Central Machinery 97181 User manual

4” X 6” BELT/DISC SANDER
Model 97181
SET UP, OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
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©2008 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.

Page 2SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION ............................ 3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES ..............3
VIBRATION HAZARD ........................5
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES ...............5
GROUNDING ................................. 7
GROUNDED TOOLS: TOOLS
WITH THREE PRONG PLUGS .......7
EXTENSION CORDS .........................7
SYMBOLOGY.....................................8
SPECIFICATIONS.......................... 9
UNPACKING .................................. 9
INITIAL SET UP INSTRUCTIONS . 9
ASSEMBLY.................................... 9
FEET PLACEMENT............................9
MOUNTING ALUMINUM DISC ........10
MOUNTING TABLE FOR USE AS
DISC SANDER...............................10
MOUNTING TABLE FOR USE AS
BELT SANDER .............................. 11
MOUNTING STOP PLATE ...............12
FUNCTIONS................................. 13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .... 13
WORK PIECE AND WORK AREA
SET UP ..........................................13
LEVELING THE TABLE ...................13
GENERAL OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS ............................13
ADJUSTING THE SANDING BELT
TRACKING ....................................13
MOUNTING SANDING DISCS.........14
MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING ............................... 14
CLEANING, MAINTENANCE, AND
LUBRICATION...............................14
SANDING BELT REPLACEMENT ...15
V-BELT REPLACEMENT .................15
TROUBLESHOOTING......................16
PARTS LIST................................. 17
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM................ 18
LIMITED 1 YEAR / 90 DAY
WARRANTY .............................. 19

Page 3SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this manual for the safety
warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and
cleaning procedures. Write the product’s
serial number in the back of the manual near
the assembly diagram (or month and year of
purchase if product has no number). Keep
this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry
place for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
In this manual, on the labeling, and all other
information provided with this product:
This is the safety alert
symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates
a hazardous
situation which, if
not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
indicates a
hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
CAUTION, used
with the safety
alert symbol,
indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to
address practices
not related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without
the safety alert
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.
General Safety Rules
WARNING! Read all instructions
Failure to follow all instructions listed below
may result in electric shock, re, and/or
serious injury. The term “power tool” in all
of the warnings listed below refers to this Belt/
Disc Sander.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work area safety1.
Keep work area clean and wella.
lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite
accidents.
Do not operate this Belt/Disc Sanderb.
in explosive atmospheres, such as

gases or dust. Power tools create
sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
Keep children and bystandersc.
away while operating a this Belt/
Disc Sander. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
CAUTION
NOTICE

Page 4SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Electrical safety2.
The Plug on this Belt/Disc Sandera.
must match the outlet. Never modify
the plug in any way. Do not use
any adapter plugs with grounded
power tools. Unmodied plugs and
matching outlets will reduce risk of
electric shock.
Avoid body contact with groundedb.
surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges and refrigerators. There is
an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is grounded.
Do not expose this Belt/Discc.
Sander to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never used.
the cord for carrying, pulling or
unplugging the power tool. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Damaged
or entangled cords increase the
risk of electric shock.
When operating this Belt/Disce.
Sander outdoors, use an extension
cord suitable for outdoor use. Use
of a cord suitable for outdoor use
reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety3.
Stay alert, watch what you area.
doing and use common sense when
operating this Belt/Disc Sander. Do
not use a power tool while you are

alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power
tools may result in serious personal
injury.
Use safety equipment. Alwaysb.
wear ANSI-approved safety
goggles with full face shield
protection. Safety equipment
such as dust mask/respirator,
non-skid safety shoes, hard hat,
or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
Avoid accidental starting. Ensurec.
the switch is in the off-position
before plugging in. Carrying power
tools with your nger on the switch
or plugging in power tools that have
the switch on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrenchd.
before turning the power tool on. A
wrench or a key left attached to a
rotating part of the power tool may
result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep propere.
footing and balance at all times.
This enables better control of the
power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loosef.
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.
If devices are provided for theg.
connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use
of these devices can reduce dust-
related hazards.
Power tool use and care4.
Do not force this Belt/Disc Sander.a.
Use the correct power tool for your
application. The correct power tool
will do the job better and safer at the
rate for which it was designed.
Do not use this Belt/Disc Sander ifb.
the switch does not turn it on and
off. Any power tool that cannot

Page 5SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from thec.
power source before making
any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing power
tools. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk
of starting the power tool
accidentally.
Store this Belt/Disc Sander out ofd.
the reach of children and do not
allow persons unfamiliar with it,
or these instructions to operate.
Power tools are dangerous in the
hands of untrained users.
Maintain this Belt/Disc Sander.e.
Check for misalignment or binding
of moving parts, breakage of parts
and any other condition that may
affect the power tool’s operation.
If damaged, have the Belt/Disc
Sander repaired before use. Many
accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
Use the Belt/Disc Sander inf.
accordance with these instructions
and in the manner intended, taking
into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed.
Use of this Belt/Disc Sander for
operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous
situation.
Service5.
Have your Belt/Disc Sander serviceda.

only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of
this Belt/Disc Sander 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:
Anyone using vibrating tools regularly1.
or for an extended period should

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,

medical advice as soon as possible.
Do not smoke during use. Nicotine2.
reduces the blood supply to the

of vibration-related injury.
Wear suitable gloves to reduce the3.
vibration effects on the user.
Use tools with the lowest vibration4.
when there is a choice between
different processes.
Include vibration-free periods each5.
day of work.
To reduce vibration, maintain the tool6.
as explained in this manual. If any
abnormal vibration occurs, stop use
immediately.

Page 6SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Specic Safety Rules
Always wear ANSI-approved safety1.
goggles with full face shield when
operating this Belt/Disc Sander.
Support workpiece with Miter Gage,2.
Backstop or work table.
Maintain 1/16” maximum clearance3.
between table and sanding belt, or
disc.
Avoid kickback by sanding in4.
accordance with the directional
arrows.
Maintain labels and nameplates on5.
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing,
contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare6.
to begin work before turning on the
tool.
Do not leave the Belt/Disc Sander7.
unattended when it is plugged into
an electrical outlet. Turn off the tool,
and unplug it from its electrical outlet
before leaving.
This product is not a toy. Keep it out8.
of reach of children.
People with pacemakers should9.
consult their physician(s) before

proximity to heart pacemaker could
cause pacemaker interference or
pacemaker failure. In addition,
people with pacemakers should:


on.

avoid electrical shock.

grounded. Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) should also be
implemented – it prevents sustained
electrical shock.
Some dust created by power10.
sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling,
and other construction activities,
contains chemicals known [to the
State of California] to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:


cement or other masonry products

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

those dust masks that are specially

particles. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
The warnings, precautions,11.
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.
S A V E T H E S E
INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 7SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
GROUNDING
TO PREVENT
ELECTRIC SHOCK
AND DEATH FROM
INCORRECT GROUNDING
WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualied
electrician if you are in doubt
as to whether the outlet is
properly grounded. Do not
modify the power cord plug
provided with the tool. Never
remove the grounding prong
from the plug. Do not use the
tool if the power cord or plug
is damaged. If damaged, have
it repaired by a service facility
before use. If the plug will not
t the outlet, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualied
electrician.
Grounded Tools: Tools with Three
Prong Plugs
3-Prong Plug and Outlet
1. Tools marked with “Grounding

and three prong grounding plug.
The plug must be connected to a
properly grounded outlet. If the tool
should electrically malfunction or
break down, grounding provides a
low resistance path to carry electricity
away from the user, reducing the risk
of electric shock. (See 3-Prong Plug
and Outlet.)
The grounding prong in the plug is2.
connected through the green wire
inside the cord to the grounding
system in the tool. The green wire
in the cord must be the only wire
connected to the tool’s grounding
system and must never be attached
to an electrically “live” terminal. (See
3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
The tool must be plugged into an3.
appropriate outlet, properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all
codes and ordinances. The plug and
outlet should look like those in the
preceding illustration. (See 3-Prong
Plug and Outlet.)
NOTE: THIS BELT/Disc4.
SANDER HAS A THREE-PRONG
GROUNDED PLUG.
Extension Cords
Grounded1. 
extension cord. Double Insulated
tools can use either a two or three
wire extension cord.
As the distance from the supply2.
outlet increases, you must use a
heavier gauge extension cord. Using

sized wire causes a serious drop in
voltage, resulting in loss of power and
possible tool damage.
(See Table A.) The smaller the
gauge number of the wire, the
greater the capacity of the cord. For
example, a 14 gauge cord can carry
a higher current than a 16 gauge
cord. (See Table A.)
WARNING

Page 8SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
When using more than one extension3.
cord to make up the total length,
make sure each cord contains at

(See Table A.)
If you are using one extension cord4.
for more than one tool, add the
nameplate amperes and use the sum

cord size. (See Table A.)
If you are using an extension cord5.
outdoors, make sure it is marked with

indicate it is acceptable for outdoor
use.
Make sure the extension cord is6.
properly wired and in good electrical
condition. Always replace a damaged
extension cord or have it repaired by

Protect the extension cords from7.
sharp objects, excessive heat, and
damp or wet areas.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS*
(120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25’ 50’ 75’
100’ 150’
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 -
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - -
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -
TABLE A
* Based on limiting the line
voltage drop to ve volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
Symbology
Double Insulated
Canadian Standards Association

V~ Volts Alternating Current
AAmperes
n0xxxx/min. 
(RPM)

Page 9SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SPECIFICATIONS
Construction Materials
Housing: Sheeted
Steel
Roller and Block
Stop: Polyethylene
Hardware: Carbon
Steel
Feet: Rubber
Sanding Disc 6”
Sanding Belt 
Motor and Electrical
Information
3/4 HP PEAK
120V
60Hz,

3.5 AMP’S
Plug 3-Prong Grounded
Belt Speed 1150 FPB
Disc Speed 1780 RPM
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure
that the item is intact and undamaged. If
any parts are missing or broken, please
call Harbor Freight Tools at the number
shown on the cover of this manual as soon
as possible.
INITIAL 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.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
Belt/Disc Sander to its “OFF”
position and unplug the tool
from its electrical outlet
before assembling or making
any adjustments to the tool.
Note: For additional information regarding
the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near
the end of this manual.
ASSEMBLY
Feet Placement
Carefully set the Belt/Disc Sander on1.
its side.
Figure 1
Rubber Pads (28)
2. Press each Rubber Pad (28) over the
lip of the Base at each corner. (See
Figure 1)
WARNING

Page 10SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Mounting Aluminum Disc
Use 10 & 14mm wrenches (not1.
included) to tighten, if necessary.
(See Figure 1)
Set the Belt/Disc Sander on its feet.2.
Figure 2

Set Screw (6)
3. Slide the Aluminum Disc (5) onto the
Drive Axle (54) so that the Set Screw

Axle (54). (See Figure 2)
Tighten the Set Screw (6) securely.4.
(See Figure 2)
Mounting Table for use as Disc
Sander
NOTE: The Table (69) may be used as
support for both horizontal and
vertical applications.
Insert end of Table Bar (72) (with1.
Pivot Indicator) (70) into Bar Holder
(74). (See Figure 3 )
Figure 3
Table Bar (72) Table (69)
Bar Holder (74)
Pivot
Indicator (70)
Adjusting
Knob (75)
Flat Washer
(26)
Tighten two Set Screws
2. Insert other end of Table Bar (72) into
the Two Mounting supports on bottom
of Table (69). (See Figure 3)
Figure 4

Washer (27)
Pivot
Support (70)
3. Mount the Pivot Indicator (70) tab to
the Table (69) using Hex Bolt (71),

Page 11SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

(27). (See Figure 3 & 4)
Mount Pivot Indicator (70) to the Bar4.
Holder (74) using the Adjusting Knob

tighten. (See Figure 3 )
Tighten all fasteners. Make sure5.
Pivot Indicator operates smoothly
when Angle Adjustment Knob (75) is
loosened.
Figure 5
Support Shaft (76)

Bar Holder
(74)
6. Slide Support Shaft (76) into Bar

shaft with set screws and tighten
securely. Slide Support Shaft
(76) into existing hole on side of
Machine Body (33) and with wrench
(not supplied), tighten Bolt (32).
(See Figure 5 )
Mounting Table for use as Belt
Sander
NOTE: The Table (69) may be used
for both horizontal and vertical
operations.
Remove Table from Machine Body1.
using reverse procedures in number
6 of “Disc Sander” section above.
Figure 6
Support
Rod (23)
Outer Pulley Cover (9)
Disc Cover (8)
Nut (22)
2. Set Belt/Disc Sander in vertical
position by loosening both Nuts (22).
Raise the Belt Support Housing (52).
When it is vertical, tighten both Nuts
(22) very tight to prevent the Belt
Support Housing (52) from slipping.
(See Figures 6 & 7)

Page 12SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Figure 7
Belt Adjustment Knob (49)
Table (69)
Sanding
Belt
Belt
Tighten
Handle
Sanding
Disc
Magnetic Switch (31) with
Orange Safety Key inserted
Miter
Gauge
(65)
3. Insert Support Shaft (76) into the hole
facing the belts and tighten Bolt (32)

(76). (See Figures 6 & 7)
Mounting Stop Plate
1.
top of the sanding belt and is for
preventing workpiece from moving to
the rear when sanding.
Align the two Tabs on the Stop Plate2.
(63) with the two Holes on the top of
the Band Support Housing (52). The
Tabs will be underneath the Flange
on the Band Support Housing (52).
Insert two Machine Screws into the
two Holes and thread them into the
Tabs on the Stop Plate (63). Note:

head and upper Guard Plate (58).
(See Figure 6)
Figure 8
Belt
Adjustment
Knob (49)
Stop Plate (63) (Tabs (not shown) are
underneath Flange on Band Support
Housing (52) where Machine Screws
are shown).
Machine Screws
Band
Support
Housing (52)
3. Mount the Stop Plate (63) to the
Band Support Housing (52) using

Washer (27). (See Figure 8)

Page 13SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
FUNCTIONS
This Belt/Disc Sander can be used
for rough or smooth sanding. It has an
adjustable belt platform for sanding both
inside or outside curves. It can be used to

included Table (69) tilts from 0° to 60° and
can be repositioned to use with sanding
belts or discs. There is a Miter Gauge (65)
for precise angle sanding.
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.
Work Piece and Work Area Set Up
Designate a work area that is clean1.
and well-lit. The work area must not
allow access by children or pets to
prevent injury and distraction.
Route the power cord along a safe2.
route to reach the work area without
creating a tripping hazard or exposing
the power cord to possible damage.
The power cord must reach the work
area with enough extra length to
allow free movement while working.
Leveling the Table
NOTE: For these instructions and
“General Operating Instructions”
on following pages, refer to Figure
8 on page 17 of this manual.
1.
on the Pivot Indicator (70). Place a

the Table (69) so that the combination

the Table (69) is 90° to the sanding
disc, the table is level. Tighten the
Angle Adjusting Knob (75).
If the Table (69) is not 90° to the2.
sanding disc pad, loosen the Angle
Adjusting Knob (75) and tilt the Table

disc. Tighten the Angle Adjusting
Knob (75).
3.
Pointer (73) and adjust it so that it
points to 90°. Tighten the Screw (29).
General Operating Instructions
Insert1. Orange Plastic Key into
Magnetic Switch (31). This “Key”
is a safety precaution and should
remain in the Magnetic Switch
during use and be removed after
Magnetic Switch (31) is turned
off and/or any time the Belt/Disc
Sander is left unattended or it is in
storage.
Adjusting the Sanding Belt
Tracking
With the Belt/Disc Sander turned off,1.
manually move the sanding belt.
If the belt looks like it is going to2.
slide off either roller, it needs to be
adjusted.
Turn the Belt Adjustment Knob (49)3.
until the belt rides the center of the
Rear Roller (56) and the Front Roller
(44).
Move the sanding belt manually4.
after adjustment to assure proper
alignment.

Page 14SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Mounting Sanding Discs
Remove the Table (69), if it is1.
mounted in front of the sanding disc.
Peel off old sanding disc.2.
Align perimeter of new sanding disc3.
over the Aluminum Disc (5) and press

NOTE: If you are using the sanding4.
disc for the rst time. Before
attaching the disc, wipe down the
Aluminum Disc (5) with denatured
alcohol (shellac thinner). This will
clean the surface, leave no residue
and assure a secure bond.
Pressing Magnetic Switch ON will5.
start the Sander. OFF will stop the
Sander.
When using the Disc Sander, always6.

disc (as you face it) to sand. The
sanding disc turns counterclockwise
and using the right side could cause
kickback.
Use two hands and hold workpiece7.
securely at all times.
Always maintain a maximum of 1/16”8.
clearance between the Table (69) and
sanding disc.
9.
to prevent accidents, turn off and
disconnect its power supply after
use. Remove the Orange Plastic
Key from the Magnetic Switch (31).
Wipe down and store the Sander
indoors out of children’s reach.
MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING
Procedures not specically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualied technician.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
tool to its “OFF” position and
unplug the tool from its
electrical outlet before
performing any inspection,
maintenance, or cleaning
procedures.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM TOOL
FAILURE:
Do not use damaged
equipment. If abnormal noise
or vibration occurs, have the
problem corrected before
further use.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and
Lubrication
BEFORE EACH USE,1. inspect the
general condition of the Belt/Disc
Sander. Check for loose screws,
misalignment or binding of moving
parts, cracks and any other condition
that may affect its safe operation.
A Dust Port (59) is located on2.
the bottom of the Lower Guard
Plate (60). It held in place with
Screw (61) and can be removed
for vacuuming collected dust and
sanding residue. Replace the Dust
WARNING

Page 15SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Port (59) after cleaning and tighten
Screw (61).
AFTER USE,3. clean external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
Periodically recheck all nuts, bolts4.
and screws for tightness.
Apply a light coat of paste wax to the5.
Table (69) to make feeding material
easier.
Use compressed air to blow dust and6.
debris from the Sander and Motor.
The Bearings on this Sander are7.

Sanding Belt Replacement
Push the Belt Tensioner Handle (50)1.
forward to loosen the belt.
Remove Upper Guard Plate (58) by2.
unscrewing four Screws (7).
3.
(60) by unscrewing the four Screws
(7) that hold it to the Belt Support
Housing (52).
Slide the old sanding belt off the Rear4.
Roller (56) and Front Roller (44).
Replace with a 4” X 36” sanding belt5.
with the correct grit for the project
you are working on. NOTE: The
larger the grit number, the smaller
the grain. Use small numbered
grits for cutting and larger for
smoothing and nishing.
Slide new sanding belt onto Front6.
and Rear Rollers.
7.
(60) and tighten the four Screws (7)
securely.
Replace the Upper Guard Plate (58)8.
and tighten the four Screws (7).
Push the Belt Tensioner Handle (50)9.
to the rear to tighten the belt.
Before using, manually check10.
the new belt for alignment. See
instructions in the “General
Operating” section of this manual.
V-Belt Replacement
Remove Set Screws (6) and pull off1.
Aluminum Disc (5).
Remove four Screws (11) and2.
Washers (10) from Outer Pulley
Cover (9).
Once the Outer Pulley Cover (9) is3.
removed, the V-Belt is accessible.
Remove the V-Belt (12) using a4.
small straight slot screwdriver (not
supplied). Place the tip of the
screwdriver between the Motor Pulley
(13) and the V-Belt (12) while you
manually turn the V-Belt by hand. As
it turns, the V-Belt will ride up and
out of the Pulley groove. Once off
the Motor Pulley (13), lift it off of the
Spindle Pulley (14).
Place the new V-Belt (12) onto5.
the Spindle Pulley (14), by using a
straight slot screwdriver (not supplied)
as a wedge, manually turn the
Spindle Pully (14) and ride the new
V-Belt onto the Motor Pulley (13).
Replace Outer Pulley Cover (9).6.
Tighten Screws and Washers (10 &
11).
7. WARNING! If the supply cord of
this power tool is damaged, it must
be replaced only by a qualied
service technician.

Page 16SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Belt/Disc Sander
does not turn on
Not plugged in.1.
No power at outlet.2.
Orange Plastic Key not inserted3.
into Magnetic Switch (31).
Switch is not turned “ON”.4.
Plug in Sander.1.
Check power at outlet and/or circuit breaker.2.
Insert Orange Plastic Key into Magnetic3.
Switch (31).
Turn on the Switch.4.
Motor slows when
sanding
V-Belt too tight.1.
Applying too much pressure2.
while sanding
1.
technician.
Use less pressure.2.
Wood burns while
sanding
Sanding disc or belt may be1.
loaded with dirt or debris.
Too much pressure.2.
Clean or replace disc or belt using1.
instructions in this manual.
Use less pressure.2.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect power supply before service.
V-Belt Replacement
V-Belt Tensioning
Should the V-belt need tensioning, repeat steps 1 and 2, in V-belt Replacement
section mentioned previously.
1. oosen four Motor Mount Nuts (22) and slide the Motor (40) further forward
towards Front Roller (44), making sure to pull evenly on the motor. While holding
the motor in its current position, tighten the Nuts (22).
Place a straight edge on the faces of the two pulleys to ascertain alignment.2.
Contact surfaces of the pulleys and the straight edge shall fully touch. Fully tighten
the Nuts (22).
Repeat steps 2 and 1 in the V-Belt Replacement section.3.

Page 17SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
       
      
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT
               



           


Record Product’s 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.

Page 18SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PARTS LIST
Part Description Q’ty
1 Screw M4 X 12 9
2 Flat Washer 4 27
3 Front Cover 1
4 Sander Disc 1
5 Aluminum Disc 1
6 Screw M8 X 8 6
7 Screw M4 X 8 14
8 Disc Cover 1
9 Outer Pulley Cover 1
10 Washer 16
11 Screw M4 X 8 6
12 V-Belt 1
13 Motor Pulley 1
14 Spindle Pulley 1
15 Screw M8 X 6 2
16 Bolt M6 X 12 6
17  7
18 Flat Washer 7
19 Screw M5 X 20 3
20 Inner Pulley Cover 1
21 Spacer 1
22 Nut 8 6
23 Supporting Rod 1
24 Nut 10 1
25 Base 1
26 Flat Washer 8 9
27  8
28 Rubber Feet 4
29 Screw M5 X 12 5
30 Flat Washer 5 5
31 Magnetic Switch 1
32 Bolt M8 X 16 8
33 Machine Body 1
34 Rubber Pad1 1
35 Steel Plate 1
36 Holding Plate 1
37 Cable Fixing Plate 1
38 Hold Plate Bolt 1
39 Rubber Tube 1
PARTS LIST
Part Description Q’ty
40 Motor 1
41 Washer 5 4
42 Retaining Ring 12 2
43 Ball Bearing 4
44 Front Roller 1
45 Adjusting Bracket 1
46 Spring 1
47 Shaft 1
48 Spring 1
49 Belt Adjustment Knob 1
50 Belt Tensioner Handle 1
51 Screw M6 X 12 1
52 Belt Support Housing 1
53 Coach Bolt M8 X 35 2
54 Drive Axle 1
55 Bearing Housing 1
56 Rear Roller 1
57  1
58 Upper Guard Plate 1
59 Dust Port 1
60  1
61 Screw 3
62 Belt Sander 1
63 Stop Plate 1
64 Knob M5 X 16 1
65 Miter Gauge 1
66 Screw M5 X 6 1
67 Pointer 1
68 Sliding Bar 1
69 Table 1
70 Pivot Indicator 1
71 Bolt M8 X 10 1
72 Table Bar 1
73 Angle Pointer 1
74 Bar Holder 1
75 Angle Adjusting Knob 1
76 Supporting Shaft 1

Page 19SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

Page 20SKU 97181 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
LIMITED 1 YEAR / 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high



Freight Tools also warrants to the original purchaser, for a period of one year from date
of purchase, that all other parts and components of the product are free from defects in
materials and workmanship (90 days if used by a professional contractor or if used as rental

abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, normal wear and
tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons

the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
 THIS


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 complaint
            
repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price

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.

vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]