Axminster AS408 User manual

340297
AS408 Belt & Disc
Sander
Axminster Reference No: AS408
User Manual
WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
www.axminster.co.uk

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
Index of Contents...
Page No.
01
Safety Protection Symbols
SAFETY!!
!
The symbols shown on the cover of this
manual advise that you wear the correct
safety protection when using this machine.
E
y
e
P
r
o
t
e
c
t
i
o
n
S
a
f
e
t
y
H
e
l
m
e
t
P
r
o
t
e
c
t
i
v
e
G
l
o
v
e
s
S
a
f
e
t
y
F
o
o
t
w
e
a
r
R
e
s
p
i
r
a
t
o
r
S
a
f
e
t
y
V
i
s
o
r
R
e
a
d
M
a
n
u
a
l
T
w
o
M
a
n
A
s
s
e
m
b
l
y
E
a
r
D
e
f
e
n
d
e
r
s
D
u
s
t
M
a
s
k
Declaration of Conformity... Copied from
CE Certificate
Index of Contents...................................................................................................................... 01
Declaration of Conformity………….………........……..…………............................................... 01
What’s in the Box………….………........……..………….................................................. 02-03-04
General Instructions for 240v Machines.................................................................................. 05
Specific to Sanding Machines............................................................................................ 06-07
Specifications….………........……..…………............................................................................. 07
Assembly….………........……..…………..................................................... 08-09-10-11-12-13-14
Assembly Configurations..................................................................................................... 15-16
Illustration & Parts Description.......................................................................................17-18-19
Sanding Configurations............................................................................................................ 20
Changing the Sanding Belt.......................................................................................................21
Changing the Sanding Disc......................................................................................................22
Maintenance..............................................................................................................................22
Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................23
Wiring Diagram..........................................................................................................................23
Parts Breakdown....................................................................................................................... 24
Parts List...............................................................................................................................25-26
The undersigned, George N. Sifonios authorised by
Meta International Co., Ltd No. 38-46, Ya Ya Hsiang,
Taichung Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C. declares that this
product:
Sander
BDS-46, BDS-48Q, WD-12, WD-20, BS-648, BDS-612,
ES-689M, ES-6108, ES-689, ES-9138, CT-1560SM,
CT-2060SM, CT-2580SM, CT-1500B, BDS-615
manufactured by Meta International Co. is in
compliance with the following standards or
standardisation documents in accordance with
Council Directives
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
EN ISO 12100-1:2003
EN ISO 12100-2:2003
EN 60204-1:2006

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
02
What’s in the Box...
Model Number: BDS-48Q
Box
1 off: Belt & Disc Sander
1 off: Mitre Fence
1 off: Dust Extraction Moulding
1 off: Table Support Steel Rod
1 off: Table (Adjustable)
1 off: Pastic Disc Guard Moulding
1 off: 200mm Cast iron Disc Plate
1 off: Workstop Plate
1 off: Sanding Belt
1 off: 200mm Sanding Disc
Bag 1
4 off: Rubber Feet with M8 Thread
4 off: M8 Nuts
Bag 2
1 off: M5 x 50mm Phillip Screws
2 off: M5 x 8mm Phillip Screws
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
K
L
L
A

03
WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
www.axminster.co.uk 
What’s in the Box...
BCD
E

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
04
What’s in the Box...
F
GH
I
J
K
KL
Having opened the box, remove all the components stowed in the packaging. Place these
carefully to one side. Remove the top packaging and lift the machine out of the box and
place upon a clear flat surface, taking care not to trap or pinch the power cable under the
chassis. Remove any other items from the box.
Having unpacked your sander and its various components, if you do not wish to retain the
packaging please dispose of it responsibly, especially any polystyrene; most of the rest of
the packaging is biodegradable.
NOTE: Please read the Instruction Manual prior to using your new machine; as
well as the operating procedures for your new machine, there are numerous hints
and tips to help you to use the machine safely and to maintain its efficiency and
prolong its life. Keep this Instruction Manual readily accessible for any others who
may also be required to use the machine.
!

05
WHITE
AXMINSTER
WGeneral Instructions for 240v Machines...
www.axminster.co.uk 
These machines are supplied with a moulded 13 Amp. Plug and 3 core power cable. Before
using the tool inspect the cable and the plug to make sure that neither are damaged. If any
damage is visible have the tool inspected/repaired by a suitably qualified person. If it is
necessary to replace the plug, it is preferable to use an ‘unbreakable’ type that will resist
damage on site. Only use a 13 Amp plug, make sure the cable clamp is tightened securely.
Fuse at 13 Amp. It is also good practice to use switched outlets. If extension leads are to be
used, carry out the same safety checks on them, and ensure that they are correctly rated to
safely supply the current that is required for your machine.
This machine is intended primarily for inside/workshop usage.
Always mount the machine on a flat, level stable surface. There are several methods of
achieving this, bolting the machine directly to a ‘good solid workbench’, bolting the machine
to a sturdy base board that can be clamped to the ‘good solid workbench’; create an
independent entity by bolting the machine to its own stand. However you mount your
machine, make sure it is fastened down and stable before use.
Paper belts and discs do not respond well to wet or damp conditions. In the worst case the
adhesives holding the belt and the abrasive fail completely, the belts fall apart and the
abrasive becomes a soggy mess against the edge of your work piece.
Try to keep the machine in a reasonably dry, warm environment. If this is not possible; or if
the machine is to remain unused for some time, at least remove the belt, put in a ‘plastic’
bag and store in a warm dry place. I’m afraid I can offer no suggestions for the disc, unless
you have upgraded to some form of ‘velcro’. fastening method, in which case, do the same
as with the belt. (P.S. don’t forget… don’t leave the spare belts/discs in the damp either).
Keep the work area as uncluttered as is practical, this includes personnel as well as
material.
The following suggestions will enable you to observe good working
practices, keep yourself and fellow workers safe and maintain your
tools and equipment in good working order.
Good Working Practices/Safety
Mains Powered Tools (General) /Disc & Belt Sander
Primary Precautions
Work Place/Environment
WARNING!!
!
KEEP TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT OUT
OF THE REACH OF YOUNG CHILDREN
WARNING!!
!
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD
CHILDREN BE ALLOWED IN WORK AREAS

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
06
Specific to Sanding Machines...
FREEPHONE 0800 371822

Once the sander is mounted, carry out any setting operations, (mitre, tilt..?), and remove all
tools used in the setting operations (if any) and place safely out of the way. If you are
working long lengths of material arrange for extra support beyond the boundary of the
machine, and check you have sufficient room to manoeuvre the material through all the
operations you will wish to carry out.
It is good practice to leave the machine unplugged until work is about to commence, also
make sure to unplug the machine when it is not in use. Always disconnect by pulling on the
plug body and not the cable.
After fitting a new sanding disc, it is good practice to lightly sand across the left side of the
disc with a reasonable sized (20mm x 50mm) piece of timber to make sure the sanding disc
is correctly ‘seated’ on the disc. The sanding action will press the sanding disc firmly back
against the disc itself.
It is not good practice to wear gloves whilst sanding as one tends to lose the ‘feel’ of the
workpiece/sander contact, but obviously this removes the safety barrier between your
fingers and the sanding surface. Remain focused and exercise caution whilst sanding.
DO NOT sand very small pieces of work with bare hands; try to construct some form of
holder.
MAKE SURE you are comfortable before you start work, balanced, not reaching etc.
If the work you are carrying out is liable to generate excessive grit or dust or chips, wear the
appropriate safety clothing, goggles, masks etc., If the work operation appears to be exces-
sively noisy, wear ear-defenders. If you wear your hair in a long style, wearing a cap, safety
helmet, hairnet, even a sweatband, will minimise the possibility of your hair being caught up
in the rotating parts of the machine, likewise, consideration should be given to the removal
of rings and wristwatches, if these are liable to be a ‘snag’ hazard.
DO NOT work with cutting/abrasive tools of any description if you are tired, your attention is
wandering or you are being subjected to distraction. A deep graze, a lost fingertip or worse,
is not worth it!
DO NOT use the machine within the designated safety areas of flammable liquid stores or
in areas where there may be volatile gases. There are very expensive, very specialised
machines for working in these areas, THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM.
CHECK that sanding surfaces are still sufficiently abrasive to carry out the work you intend.
Sanding belt cleaning sticks are an efficient method of prolonging the life of the belts and
discs, and will also maintain their operating performance.
WARNING! THE SANDING DISC CANNOT BE DECLUTCHED
FROM THE BELT AND VICE VERSA, BOTH FUNCTIONS ARE
ACTIVE WHEN THE MACHINE IS RUNNING. REMEMBER THIS,
AND DO NOT LEAVE LOOSE OBJECTS OF ANY DESCRIPTION,
ON THE MACHINE IF IT IS GOING TO BE USED.
!

07
WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
www.axminster.co.uk 
Specific to Sanding Machines...
CHECK that the belts or discs are undamaged; torn edges can pick up
on the workpiece and will cause the medium to tear, often very rapidly with
accompanying sharp flapping edges.
ALWAYS offer the workpiece to the belt/disc so that the motion carries the work against
the restraining surface, (i.e. the work stop or the table, (use the left hand side of the disc).
DO NOT press too heavily against the sanding surface, all this will do is slow the sander
down. Remember, sanders work by removing small particles of material quickly and heavy
pressure works adversely to the cutting process, further, it will accelerate the rate of
‘clogging’ of the abrasive surfaces, rendering the machine less efficient.
If you are attempting to sand inside curves (over the ‘tracking drum’) do not press at all,
other than to keep the workpiece in contact with the surface, any pressure could upset
the tracking geometry. As there is no cushioning effect to the belt passing around the
drum, expect an added vibration and compensate for it.
Sanding of certain types of timber may make the fitting of dust extraction mandatory in
order to comply with the directives of the HSE. However, even if it is not mandatory, it is
strongly recommended that you consider fitting dust extraction. It will certainly reduce the
level of dust and grit, and as it helps to remove the waste quicker will certainly prolong
the longevity of the abrasive.
Above all, OBSERVE…. make sure you know what is happening around you, and USE
YOUR COMMON SENSE.
Specification...
Axminster No. 340297
Model:
Rating:
Power:
Belt Speed:
Belt Size:
Diameter of Disc:
Table Size Disc:
Dust Extraction Outlet:
Overall L x W x H:
Weight:
AS408
Light Trade
250W
520m/min
100mm x 945mm
200mm
220 x 150mm
35mm
500 x 440 x 370mm
18kg

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
08
Assembly...
Loosen the two nuts (a) clamping the
linisher, using a 13mm spanner.
Raise the linisher to the upright position,
re-tighten the two nuts (a).
Fig 1 Fig 2
In order to reduce the footprint of the machine for packaging, several items are dismounted
from the machine and need to be re-affixed.
Drive Belt Assembly
Loosen the phillips screw beneath the
linisher, allowing the motor assembly to
move freely.
Locate the drive belt (b) and slot the belt
over both pulleys. Note: You my need
to turn each pulley to fit the belt.
Fig 3 Fig 4
a
b
Hold the drive belt & turn the phillips screw clockwise to push the motor down, thus putting
tension on the drive belt. Note: make sure there is sufficient tension otherwise the
belt will slip and you will have no drive. When you are satisfied screw the nut down
(see fig 3), so it is flush against the casting to prevent the phillips screw from moving.
Fig 5 Fig 6
Nut
Step 1

09
WHITE
AXMINSTER
WAssembly...
Rubber Feet Assembly
Step 2
Sanding Belt Assembly
Step 3
Locate the four rubber feet & M8 nuts (K), screw one nut onto the threaded foot. Screw the
foot into one of the four pre-drilled holes in each corner of the casting, repeat for the
remaining feet. Stand the belt & disc sander up-right on a flat surface and adjust the feet
until the sander is level. Tighten the nuts to lock the feet in place. (See figs 7 & 8)
Fig 7 Fig 8
K
Fig 9
With the linisher in up-right position undo the two phillips screws and remove the linisher’s
dust deflector (a), place safely aside. (See fig 9) Remove the linishers back guard by
undoing the two phillips screws (b) (See fig 10).
ab
Fig 10
Fig 11 Fig 12
I
Pull the tensioning lever “UP”, locate the sanding belt (I) & slide it onto the linisher.
(See fig 11). Re-tension the belt by pushing the tension lever “DOWN” (see fig 12),

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
Assembly...
Fig 13 Fig 14
Tracking the Belt
NOTE1: All directions are given from the view point of the operator standing behind the
drive drum end looking down the length of the machine. The tracking control works as
follows:- turning the tracking adjuster clockwise will track the belt to the right, anti-clockwise
will track the belt to the left.
NOTE2: Using your hand, roll the belt towards the drive drum end, check that the belt
stays in the middle of the table, if not, adjust the track control slightly, and move the belt
again, continue until the belt runs down the centre of the linishing table (See figs 13 & 14).
NOTE: You can wear a glove if you wish, to stop the abrasive on the belt cutting your
skin.
Replace the linishers back guard & lower the linisher and clamp in place.
DO NOT MAKE LARGE ADJUSTMENTS, AND REMEMBER THE BELT MAY
TAKE SOME TIME TO REACT TO YOUR ALTERATION. LITTLE BY LITTLE IS A GOOD
MAXIM TO OBSERVE WHEN CARRYING OUT TRACKING OPERATIONS.
!
Workstop Plate Assembly
Step 4
Fig 15 Fig 16
Locate the workstop plate (H), remove the M10 bolt & spring washer using a 14mm spanner
(See fig 15). Mount the workstop plate over the linisher, secure using the M10 nut & spring
washer (See fig 15). Using a 90˚ square check that the workstop plate (H) is perpendicular
to the linisher (See fig 16), and make adjustments accordantly.
H
H
M10 bolt & Spring washer
10
90˚ Degree square

WHITE
AXMINSTER
WAssembly...
Sanding Disc & Table Assembly
Step 5
Fig 17 Fig 18
Fig 19 Fig 20
Using an abrasive pad, clean the disc drive shaft in readiness for fitting the 200mm cast iron
disc (G) (See fig 17). Remove the philips screw from the casting as shown in fig 18 & place
safely aside, locate the plastic disc guard moulding (F) & M5 x 50mm phillips screw (L).
Slide the guard moulding (F) over the drive shaft & line the pre-drilled hole in the guard with
the hole in the casting (See fig 19). Note: Make sure plastic cylinder to the back of the
guard slots into the machined hole in the casting (See fig 17). insert the M5 x 50mm
phillips screw and lightly tighten (See fig 20).
Fig 21 Fig 22
Machined hole
F
J
G
L
Phillips screw
Phillips screw
11
Find the phillips screw you removed earlier, see fig 18 & slot it through the pre-drilled hole
to the rear of the guard moulding (F) & screw it into the casting (See fig 21). Tighten the M5
x 50mm phillips screw (L) DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. Locate the 200mm cast iron disc (G)
& 200mm sanding disc (J), peel the cover from the adhesive surface and apply CAREFULLY
to the flat surface of the cast iron disc (G) (See fig 22). Use a piece of cloth in your hand or
wear a glove, to firmly press the abrasive to the disc, it will be reinforced by a gentle
sanding action across the face when you first use the new sanding disc.

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
12
Assembly...
FREEPHONE 0800 371822

Fig 23 Fig 24
Slide cast iron disc (G) onto the drive shaft, making sure that the clamping screw lines up
with the hole pre-drilled at the top guard moulding (F). Slide a phillips screwdriver down the
hole and tighten the screw, clamping the disc to the shaft (See figs 23,24 & 25).
G
F
Fig 25 Fig 26
Pre-drilled hole
Slide a phillips
screwdriver
down the hole
& tighten the
screw to clamp
the disc.
Locate the dust extraction moulding (C), line up the pre-drilled holes with the holes in the
guard moulding (F), push the extraction moulding (C) up against the guard moulding (F),
so it clips to the guard. Put to hand the two M5 x 8mm phillips screws, finger tighten lightly
into the holes & using a phillips screwdriver tighten the screws. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN
(See figs 26,27 & 28)
Phillips screw
Fig 27 Fig 28
C
C
F

13
WHITE
AXMINSTER
WAssembly...
Fig 29 Fig 30
Locate the table support rod (D) loosen the bolt to the left side of the sanding disc, insert
the table support rod (D) & tighten the bolt using a 13mm spanner (See fig 29). Locate the
table (E), Offer up the machined hole to the base of the table (E) to the support rod (D)
slide it onto the support rod so the edge of the table is just clear of the sanding disc (J),
place a level on the table, adjust until the table is level. Clamp the table using the lower lift
& shift handle (b) (See figs 30,31 & 32).
Make sure the bubble is
between the black lines.
Upper lift & shift handle (a)
Lower lift & shift handle (b)
Fig 31 Fig 32
D
E
E
J
J
13mm
Spanner
a
b
Place a 90˚ square on the table & check that the table is perpendicular to disc
Fig 33 Fig 34
Place a 90˚ square up against the sanding disc (J) & check that the table (E) is
perpendicular to the disc (See figs 33 & 34). If it requires adjustment loosen the upper lift &
shift handle (a), see fig 32 until correct & re-tighten.
NOTE: Check that the pointer is reading ZERO on the scale. If not undo the phillips
screw and adjust until correct, re-tighten the screw (See fig 32).
Pointer

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
14
Assembly...
Locate the mitre fence (B) and slide it into the table’s ‘T’ slot (E) (See figs 35 & 36). Place a
90˚ degree square against the mitre fence (B) & check that the table is perpendicular to
disc.
Your belt & disc sander is now assembled, go round and check that all fixings are
secure before operating the machine.
Fig 35 Fig 36
Offer up your extraction hose to the 35mm outlet & slot it into place
Fig 37 Fig 38
Dust Extraction Assembly
Step 6
The dust extraction moulding (C) has a 35mm outlet, insert a jubilee clip over the hose and
insert it over the outlet & clamp in place. Alternately if you have a vacuum cleaner with the
same diameter holes insert it over the outlet as before, it should be a snug fit (See figs 37 &
38).
CONNECT THE SANDER TO THE MAINS SUPPLY
!
DISCONNECT THE SANDER FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY
!
Remove all tools away for the machine, switch on, wait until the machine has reached
full speed & check that the belt is tracking properly. If not switch off, wait for the
machine to come to a complete stop disconnect the sander & go to page 10 for
“Tracking the Belt”. Reconnect, switch on & check again. If everything is fine, switch off &
wait until the machine has come to a complete stop.
C
Vacuum hose

15
WHITE
AXMINSTER
WAssembly Configurations...
Fig 39 Fig 40
Fig 41 Fig 42
Table to Linisher Assembly
Option 1
The table (E) can be repositioned to be used when the linisher is raised in the up-right
position, see instruction below.
Loosen the linisher’s clamping nuts, see fig 39, remove the workstop plate (H), see fig 40
(refer to step 4) raise the linisher & clamp in place. Loosen the bolt to the side of the sander,
insert the table support rod (D) into the machined hole & tighten using a 14mm spanner
(See figs 40 & 41). Slide the table (H) onto the rod as described on page 13 & tighten using
the lower lift & shift handle (b) (See fig 32).
Place a 90˚ degree square on the table and check that the table (E) is perpendicular to the
belt (See fig 42). If it requires adjustment, loosen the upper lift & shift handle (a), see fig 32
until correct. Re-tighten the lift & shift handle (a).
H
DE
Clamping nuts

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
16
Assembly Configurations...
Workstop Plate Linisher Assembly
Option 2
Fig 43 Fig 44
Fig 45 Fig 46
The workstop plate (H) can be used as a miniature table when the linisher is in the up-right
position, see instruction below.
Remove the workstop plate (H), see fig 43 (refer to step 4) & raise the linisher as before.
Remove the dust deflector (a) by removing the two phillips screws & place safely aside
(See figs 44 & 45). Put to hand the workstop plate (H) you removed earlier, offer up
bracket, see fig 43, to the threaded hole in the linisher & clamp in place using the M10 bolt,
spring washer & 14mm spanner (See fig 46).
Place a 90˚ degree square onto the workstop plate (H) & check it is perpendicular to the
belt. If it requires adjustment, loosen the M10 bolt & adjust until correct, re-tighten the bolt.
(See fig 46)
H
H
a
a
Removing
90˚ degree
square

17
WHITE
AXMINSTER
WIllustration & Parts Description...
AAS408 Belt & Disc Sander G200mm Cast Iron Disc Plate
BMitre Fence HWorkstop Plate
CDust Extraction Moulding ISanding Belt
DTable Support Steel Rod J200mm Sanding Disc
ETable KRubber Feet
FPlastic Disc Guard Moulding
AB
C
D
E
F
GHI
J
K
NVR On/Off switch
Pointer
Pointer
Scale
Tensioning lever
Tracking
adjuster
Fig 47

WHITE
AXMINSTER
W
18
Illustration & Parts Description...
F
I
A
HB
D
K
Motor
Dust deflector
Motor guard
Spanners
Linisher
Linisher’s
back guard
Linisher’s back guard dust deflector plate
Loosen the two phillips screws & pull the deflector plate down & tighten the screws.
Fig 48

19
WHITE
AXMINSTER
WIllustration & Parts Description...
Configuration 1
Table to Linisher
Configuration 2
Workstop Plate used
as miniature table
Fig 49
Fig 50