Craftex CT180 User manual

CT180
6” x 48" BELT AND 9" DISC SANDER
User Manual

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Safety Instructions ..........................................................................3
Specific Safety Instructions...........................................................................4
CT180 Features............................................................................................5
Physical Features.........................................................................................6
Set Up ..........................................................................................................7
Unpacking ....................................................................................................7
Proper Grounding.........................................................................................8
Stand Assembly............................................................................................9
Mounting the Machine on to the Stand.........................................................10
Installing the Dust Ports................................................................................10
Installing the Table .......................................................................................11
Installing the Backstop..................................................................................11
Belt Tension Handle.....................................................................................12
Belt Tracking Adjustment..............................................................................12
Dust Collection .............................................................................................13
Test Run.......................................................................................................13
Work-Piece Inspection..................................................................................14
Adjusting the Table Tilt.................................................................................14
Horizontal/Vertical Sanding ..........................................................................14
Adjusting the Miter Gauge............................................................................15
Sanding Tips.................................................................................................16
Installing/Removing the Sanding Disc..........................................................16
Installing/removing the Sanding Belt ............................................................16
Maintenance.................................................................................................18
V-Belt Tension and Replacement.................................................................18
Troubleshooting............................................................................................20
Parts Diagram...............................................................................................21
Parts List ................................................................................................22-23
Warranty.......................................................................................................24

3
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Extreme caution should be used when operating all power tools. Know your power
tool, be familiar with its operation, read through the owner’s manual and practice
safe usage procedures at all times.
ALWAYS read and understand the
user manual before operating the
machine.
CONNECT your machine ONLY to the
matched and specific power source.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses
respirators, hearing protection and
safety shoes, when operating your
machine.
DO NOT wear loose clothing or
jewelry when operating your machine.
A SAFE ENVIRONMENT is
important. Keep the area free of dust,
dirt and other debris in the immediate
vicinity of your machine.
BE ALERT! DO NOT use prescription
or other drugs that may affect your
ability or judgment to safely use your
machine.
DISCONNECT the power source when
changing any components of the
machine.
router bits, shaper heads, blades,
knives or making other adjustments or
repairs.
NEVER leave a machine unattended
while it is in running.
NEVER reach over the machine when
it is in operation.
ALWAYS keep blades, knives and bits
sharpened and properly aligned.
ALL OPERATIONS MUST BE
performed with the guards in place to
ensure safety.
ALWAYS use push sticks and feather
boards to safely feed your work
through the machine.
ALWAYS make sure that any tools
used for adjustments are removed
before operating the machine.
ALWAYS keep the bystanders safely
away while the machine is in
operation.

MAKE SURE the sander is connected
to the matched and specific power
source instructed in the manual.
ALL GUARDS must be in place while
operating the sander to ensure
operator’s safety.
MAKE SURE before making any
adjustments, the switch is in the “OFF”
position and the cord is un-plugged from
the power source.
NEVER sand more than one work piece
at a time.
DO NOT wear loose clothing while
operating this sander.
KEEP YOUR WORK AREA CLEAN.
Cluttered areas and workbenches
increase the chance of accident.
NEVER LEAVE the sander unattended
while it is running.
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors
should be kept at a safe distance from
the work area.
DO NOT force the sander. It will do the
job better and will be safer at the
operating rate for which it is designed.
ALWAYS wear a dust mask and safety
glasses while operating the sander. The
use of dust collection system will
remove tiny dust particles produced by
the sander that can cause serious
health problems.
ALWAYS inspect stock for staples, nails
knots or any other foreign material
before sanding.
ALWAYS operate the sander in a well-
ventilated area and use a dust collection
system for dust removal.
ALWAYS hold the work-piece firmly
when sanding. When not using the
table, i.e. sanding free-hand, grip the
work piece with both hands.
USE THE STOP FENCE when
performing horizontal sanding on the
belt sander.
MAINTAIN AND SERVICE your sander
regularly as instructed in the user
manual.
MAKE SURE you have read and
understood all the safety instructions in
the manual and you are familiar with
your CT180 sander, before operating it.
If you fail to do so, serious injury could
occur.
WARNING!
The safety instructions given above can not be complete because the environment in
every shop is different. Always consider safety first as it applies to your individual
working conditions.
CT180 – 6” x 9” BELT & DISC SANDER
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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MODEL CT180 – 6” x 9” BELT & DISC SANDER
As part of the growing line of Craftex woodworking equipment, we are proud to offer the CT180
a 6” x 9” Belt and Disc Sander. By following the instructions and procedures laid out in this
user manual, you will receive years of excellent service and satisfaction. The CT180 is a
professional tool and like all power tools, proper care and safety procedures should be
adhered to.
Belt sander operates horizontally & vertically and can be locked at any angle in between
Two 2.5” dust ports
A precision aluminum table with miter gauge slot
Motor................................... ..........1-HP, 120-V
Disc Diameter...................... ..........9”
Work Table Size.................. ..........12” x 6”
Work Table Tilt .................... ..........0° to 45°
Belt Size .............................. ..........6” Wide x 48” Long
Belt Speed........................... ..........1020 SFPM (Standard Feet Per Minute)
Belt Sander Tilt.................... ..........0° to 90°
Approx Weight..................... ..........61 Kgs
Warranty.............................. ..........2 Years
CT180 – 6” x 9" BELT &
DISC SANDER
FEATURES

6
CT180 – 6” x 9” BELT & DISC SANDER
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Rubber
Feet
2.5” Dust
Port
Sanding
Disc Guard
Table Tilt
Scale
Lock Knob
Work Table
9” Sanding
Disc
Stand
6” x 48”
Sanding Belt
Table Stop
Belt Guard Cover
Lock Knob
Quick Release
Tension Lever
2.5" Dust
Port
Backstop
Table Tilt
Scale
Miter Gauge
1-HP
Motor

7
SETUP
Before setting up your machine you should
read and understand the instructions given
in this manual.
While setting up your machine, consider
existing and anticipated needs, size of the
materials to be processed and etc.. so that
you don't have to move your machine for
larger work-pieces.
UNPACKING
The machine is properly packaged and
shipped completely in carton for safe
transportation. When unpacking, carefully
inspect the carton and ensure that nothing
has been damaged during transit.
Open the carton and check that the
machine and the parts are in good
condition.
LIST OF CONTENTS QTY
A. Sander............................................. 1
B. Stand Lower Brackets (Long) .......... 2
C. Stand Lower Brackets (Short).......... 2
D. Stand Upper Brackets (Long) .......... 2
E. Stand Upper Brackets (Short).......... 2
F. Rubber Feet..................................... 4
G. Dust Hood........................................ 2
H. Dust Hood Coupler .......................... 1
I. Sanding Table..................................1
J. Sanding Table Support Rod.............1
K. Miter Gauge..................................... 1
L. Backstop.......................................... 1
M. 9" Sanding Disc ...............................1
N. 6" Sanding Belt................................ 1
WARNING!
CT180 is a heavy machine, do not over-
exert yourself. For safe moving method
use a mechanical device or get the help
of an assistant.
IMPORTANT
While unpacking the CT180, if you can
not find any part of the machine, check if
it is already installed on the machine.
Some parts come installed on the
machine due to shipping purposes.

8
PROPER GROUNDING
Grounding provides a path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce the
risk of electric shock.
Make sure the cord is plugged into a
properly installed and grounded power
outlet. To prevent electrical hazards, have a
qualified electrician ensure that the line is
properly wired.
Make sure that the sander is connected to
an outlet having the same configuration as
the plug. If an adaptor plug is used, it must
be attached to the metal screw of the
receptacle.
Figure-1 110-Volts outlet for CT180
It is strongly recommended not to use
extension cords with your CT180. Always
try to position your machine close to the
power source so that you do not need to
use extension cords.
If it is necessary to use an extension cord,
make sure the extension cord does not
exceed 50-feet in length and the cord is 14-
gauge to prevent motor damage.
WARNING!
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor 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.

9
STAND ASSEMBLY
The CT180 comes with an open stand that
needs to be assembled before installing the
sander onto it.
TO ASSEMBLY THE STAND:
Place the two lower long brackets parallel
to each other and place the two lower short
brackets on the long brackets. Align the
holes on the lower short brackets with the
two lower long brackets and attach them
together using four bolts, four washers, four
lock washers and four nuts. Hand tighten
the nuts. Do not fully tighten at this time.
See figure-2.
Figure-2 Lower brackets attached together
Now attach the upper longer and shorter
brackets together in the same manner.
Place the upper shorter brackets with
square holes on the upper longer brackets,
securing them using bolts, washers, lock
washers and nuts provided. Do not fully
tighten the nuts. See figure-3.
Figure-3 Upper brackets attached together
Now, attach the four legs to the outside of
the upper brackets assembly and secure
them using bolts, washers, lock washers
and nuts. Hand tighten the nuts at this time.
Insert the lower brackets assembly between
the four legs. Align the holes on the
brackets with the holes on each leg and
secure it using bolts, washers, lock washers
and nuts. Hand tighten the nuts at this time.
Figure-4 Legs attached to the lower and
upper brackets
Once all four legs are attached to the
brackets, fully tighten all the buts using a
wrench and make sure the stand is level
from all four sides.
WARNING!
While assembling the stand, place a
piece of carton or cloth on the floor to
prevent the stand legs and brackets from
being scratched.

10
Place the stand upside down on the floor
and attach the four rubber feet to the each
leg securing it with the nuts and washers
provided. See figure-5.
Figure-5 Installing the rubber feet
Place the stand up right and adjust the
rubber feet making sure that the stand is
level from all four sides and tighten the lock
nuts on the rubber feet.
MOUNTING THE MACHINE
ON TO THE STAND
Lift the sander up using a fork truck or any
other mechanical device and align the four
holes on the sander base with the holes on
the four corners of the stand. Slowly, lower
the machine onto the stand and secure it
from underneath the stand using bolts and
washers provided. See figure-6.
Figure-6 Securing sander to the stand
INSTALLING THE DUST
PORTS
Install the dust ports to the back of the
sanding belt frame and to the bottom of the
sanding disc cover using the screws and
washers provided. See figure-7.
Figure-7 Dust ports
Once the dust ports are installed, attach the
coupler to the sanding belt dust port as
shown in figure-8.
Figure-8 Installing the coupler

11
INSTALLING THE TABLE
The table is most commonly installed to be
used with the sanding disc but it can also
be installed to be used with the sanding belt
when the sanding belt is in vertical position.
Loosen the two cap screws shown in figure-
9 and slide the table support rod into the
hole, making sure that the flat surface of the
rod is facing the two cap screws. Then
tighten the two set screws.
Slide the table with its bracket onto the
support rod as shown in figure-9, making
sure that the flat surface of the rod is facing
the cap screws on the table bracket, and
then tighten the cap screws. See figure-9.
Figure-9 Table to be used with the sanding
disc
Figure-10 Table to be used with the
sanding belt
INSTALLING THE
BACKSTOP
When the sanding belt is set for horizontal
sanding, the backstop should be used to
prevent the work piece flying out while
sanding.
Install the backstop to the sanding platen as
shown in figure-11 using screw and washer
provided.
Figure-11 Installing the backstop
IMPORTANT
Make sure to remove the backstop when
using the work table with the sanding
belt in vertical position.

12
BELT TENSION HANDLE
Thread the belt tension handle into the hole
on the tension bracket located inside the
sanding platen. See figure-12.
Figure-12 Installing the belt tension handle
ON/OFF SWITCH
CT180 is equipped with a rocker-type
power switch which starts and stops the
motor and is located on the base of the
sander.
The switch features a removable safety key
to prevent unauthorized operations. When
the sander is not in use for a long period of
time, simply remove the locking key and
store it in a safe place.
To start the sander, insert the safety key
and shift the switch to the left.
Figure-13 ON/OFF switch
BELT TRACKING
ADJUSTMENT
Belt tracking means where the belt rides on
the rollers. The belt should always be
centered on both the rollers.
Your CT180 sander is shipped with the belt
tracking mechanism properly adjusted.
When installing a new sanding belt, you will
need to perform the belt tracking
adjustment to center the belt on the rollers.
TO CHECK THE SANDING BELT
TRACKING:
Turn the sander ON and see if the belt
wanders to the left or right. Be prepared to
immediately turn OFF the machine.
If the sanding belt is not riding the rollers on
a centered path, adjustment is necessary.
TO ADJUST THE SANDING BELT
TRACKING:
Turn the sander ON and turn it OFF quickly.
Loosen the lock nut on the tracking knob.
Turn the tracking knob clockwise to move
the belt towards the tracking knob and
counter-clockwise to move the belt away.
Figure-14 Belt tracking

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Now, turn the sander ON and adjust the
belt tracking with the sander ON.
Once the sanding belt is centered on both
pulleys, retighten the lock nut.
Turn OFF the sander.
DUST COLLECTION
CT180 features two 2-1/2” dust ports to
connect to a dust collector.
When connecting to a dust collector, use a
proper sized hose and make sure all the
connections are sealed tightly.
Figure-15 Dust ports
TEST RUN
Once you have assembled your machine
completely, it is then time for a test run to
make sure that the machine works properly
and is ready for operation.
Make sure you have done belt tracking
adjustment before performing the test run
so that the belt does not come off the rollers
or jam against the sander during the test
run.
Remove all the tools and objects used for
the machine set up and installation before
the test run.
Tie back loose clothing and long hair to
prevent it from getting caught in the moving
sanding belt when you start the sander.
Make sure you have read and understood
all the safety instructions given in this
manual.
Connect the cord to the power source and
turn ON the sander to verify that the
machine is working properly.
During the test run if there is any unusual
noise coming from the machine or the
machine vibrates excessively, stop the
machine immediately and disconnect the
cord from the power source. Investigate to
find out the problem with your machine.
See page-20 for TROUBLESHOOTING.
Remove the safety key from the ON/OFF
switch and try to turn the sander ON. The
sander should know start with the safety
key removed.
If the machine starts without the safety key,
immediately stop the machine. Do not
operate the machine. Check with our
customer service.
WARNING!
The fine dust particles produced by the
woodworking machines can go inside
your lungs and cause serious respiratory
problems. Make sure to wear a dust
mask and connect the machine to a
proper dust collection system while
operation.

14
WORK-PIECE INSPECTION
CT180 is designed to sand wood only. Do
not use this machine to sand metals, glass
or stone etc.
Before sanding, make sure to inspect the
work-piece for nails, staples, small pieces
of stone or metal and any other foreign
objects.
Sanding the work-piece with this kind of
objects can tear the sanding paper. For a
safe sanding always inspect your work-
piece carefully before cutting and wear eye
protection.
Some woods with excessive finish or glue
load up the sand paper and reduce its
usefulness. Use an abrasive cleaner to
clean the sanding paper.
ADJUSTING THE
TABLE TILT
The work table can be tilted from 0° to 45°
by loosening the lock knob shown in figure-
16 and tilting the table to the desired angle
as indicated on the tilt scale and re-tighten
the lock knob.
Figure-16 Tilting the work table
HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL
SANDING
The belt sander can be positioned vertically
or horizontally and it can also be positioned
at any angle in between, depending on your
sanding needs.
TO ADJUST THE SANDING BELT ANGLE:
Make sure the switch is in the OFF position
and the cord is disconnected from the
power source.
Loosen the two lock nuts shown in figure-17
and slowly lift / lower the belt sander to the
desired angle.
Figure-17 Loosening the lock nuts
Re-tighten the lock nuts securing the belt
sander in position.
To position the belt sander horizontally,
lower the belt sander completely until it sits
on the stop bolt shown in figure-18.
Figure-18 Belt sander sitting on table stop

15
When using the belt sander in horizontal
position, make sure to install the backstop
to the sanding frame, so that the work-piece
does not fly out. See figure-19.
Figure-19 Backstop installed
ADJUSTING THE MITER
GAUGE
The miter gauge is used to hold and
support the work-piece at a desired angle
during sanding operation. The miter gauge
body angle can be adjusted.
TO ADJUST THE MITER GAUGE:
Loosen the lock knob shown in figure-18
and reposition the miter gauge to the
desired angle.
Re-tighten the lock knob.
To set the miter gauge square with the disc,
use a combination square. If the angle
pointer needs to be repositioned, loosen
pointer screw and readjust. See figure-20.
Figure-20 Miter gauge

16
SANDING TIPS
When sanding a flat surface, firmly hold the
work-piece with both hands, keeping your
fingers away from the sanding belt.
External curves must be sanded on the flat
portion of the sanding belt. Internal curves
must be sanded on the roller portion of the
sanding belt.
Make sure to move the work-piece equally
along the sanding belt and use the miter
gauge for precise work.
To sand a perfectly straight edge, make
sure the belt table is perfectly square with
the sanding belt.
The sanding disc turns much faster and
removes more of the external edge. When
sanding small flat surfaces or convex
edges, disc sanding is the best way to
achieve good results.
INSTALLING / REMOVING
THE SANDING DISC
The CT180 comes with a 9” PSA (pressure
sensitive adhesive backed disc).
TO INSTALL/REMOVE THE DISC
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.
Remove the work table (if installed).
Remove the screws securing the sanding
disc cover and remove the cover. See
figure-21.
Figure-21 Sanding disc cover removed
Remove the old sanding disc by peeling it
off from the plate.
Clean the plate before installing the new
sanding disc and make sure there is no
dust or debris on its surface.
You may experience poor and
unsatisfactory results, or the sanding disc
may loose contact with the plate during
operation if there is dust or debris on the
plate surface.
Peel the paper at the back of the new
sanding disc and install the sanding disc on
to the plate. Make sure the sanding disc is
centered and adheres completely flat
against the plate.
WARNING!
Make sure the switch is in the OFF
position and the cord is disconnected
from the power source when
installing/removing parts, adjusting and
servicing the machine. Failure to do so
may result in serious personal injuries.

17
INSTALLING / REMOVING
THE SANDING BELT
The CT180 comes with a 6” x 48” sanding
belt.
TO INSTALL/REMOVE THE SANDING
BELT:
Make sure the switch is in the OFF position
and the cord is disconnected from the
power source.
Remove the belt guard by removing the
three lock knobs shown in figure-22.
Figure-22 Removing the three lock knobs
securing the belt guard
Remove the dust port by removing the
screws and washers securing the dust port
to the sander frame.
Turn the belt tension handle to the left
releasing tension on the belt. See figure-23.
Figure-23 Loosening the tension on the belt
Remove the old belt and install the new
sanding belt onto the rollers. Make sure the
arrow on the back of the sanding belt is
positing towards the sanding disc.
Once the belt is installed onto the rollers,
turn the belt tension lever back to the right
to tension the belt.
The sanding belt should be centered on
both rollers. Before installing the removed
parts of the sander, the belt tracking
adjustment should be performed to check
and adjust the belt. See page-12 for details.

18
MAINTENANCE
During the lifetime of your machine, you will
need to practice some regular maintenance
to keep your sander in peak operating
condition.
The sander should be checked daily for
loose mounting bolts, damaged or worn belt
or disc, damaged cord or plug, worn or
damaged wires and any other unsafe
condition before use.
Clean the machine daily after use and when
the machine is not in use turn the switch off
and remove the switch key.
A build-up of dust in the motor can cause
motor damage. Periodic cleaning of the
motor is not only recommended, but also
mandatory for normal sanding performance.
All bearings are permanently lubricated and
require no further lubrication.
The moisture from the wood dust remaining
on the table surface can cause rust. The
table and other un-painting surfaces of the
machine should be cleaned and wiped after
every use to make sure that there is no
moisture against bare metal surface.
V-BELT TENSION &
REPLACEMENT
The V-belt is pre-installed and tension at
the factory. It stretches with use and should
be checked regularly for proper tension and
belt condition.
TO REPLACE AND TENSION
THE V-BELT:
Make sure the switch is in the OFF position
and disconnect the cord from the power
source.
Remove the work table if it is installed to
the sanding disc.
Remove the sanding disc cover.
Remove the sanding disc, remove the
screw securing the sanding disc plate and
remove the plate.
Figure-24 Opening the sanding disc cover
Loosen the four motor mounting lock nuts
securing the motor. (two other lock nuts not
shown in figure-25)
WARNING!
Make sure the machine is turned OFF
and the cord is disconnected from the
power source before installing/removing
and servicing any component of the
machine.

19
Figure-25 Motor mounting lock nuts
At this point the V-belt should be loose
enough to slip it off the pulleys.
Replace the V-belt with a new one and
install it on the pulleys.
Re-install the sanding disc plate and secure
it with the screw removed.
Tension the V-belt by moving the motor
away from the sanding disc and tighten the
motor mounting lock nuts.
Push the center of the V-belt with your
finger as shown in figure-26 to check the
tension on the drive belt. The belt is
correctly tensioned when there is
approximately 1/4" deflection when it is
pushed with moderate pressure.
Figure-26 Correct belt tension
If the deflection is not approximately 1/4"
when you push with moderate pressure,
loosen the motor mounting nuts and re-
tension the belt.
If the deflection is approximately 1/4”, re-
install the sanding plate, sanding disc, disc
guard and the table.

20
TROUBLESHOOTING