  
Spring  
Speed Regulator  
O-Ring  
Nut  
Spring  
O-Ring  
Cap  
Valve Screw  
Ball Bearing  
Rear Plate  
Spring Pin  
Cylinder  
Belt Tensioning Screw  
Ball Bearing  
Spindle  
Belt Wheel  
Spring Washer  
Nut  
Rotor  
Vane  
Belt Wheel  
Washer  
Steel Ball  
Front Plate  
Ball Bearing  
Connector  
Bevel Gear  
Oil Hole  
Air Inlet  
Hex Wrench  
Clamp Screw  
REV 08k  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 10  
 
asseMblY diagraM  
hex wrench (51) not shown.  
52  
please read the Following careFullY  
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY  
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR  
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT  
HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS  
QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR  
DISTRIBUTOR ExPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE  
UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIEDAND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER  
ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL  
PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION  
OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 11  
 
90 day warranty  
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality  
and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free  
from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of  
purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse,  
abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal ac-  
tivity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in  
no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent,  
special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states  
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the  
above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS ExPRESSLY  
IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, ExPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE  
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.  
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with  
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the com-  
plaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will ei-  
ther repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase  
price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return re-  
paired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect  
resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost  
of returning the product.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which  
vary from state to state.  
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353  
record products serial number here:  
note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.  
note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not  
available individually as replacement parts.  
SKU 97055  
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 12  
 

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