Chicago Electric 40118 User manual

BELT SANDER – 3” x 18”
Model 40118
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Copyright 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, please call 1-800-444-3353.
®

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and as-
sembly diagram. Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number
on the inside of the front cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry
place for future reference.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
1. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN AND DRY. Cluttered, damp, or wet work areas
invite injuries.
2. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM WORK AREA. Do not allow children to handle
this product.
3. STORE IDLE EQUIPMENT. When not in use, tools and equipment should be
stored in a dry location to inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and equipment, and
keep out of reach of children.
4. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR
DRUGS. Read warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgement or
reflexes are impaired while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not attempt to
use this product.
5. USE EYE AND BREATHING PROTECTION. Wear ANSI approved safety impact
eye goggles and a NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
approved respirator. ANSI approved safety impact eye goggles, dust masks, and
respirators are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
SKU 40118 PAGE 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. DRESS SAFELY. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry, as they can become
caught in moving parts. Wear a protective hair covering to prevent long hair from
becoming caught in moving parts. If wearing a long-sleeve shirt, roll sleeves up
above elbows.
7. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times to prevent
tripping, falling, back injury, etcetera.
8. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS MUST FOLLOW OSHA REQUIREMENTS.
9. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing at all times. Use common sense. Do
not use this product when you are tired or distracted from the job at hand.
10. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Before using this product, carefully check that
it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for damaged
parts and any other conditions that may affect the operation of this product.
Replace or repair damaged or worn parts immediately.
11. REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES: When servicing, use only identi-
cal replacement parts. Only use accessories intended for use with this product.
Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
12. MAINTAIN THIS PRODUCT WITH CARE. Keep this product clean and dry for
better and safer performance.
13. MAINTENANCE: For your safety, service and maintenance should be performed
regularly by a qualified technician.
14. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Do not attempt to force a small tool or
attachment to do the work of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applica-
tions for which this tool was designed. It will do the job better and more safely at
the rate for which it was intended. Do not modify this tool, and do not use this
tool for a purpose for which it was not intended.
15. WARNING: The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. The operator
must understand that common sense and caution are factors, which cannot be
built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SKU 40118 PAGE 3

SPECIFIC PRODUCT WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
1. MAINTAIN A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT. Keep the work area well lit.
Make sure there is adequate surrounding workspace. Always keep the work
area free of obstructions, grease, oil, trash, and other debris. Do not use the Belt
Sander in areas near flammable chemicals, dusts, and vapors. Do not use the
Belt Sander in a damp or wet location.
2. GROUND THIS PRODUCT. The electrical Power Cord/Plug (part #52) for this
product is equipped with a grounded, 3-prong Plug. Never remove the grounding
prong or modify the Plug in any way. Do not use adapter plugs with this product.
To comply with the National Electric Code, and to provide additional protection
from the risk of electrical shock, this product should only be connected to a 110
Volt, 3-hole electrical outlet that is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI). (See Assy. Diagram.)
3. IF AN EXTENSION CORD (not provided) IS USED, MAKE SURE TO USE
ONLY UL APPROVED CORDS HAVING THE CORRECT GAUGE AND
LENGTH. (See Figure A.)
REQUIRED MINIMUM EXTENSION CORD GAUGE - 110 VOLT
FIGURE A
4. REDUCE THE RISK OF ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Make sure the Power
Switch (part #24) is in the “OFF” position before plugging the Power Cord (part
#52) into a grounded, 3-hole, 110 Volt, electrical outlet. (See Figure B.)
5. NEVER STAND OR HAVE AN OBSERVER STAND IN LINE WITH THE ROTAT-
ING SANDING BELT (part #2). (See Figure C.)
SKU 40118 PAGE 4
6. USE THE PROPER SIZE AND TYPE OF SANDING BELT (3” WIDE BY 18”
Length). (See Figures B, and C.)

7. FEED THE BELT SANDER GRADUALLY ONTO THE WORKPIECE. Do not
force the Belt Sander to remove material faster than it was designed to sand.
8. WHEN SANDING A LARGE WORKPIECE, MAKE SURE IT IS PROPERLY
SUPPORTED.
9. SECURE THE WORKPIECE. Whenever possible, secure the workpiece with a
vise or clamps.
10. NEVER LEAVE THE BELT SANDER UNATTENDED WHEN IT IS RUNNING.
Turn off the tool, and unplug it from its electrical outlet.
11. ALWAYS TURN OFF THE BELT SANDER, AND UNPLUG IT FROM ITS
ELECTRICAL OUTLET BEFORE PERFORMING ANY INSPECTION,
MAINTENANCE, OR CLEANING PROCEDURES.
12. WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities, contain chemicals known (to the State of California)
to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of
these chemicals 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.)
13. WARNING: People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before
using this product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to a heart
pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown on the Parts List on page 10
are included. 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.
SKU 40118 PAGE 5
14. WARNING: Exposure to aluminum oxide (a dust generated from material
removing processes) can result in eye, skin, and breathing irritation. Always use
a NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approved
respirator and safety goggles. Avoid skin exposure. Proper ventilation in the work
area is required.
15. Before sanding, always inspect the workpiece for nails, staples and other
obstructions that could cause personal injury.

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: For additional references to the parts listed below, refer to the Assembly
Diagram on page 11.
To Remove And Install A Sanding Belt:
1. CAUTION: Prior to performing this procedure, make sure the Power Switch (part
#24) of the Belt Sander is in its “OFF” position and the Power Cord (part #52) is
unplugged from its electrical outlet. (See Figure B, and Assy. Diagram.)
2. The Belt Sander requires the use of a 3” wide by 18” diameter Sanding Belt
(part #2). Additional replacement Sanding Belts are available from Harbor
Freight Tools. (See Figure B.)
POWER SWITCH (#24)
HOUSING (#1, #28)
SANDING BELT (#2)
FRONT WHEEL FRAME (#5)
REAR WHEEL (#8)
BELT RELEASE LEVER (#21)
FIGURE B
3. To remove and install a Sanding Belt (part #2), move the Belt Release Lever
(part #21) all the way to the right to release tension on the Sanding Belt (part
#2). Then, pull the Sanding Belt off the Front Wheel Frame (part #5) and Rear
Wheel (part #8). (See Figure B.)
SKU 40118 PAGE 6

4. Insert a new Sanding Belt (part #2) onto the Front Wheel Frame (part #5) and
Rear Wheel (part #8), and move the Belt Release Lever all the way to the left to
lock the Sanding Belt in place. (See Figure C.)
FIGURE C
POWER SWITCH (#24) HOUSING (#1, #28)
SANDING BELT (#2)
FRONT WHEEL FRAME (#5)
REAR WHEEL (#8)
BELT RELEASE LEVER (#21)
To Attach The Dust Bag:
1. The Belt Sander features a Dust Bag that can be attached simply by sliding it
onto the rear section of the Inner Cover (part #39). (See Figure D, next page.)
2. When the Dust Bag becomes about 3/4 full of sawdust, turn off the tool. Unplug
the tool from its electrical outlet, and remove the Dust Bag to empty. Then re-
place the Dust Bag. (See Figure D.)
To Operate The Belt Sander:
1. The Power Switch (part #24) features a Switch Lock (part #23) which, when
used, allows the Belt Sander to run automatically without squeezing the Power
Switch. To use the Switch Lock, squeeze the Power Switch and, at the same
time, depress the Switch Lock. Then, release pressure on the Power Switch.
The Power Switch will now be locked in its “ON” position. To return to manually
operating the Belt Sander, simply squeeze the Power Switch again to unlock the
Switch Lock. (See Figures C, and D.)
SKU 40118 PAGE 7

INNER COVER (#39)
2. Once ready to operate the Belt Sander, make sure the Power Switch (part #24) is
in its “OFF” position and the Power Cord/Plug (part #52) is unplugged from its
electrical outlet. (See Figure C, and Assy. Diagram.)
3. Then, plug the Power Cord (part #52) into the nearest 110 volt, grounded, 3-
prong, electrical outlet. (See Assy. Diagram.)
4. CAUTION: Firmly grip the Housing (parts #1, #28) of the Belt Sander with
both hands, and squeeze the Power Switch (part #24) to turn on the Belt
Sander. If desired, use the Switch Lock (part #23) to run the Belt Sander in its
automatic mode as discussed in Step #1. (See Figures C, and D.) Always hold
the tool firmly with 2 hands to reduce the possibility of personal injury resulting
from losing control of the tool.
5. Do not force the machine to remove material faster than it was designed to sand.
Make sure to feed the rotating Sanding Belt (part #2) gradually into the
workpiece. (See Figure C.)
6. Slowly and carefully, move the Belt Sand forward and backward along the sur-
face of the workpiece.
7. NOTE: During the sanding process, it may be necessary to adjust the tension of
the Sanding Belt (part #2). This is apparent when the Sanding Belt, while rotat-
ing, slides horizontally to the right or left off the Front Wheel Frame (part #5) and
Rear Wheel (part #8). In this case, turn off the Belt Sander and wait until the
Sanding Belt has stopped rotating. Then, unplug the Belt Sander from its electri-
cal outlet. Move the Belt Release Lever (part #21) all the way to the right, and
properly reposition the Sanding Belt. Next, move the Belt Release Lever all the
SKU 40118 PAGE 8
HOUSING (#1, #28)
SWITCH LOCK (#23)
DUST BAG
TENSION ADJUSTER KNOB (#29)
FIGURE D

way to the left to lock the Sanding Belt in place. Then, turn the Tension Adjuster
Knob (part #29) clockwise to exert greater tension on the Sanding Belt. This
procedure will help keep the Sanding Belt in its proper position while rotating.
(See Figures B, C, and D.)
8. Plug the Power Cord (part #52) into its electrical outlet, and continue sanding
until the desired amount of material has been sanded off the workpiece.
9. Once the sanding job is completed, turn off the Belt Sander and wait until the
Sanding Belt (part #2) has stopped rotating. Then, unplug the Power Cord (part
#52) from its electrical outlet.
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
1. CAUTION: Always turn the Power Switch (part #24) to its “OFF” position, and
unplug the Power Cord (part #52) from its electrical outlet before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or cleaning. (See Figure C.)
2. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the Belt Sander. Check
for loose screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken
parts, damaged electrical Power Cord (part #52), and any other condition that
may affect its safe operation. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have the
problem corrected before further use. Do not use damaged equipment.
3. DAILY: Sanding Belts (part #2) must be sharp and clean to perform properly.
Depending on materials sanded and frequency of tool use, Sanding Belts be-
come clogged with wood particles and dull. Dull Sanding Belts rub the workpiece
rather than cut, which results in increased friction, higher temperatures, and a
burned workpiece. As often as possible, check the condition of the Sanding Belt
and, if necessary, replace a worn Sanding Belt with a new, 3” wide by 18” diam-
eter Sanding Belt. (See “To Remove And Install A Sanding Belt” section for
further information.)
4. DAILY: With a soft brush, cloth, or vacuum, remove all sawdust and debris from
the Belt Sander.
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 MANUFACTUER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL
REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNI-
CIANS, 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 40118 PAGE 9

PARTS LIST
 Description  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
SKU 40118 PAGE 10

ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not
available individually as replacement parts.
SKU 40118 PAGE 11