Chicago Electric 93431 User manual

5” RANDOM ORBITAL
PALM SANDER
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
®
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit ourWeb site at http://www.harborfreight.com
Copyright©2005 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No
portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
anyshapeorform withoutthe expresswrittenconsent ofHarbor FreightTools.
For technical questions and replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY,
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.
93431
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.

Page 2SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in
electric shock,fire,and/or serious injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
1. Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite
accidents. Make sure there is adequate surrounding workspace.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence
of flammable liquids,gases,or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite
the dust or fumes.
3. Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control. Protect others in the work area from
debris such as chips and sparks. Provide barriers or shields as needed.
E194601
SNOITACIFICEPSTCUDORP
stnemeriuqeRlacirtcelEspmA0.2,zH06,CAV021
deepS"23/3,)etuniMrePstibrO(MPO000,21 retemaiDtirbO
noitcelloCts
uDdedulcnIgaB
snoisnemiDdehcattagaBtsuD/wgnoL"9
gnikcaB/csiDgnidnaS daP "4/3-4;ngiseDpooL&kooH,eloH8"5 dedul
cnicsiDgnidnaSeceiP1;retemaiD )tirG08(
thgieW.sbL09.2
Youwillneedthismanualforthesafetywarningsandprecautions,assembly,operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and assembly 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.

Page 3SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
4. Groundedtools must be pluggedinto an outlet properlyinstalled and grounded
in accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding
prong or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check
withaqualified electrician if youare in doubt astowhether the outlet isproperly
grounded. If the tools should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user.
5. Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug
does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any
way. Double insulation eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power
cord and grounded power supply system.
6. Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes,radiators,ranges,
and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is
grounded.
7. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power
tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
8. Do not abuse the Power Cord. Never use the Power Cord to carry the tools or
pull the Plug from an outlet. Keep the Power Cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges,ormovingparts. Replace damagedPower Cordsimmediately. Damaged
Power Cords increase the risk of electric shock.
9. When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked
“W-A”or“W”. Theseextensioncordsare ratedforoutdooruse,and reducethe risk
of electric shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
10. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing,and use common sense when operating
a power tool. Do not use a power tool while tired or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power
tools may result in serious personal injury.
11. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep
your hair,clothing,and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes,jewelry,
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
12. Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the Power Switch is off before plugging in.
Carrying power tools with your finger on the Power Switch, or plugging in power
tools with the Power Switch on, invites accidents.
13. Removeadjusting keys or wrenchesbefore turning the powertool on. Awrench
ora keythat is leftattachedto a rotating partof the powertool mayresult in personal
injury.

Page 4SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
14. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Properfooting
and balance enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
15. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, nonskid safety
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
16. 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.
17. Do not force the tool. Use the correct tool for your application. Thecorrect tool
will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
18. Do not use the power tool if the Power Switch does not turn it on or off. Any
tool that cannot be controlled with the Power Switch is dangerous and must be
replaced.
19. Disconnect the Power Cord Plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventivesafety
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
20. Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
21. Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained tools with a sharp cutting edge are less likely to bind and are easier to
control. Do not use a damaged tool. Tag damaged tools “Do not use”until repaired.
22. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and
any other condition that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged,have the
tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained
tools.
23. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your
model. Accessoriesthat maybesuitable foronetool maybecomehazardous when
used on another tool.
TOOL USE AND CARE

Page 5SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
1. Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where
the sanding tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a
“live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the
operator.
2. Maintainlabels and nameplates on theSander. Thesecarryimportantinformation.
If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
3. Alwayswear safety impact eye gogglesand a dust mask/respirator whenusing
or performing maintenance on this tool. Using personal safety devices reduce
the risk for injury. Safety impact eye goggles and dust mask/respirator are available
from Harbor FreightTools.
4. 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 a power tool in areas
near flammable chemicals, dust, and vapors. Do not use this product in damp or
wet locations.
5. When using a handheld power tool, always maintain a firm grip on the tool
with both hands to resist starting torque.
6. Always keep the extension cord away from moving parts of the tool.
7. Avoid unintentional starting. Make sure you are prepared to begin work before
plugging in the Sander.
8. Do not force the Sander. This tool will do the work better and safer at the speed
and capacity for which it was designed.
9. Never lay the Sander down until the rotating pad has come to a complete stop.
The rotating pad can grab the surface and putll the tool out of your control.
10. Never leave the Sander unattended when it is plugged into an electrical outlet.
Turn off the tool, and unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving.
SERVICE
24. Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or
maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
25. Whenservicingatool,use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions
in the “Inspection,Maintenance,And Cleaning” section of this manual. Use of
unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of
electric shock or injury.

Page 6SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
11. Always unplug the Sander from its electrical outlet before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
12. WARNING! People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before
using this product. Electromagneticfieldsinclose proximitytoaheart pacemaker
could cause interference to or failure of the pacemaker.
In addition, people with pacemakers should adhere to the following:
• Avoid operating power tools alone.
• If powered via a power cord be certain that the tool is properly grounded. A
groundfaultinterrupt (GFCI)systemis also a goodprecaution. Thisinexpensive
deviceisa goodsafety measurebecause itprevents asustained electricalshock.
• Properly maintain and inspect all tools before use to avoid electrical shock.
13. 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,
andworkwithapprovedsafetyequipment,suchasthosedustmasksthatarespecially
designed to filter out microscopic particles.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq. )
14. Take caution as some woods contain preservatives such as copper chromium
arsenate (CCA) which can be toxic.Whencuttingthesematerialsextracareshould
be taken to avoid inhalation and minimize skin contact.
15. WARNING! Exposureto aluminum oxide(adust generated frommaterialremoving
processes) can result in eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Always use a NIOSH
(NationalInstituteforOccupationalSafetyand Health)approved respiratorand ANSI
approved safety goggles. Avoid skin exposure. Proper ventilation in the work area
is required.
16. WARNING! The warnings, cautions, 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.
Note: Performance of this tool (if powered by line voltage) may vary depending on
variationsinlocallinevoltage.Extensioncord usage may also affect tool performance.

Page 7SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
GROUNDING
WARNING!
Improperly connecting the grounding wire can result in the risk of electric
shock. Check with a qualified 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 fit the outlet, have a proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician.
GROUNDED TOOLS: TOOLS WITH THREE PRONG PLUGS
1. Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord 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 Figure A.)
2. The grounding prong in the plug is connected through the green wire inside the
cordto the grounding systemin the tool. The greenwire in thecordmust be the only
wire connected to the tool’s grounding system and must never be attached to an
electrically “live” terminal. (See Figure A.)
FIGURE A

Page 8SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
3. Your toolmustbe pluggedinto anappropriate outlet,properly installedand grounded
in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should look like
those in the following illustration. (See Figure A.)
DOUBLE INSULATED TOOLS: TOOLS WITH TWO PRONG PLUGS
4. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not require grounding. They have a special
double insulation system which satisfies OSHA requirements and complies with
theapplicable standards of Underwriters Laboratories,Inc., the Canadian Standard
Association, and the National Electrical Code. (See Figure B.)
5. Double insulated tools may be used in either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the
following illustration. (See Figure B.)
FIGURE B
Note:
This tool has a
2 Prong Plug.

Page 9SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
EXTENSION CORDS
1. Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord. Double Insulated tools can
use either a two or three wire extension cord.
2. As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge
extension cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a
serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage.
(See Figure C.)
3. 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 Figure C.)
4. When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, make sure
each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required. (See Figure C.)
5. If you are using one extension cord for more than one tool, add the nameplate
amperes and use the sum to determine the required minimum cord size. (See
Figure C.)
6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make sure it is marked with the suffix
“W-A” (“W” in Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.
7. Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified
electrician before using it.
8. Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet
areas.
*SDROCNOISNETXEROFEGUAGERIWMUMINIMDEDNEMMOCER
ETALPEMAN SEREPMA )daoLlluFtA( HTGNELDROCNOISNETXE
teeF52teeF
05teeF57teeF001teeF051
0.2-08181818161
4.3-1.28181816141
0.5-5.38181614121
0.7-1.58161412121
0.21-1.781412101-
0.61-1.21412101--
0.02-1.612101---
CERUGIF evifotpordegatlovenilehtgnitimilnodesaB* .serepmadetarehtfo%051tastlov

Page 10SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SYMBOLOGY
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure that the item is intact and undamaged. If any parts
are missing or broken, please call Harbor FreightTools at the number shown on the cover
of this manual as soon as possible.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer
to the Assembly Diagram on page 13.
CAUTION: Always make sure the Power Cord (13) of the Sander is unplugged from its
electrical outlet prior to making any adjustments or doing servicing, or adding or remov-
ing sanding discs.
ATTACHING THE DUST BAG (28)
1. Slide the Dust Bag (28) onto the back of the Sander. Snap it in place using firm
pressure.
2. Thecollectionof thedust will only
work if the sandpaper has holes
that line up with the 8 dust
collection holes in the Backing
Pad (23).There are 4 other holes
inthe BackingPad fortheScrews
(26) that attach the Backing Pad
tothe Sander.
DustBag (28)
BackingPad(23)

Page 11SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer
to the Assembly Diagram on page 13.
1. CAUTION: Always make sure the Power Cord (13) of the Sander is unplugged from
its electrical outlet prior to making any adjustments to the tool.
2. Clamp your workpiece down, or insert it in a vise. Make sure the wood you are
sanding does not have any nails or metal of any kind in it, or you will ruin the
sandpaper and damage the Backing Pad (23).
3. After donning the appropriate safety gear covered on page 5 of this manual, plug in
the Sander.
4. Turn on the Sander by turning on the Switch (15).
5. Always run the Sander for a few seconds before contacting the workpiece.
6. Contactthe workpiece with minimal pressure. Ifthe Sander is not removingenough
material, try a grittierpiece of sandpaper. If youwantto remove a lot ofmaterial fast,
use a belt sander.
Note: All orbital sanders leave sanding marks on the workpiece. To minimize sanding
marks, always try to sand with the grain of the wood.
7. Occasionally check the sandpaper for tears, wear, or fraying. Replace if necessary.
8. When you are finished, turn off the Switch (15).
On/OffSwitch (15)

Page 12SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
1. WARNING! Make sure the Power Switch (15) of the Sander is in its “OFF”
position and that the tool is unplugged from its electrical outlet before performing
any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
2. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the Sander. Check for loose
screws,misalignmentor binding ofmoving parts,cracked or brokenparts,damaged
electrical wiring, 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. Wipe the unit down after each use with a dry, lint free cloth.
2. Make sure the vents on the top are clear of dust and debris.
3. Periodically,have aqualifiedservicetechniciancleanorreplacethe CarbonBrushes
(9).
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THEMANUFACTURERAND/ORDISTRIBUTORHASPROVIDEDTHEPARTSDIAGRAMINTHISMANUAL
AS A REFERENCETOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY
REPRESENTATIONORWARRANTYOFANYKINDTOTHE BUYERTHATHE OR SHE ISQUALIFIEDTO
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
STATESTHATALLREPAIRS AND PARTSREPLACEMENTSSHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BYCERTIFIED
AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS AND NOT BY THE BUYER.THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND
LIABILITYARISINGOUT OF HISORHERREPAIRSTOTHEORIGINALPRODUCTORREPLACEMENT
PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS
THERETO.
PARTS LIST
Part # Description Qty. Part # Description Qty.
1 Top Enclosure 1 15 On/Off Switch 1
2 Bottom Enclosure 1 16 Bearing 9x26x8 1
3 Stator 1 17 Balance Fan 1
4 Rotor 1 18 Bearing Holder 1
5 Right Label 1 19 Bearing 15x32x9 1
6 Left Label 1 20 Damper 1
7 Bearing 6x19x6 1 21 Gasket 1
8 Brush Holder 2 22 Screw M4x12 1
9 Carbon Brush 2 23 Backing Pad 1
10 Cord Anchor 1 24 Gasket M4 4
11 Screw ST3.5x16 2 25 Spring Gasket 4
12 Cord Guard 1 26 Screw M4x8 4
13 Power Cord and Plug 1 27 Screw 4.2x20 4
14 Switch Cover 1 28 Dust Bag 1
29 Sanding Disc 1

Page 13SKU 93431 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
NOTE: Somepartsarelistedandshownforillustrationpurposesonly,andarenotavailableindividually
as replacement parts.
(29)Sanding Disc (80Grit)
notshown