Craftsman 315.11701 User manual

Sears
OWNERS
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
315.11701
CAUTION
Read Rules for
Safe Operation
and Instructions
Carefully
SAVE THIS MANUAL
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
CRAFTSMAN
3 INCH
BELT SAN DER
DOUBLE INSULATED
Introduction
Operation
Maintenance
Repair Parts (UL)
% ,"
Designed exclusively for and sold only by SEARS. ROEBUCK AND CO., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.
2612547 182 PRINTED IN U.S,A
10-81

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CR_AFTSMAN B_.LT SANDER
If this Craftsman Belt Sander fails to give complete satisfaction within one year from the date of pur-
chase RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES and Sears
will repair it, free of charge.
If this belt sander is used for commercial or rental purposes this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state. SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
BSC 41 -3
SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO, IL 60684
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL
Your Craftsman 3-Inch Belt Sander is suitable for
coarse, medium and fine sanding of wood, metals,
plastics and other materials. It is ideal when used for
smoothing rough boards, chamfering, rounding
edges and many other general sanding applications.
Its balanced design makes it easy to use. All the
bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit
under normal operating conditions, therefore, no fur-
ther lubrication is required.
DOUBLE INSULATION
Double insulation is a concept in safety, in electric
power tools, which eliminates the need for the usual
three wire grounded power cord and grounded supp-
ly system. Wherever there is electric current in the
tool there are two complete sets of insulation to pro-
tect the user. All exposed metal parts are isolated
from the internal metal motor components with pro-
tecting insulation.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION --
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT -- Servicing of a tool with double in-
sulation requires extreme care and knowledge of the
system and should be performed only by a qualified
service technician. For service, return the tool to
your nearest Sears store for repair which will be
done with original factory replacement parts. WARN-
ING: KEEP HANDS AND FINGERS AWAY FROM
MOVING SANDING BELT. ANY PART OF BODY
COMING IN CONTACT WITH MOVING BELT COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. KEEP HEAD AWAY
FROM SANDER AND SANDING AREA. HAIR COULD
GET CAUGHT IN MOVING PARTS AND FOREIGN
OBJECTS COULD GET THROWN AWAY FROM
SANDER CAUSING INJURY.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE UNTIL
YOU HAVE READ THOROUGHLY AND UNDERS-
TAND COMPLETELY ALL INSTRUCTIONS, RULES,
ETC. CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL. FAILURE TO
COMPLY CAN RESULT IN ACCIDENTS INVOLVING
FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR SERIOUS PERSONAL
INJURY. MAINTAIN OWNER'S MANUAL AND
REVIEW FREQUENTLY FOR CONTINUING SAFE
OPERATION, AND INSTRUCTING POSSIBLE
THIRD-PARTY USER.
1. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL -- Read owner's manual carefully. Learn its ap-
plications and limitations as well as the specific potential hazards peculiar to
this tool.
2. GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK BY PREVENTING BODY CONTACT
WITH GROUNDED SURFACES. For example: Pipes, radiators, ranges, refrig-
erator enclosures.
3. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.
4. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.
5. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don't use power tool in damp or wet
locations or expose to rain. Keep work area well lit.
6. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors should be kept safe distance from work
area. Do not let visitors contact tool or extension cord.
7. STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, tools should be stored in dry, high or
locked-up place -- out of reach of children.
8. DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it
was designed.
9. USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or attachment to do the job of a heavy
duty tool. Don't use tool for purpose not intended - for example - Don't use
a circular saw for cutting tree limbs or logs.
10. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. No loose clothing or jewelry to get caught in moving
parts. Rubber gloves and footwear are recommended when work=ng outdoors.
Also, wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
Page 2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)
11. USE SAFETY GLASSES with all tools. Also
28.
29.
30.
31.
face or dust mask if cutting
operation is dusty.
12. DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by cord or yank it to disconnect from
receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil and sharp edges.
13. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work. It's safer than using your
hand and it frees both hands to operate tool.
14. DON't OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
15. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp at all times, and clean for best
and safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing ac-
cessories.
16. DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use, before servicing, or when changing at-
tachments, blades, bits, cutters, etc., all tools should be disconnected.
17. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Always check to see that keys
and adjusting wrenches are removed from tool before turning it on.
18. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Don't carry, plugged-in tools with finger on
switch. Be sure switch is off when plugging _n.
19. OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS. When tool is used outdoors, use only
extension cords suitable for use outdoors. Outdoor approved cords are marked
with the suffix W-A. For example - SJTW-A or SJOW-A.
20. NEVER USE THIS OR ANY POWER SANDER FOR WET SANDING. Failure to
comply can result in electrical shock causing serious injury or worse.
22. NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor
could ignite fumes.
23. INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY and if damaged, have repaired at your
nearest Sears Repair Center.
24. INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODICALLY and replace if damaged.
25. KEEP HANDLES DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE FROM OIL AND GREASE.
26. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not op-
erate tool when you are tired.
27. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the tool, a guard or
other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will
operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of mov-
ing parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other
conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center unless
indicated elsewhere in this instruction manual.
DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have defect-
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before sanding.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL, MEDICATION. Do not operate tool under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or any medication.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
CAUTION
The operation of any sander can result In forelgn ob-
jects belng thrown into the eyes, whlch can result In
severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or
eye shlelds before commenclng power tool opera.
tlon. We recommend Wlde Vlslon Safety Mask for
use over spectacles, or standard safety glasses...
available at Sears Catalog Order or Retail Stores.
Page 3

OPERATION
WARNING: YOUR SANDER SHOULD NEVER BE
CONNECTED TO POWER SUPPLY WHEN YOU ARE
ASSEMBLING PARTS OR PERFORMING
MAINTENANCE.
If any parts are missing do not operate your Sander
until the missing parts are replaced.
Before attempting to use your Sander, familiarize
yourself with all operating features (See Fig. 1) and
safety requirements. WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW
FAMILIARITY WITH YOUR SANDER TO MAKE YOU
CARELESS. REMEMBER THAT ACARELESS FRAC-
TION OF ASECOND IS SUFFICIENT TO INFLICT
SEVERE INJURY.
SWITCH
The switch of this tool is equipped with a "lock-on"
feature which is convenient when operating the tool
for extended periods of time. To lock on. simply
depress the trigger of the switch and depress the
lock button located on the side of the handle. See
Figure 1. To release the lock, depress the trigger and
release it. BE SURE TOOL IS NOT IN THE "LOCK-
ON" POSITION BEFORE CONNECTING TO POWER
SUPPLY SOURCE. DO NOT LOCK THE TRIGGER ON
JOBS WHERE THE SANDER MAY NEED TO BE
STOPPED SUDDENLY.
PREPARING FOR OPERATION
For ease of operation your Sander has a front handle
and a rear handle. These handles allow two-hand
operation which aids in maintaining control and
keeping sanding area level with workpiece. When
operating your Sander hold the front handle with
your left hand and the rear handle with your right
hand as shown in Fig. 2.
WARNING: KEEP HANDS AND FINGERS CLEAR OF
MOVING SANDING BELT AND FRONT IDLER
PULLEY. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN THE
SANDING OF YOUR HANDS OR FINGERS. See Fig.
3. WARNING: DO NOT LET YOUR FINGERS REST
OVER THE FRONT OR RIGHT EDGE OF THE
SANDER AS SHOWN IN FIG. 3. IF THE SANDING
BELT WERE TO RUN OFF, OR IF IT WERE NOT PRO-
PERLY ADJUSTED, YOUR FINGERS COULD COME
IN CONTACT WITH THE MOVING SANDING BELT
RESULTING IN POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY.
Always operate your Sander in the correct position
as shown in Fig. 2.
Selecting the correct size and type sanding belt is an
important step in achieving a high quality sanded
finish. Standard 3 inch x 21 inch sanding belts made
of aluminum oxide, silicone carbide, and other syn-
thetic abrasives are best for power sanding. In
general, coarse grit will remove the most material
and finer grit will produce best finish in all sanding
operations. The condition of the surface to be sand-
ed will determine which grit belt will do the job. If the
surface is rough, start with a coarse grit belt sanding
until surface is uniform. Medium grit belt may then
be used to remove scratches left by the coarser belt
and finer grit belt used for finishing of the surface.
Always continue sanding with each grit belt until
surface is uniform.
DATA
PLATE
FRONT
HANDLE
z ¸¸¸
SANDING -TRACKING
BELT SCREW
Fig. 1
CORRECT
Fig. 2
INCORRECT Fig. 3
Page 4

OPERATION
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES OR
EYESHIELDS WHEN OPERATING YOUR SANDER.
IF THE SANDING OPERATION IS DUSTY, ALSO
WEAR A FACE OR DUST MASK. FAILURE TO DO SO
COULD RESULT IN DUST OR LOOSE PARTICLES
BEING THROWN INTO YOUR EYES, RESULTING IN
POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY.
INSTALLING AND ADJUSTING SANDING BELT
DISCONNECT SANDER FROM POWER SUPPLY.
To release the sanding belt, push the front pulley
squarely against the top of workbench as shown in
figure 4. When sufficient pressure is exerted, the
spring will be compressed allowing the pulley to
lock in a rear position. This frees the sanding belt so
it can be removed. Install new belt making sure ar-
row inside of belt is pointing in the direction of rota-
tion, which is clockwise when looking into open side
of sander. See Fig. 5. Roughly align the belt to its
correct position. Then place sander into position
shown in figure 6. Insert a screwdriver into slot on
idler pulley yoke and apply backward pressure. The
pulley will snap back into operating position.
To adjust sanding belt, connect Sander to power
supply. Place Sander in upside down position as il-
lustrated. See Fig. 7. NOTE: This position is for ad-
justments only. The Sander is not in an operating
position. Pull switch trigger and release immediate-
ly. Observe tracking of sanding belt. If the sanding
belt runs inward, turn the tracking screw clockwise.
If the sanding belt runs outward, turn the tracking
screw counterclockwise. This should be done until
you are sure belt will not run off sander, or come in
contact with internal parts. After installing a new
sanding belt, it may become necessary to change
the adjustment several times until the belt becomes
pliable.
WARNING: IF SANDING BELT BEGINS TO WEAR
EXCESSIVELY ON THE INNER EDGE, RE-ADJUST
TRACKING SCREW. IT IS ADJUSTED TOO FAR IN.
WARD AND THE SANDING BELT IS RUBBING
AGAINST INTERNAL PARTS. When you are sure the
belt will not rub against internal parts, start the
Sander and fine adjust the tracking screw until the
belt stabilizes.
When correctly adjusted, the outer edge of the belt
will be even with the outer edge of the base of the
Sander. Belt life will be greatly increased if a few
seconds are spent adjusting the belt tracking.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
SANDING BELT
t
"_ TRACKING
SCREW
o
Fig. 7
Page 5

OPERATION
TO OPERATE
Clamp or otherwise secure the work to prevent it ,I
from moving under the Sander. WARNING:
UNSECURED WORK COULD BE THROWN BACK
TOWARD OPERATOR CAUSING INJURY. Before
placing Sander on work surface, press the trigger
switch and let the motor reach its maximum speed,
then lower the Sander to the work surface with a
slight forward motion. Using the rear handle to con-
trol the Sander and the front handle only to guide it,
move it slowly over the work. See Fig. 8. Allowing the
Sander to remain in one place will result in an
uneven surface. WARNING: KEEP A FIRM GRIP ON
SANDER WITH BOTH HANDS AT ALL TIMES.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF
CONTROL LEADING TO POSSIBLE SERIOUS IN-
JURY. The Sander was designed to provide the pro-
per weight on the sanding belt and extra pressure
will only result in uneven work, clogged belts, and
possible motor burnout.
Use a coarse belt when heavy cutting is desired, not
heavy pressure. The importance of this cannot be
over-emphasized, the weight has been built into the
tool to give the most efficient pressure at the proper
location.
MAINTENANCE
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Periodically sawdust will accumulate between the
base and idler roller assembly, causing difficulty
when releasing tension on the sanding belt. It may
also cause the sanding belt to slip during use and
can make sanding belt tracking adjustments (see
page 5) difficult.
TO CLEAN SAWDUST FROM
IDLER ROLLER ASSEMBLY
DISCONNECT SANDER FROM POWER SUPPLY.
1. Remove sanding belt from sander. See Installing
and Adjusting Sanding Belt, Page 5. Once sand-
ing belt is removed, insert screwdriver into slot
and snap IDLER ROLLER ASSEMBLY back into
operating position. Lock and release the idler
roller assembly several times, without a sanding
belt installed. The mechanism should now op-
erate freely. Re-install sanding belt, make proper
adjustments, and test the operation of the tool to
determine whether it is performing satisfactorily.
If the performance has not improved, proceed to
Step 2.
2. Remove the two pan head screws. Then remove
wear plate and backing pad. See Figure 9.
3. Remove tracking screw, washer, spring, and flat
head screws. Then remove base.
4. Using a clean soft cloth or brush, clean base,
idler roller assembly, tracking screw, and motor
housing.
5. Reassemble tool. NOTE: THE LEAF SPRING,
BUSHING, IDLER ROLLER ASSEMBLY, AND
IDLER ROLLER SPRING MUST BE POSITIONED
AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 10. Also, make sure slot
in idler roller assembly is engaged with motor
housing pin and bushing.
Fig. 8
WEAR PLATE
PAN HEAD _
SCREW "_'_ : _--_,,
TRACKING
SCREW
_'_ TRACK NG SCREW _,MOTOR HOUSING
_ _ SPRING .+
WASHER
MOTOR HOUSING
PIN
Fig. 9
IDLER ROLLER
SPRING
BUSHING_
LEAF SPRING
MOTOR HOUSING
_PIN
IDLER ROLLER
ASSEMBLY Fig. 10
Page 6

MAINTENANCE
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT
DISCONNECT SANDER FROM POWER SUPPLY
BEFORE SERVICING
WARNING: WHEN REPLACING TIMING BELT, USE
REPLACEMENT BELT NUMBER 990077.001 ONLY.
See Key Number 5 on Parts List, Page 11. FAILURE
TO DO SO WILL INTERFERE WITH THE INSULA.
TION SYSTEM AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE
TOOL, CAUSING THE BELT TO SLIP AND WEAR EX-
CESSIVELY.
1. Remove sanding belt from sander. See install-
ing and adjusting sanding belt, Page 5. NOTE:
REMOVING THE SANDING BELT WILL
SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING YOUR
NEW TIMING BELT.
2. Remove the two belt cover screws. Then remove
the belt cover. See Key Numbers 7 and 8 on ex-
ploded view and/or parts list, pages 10 and 11.
3. Force old belt from small pulley with a screw-
driver and remove it from large pulley. If it is com-
pletely worn out, simply cut the old belt in two
and remove it.
4. Install new belt over large pulley first, making
sure teeth on belt mesh with teeth on pulley. See
Figure 11.
\-APPLY PRESSURE HERE,WHILE TURNING
COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Fig. 11
5. Holding the belt as shown in Figure 11, press
the belt onto the small pulley. NOTE: TO SIMP-
LIFY THE PROCESS, TURN THE LARGE PULLEY
IN A COUNTERCLOCKWISE DIRECTION AS YOU
PRESS THE BELT ONTO THE SMALL PULLEY.
6. Re-assemble beq cover and screws. WARNING:
THE BELT COVER IS PART OF THE DOUBLE IN-
SULATION SYSTEM AND MUST BE REPLACED
PRIOR TO USE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
RESULT IN ELECTRICAL SHOCK CAUSING POS-
SIBLE SERIOUS INJURY.
GENERAL
Only the parts shown on parts list, page eleven, are
intended to be repaired or replaced by the customer.
All other parts represent an important part of the
double insulation system and should be serviced on-
ly by a qualified service technician.
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts.
Most plastics are susceptible to various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their
use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, carbon dust,
etc.
When electric tools are used on fiberglass boats,
sports cars, etc., it has been found that they are sub-
ject to accelerated wear and possible premature
failure, as the fiberglass chips and grindings are
highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commutator,
etc. Consequently it is not recommended that this
tool be used for extended work on any fiberglass
material. During any use on fiberglass it is extremely
important that the tool is cleaned frequently by blow-
ing with an air jet. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY
GLASSES OR EYE SHIELDS BEFORE BEGINNING
THIS OPERATION.
EXTENSION CORDS
The use of any extension cord will cause some loss
of power. To keep the loss to a minimum and to pre-
vent tool overheating, follow the recommended cord
sizes on the chart at right. When tool is used out-
doors, use only extension cords suitable for outdoor
use and so marked. Extension cords are available at
Sears Catalog Order or Retail Stores.
Extension Cord Length
25-50 Ft.
_ 50-100 Ft.
Wire Size A.W.G.
16
14
WARNING: CHECK EXTENSION CORDS BEFORE
EACH USE. IF DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.
NEVER USE TOOL WITH DAMAGED CORD SINCE
TOUCHING THE DAMAGED AREA COULD CAUSE
ELECTRICAL SHOCK RESULTING IN SERIOUS IN-
JURY.
THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ARE CURRENT AND
CORD LOCK
Cat. No. _12595
CARRYING CASE
Cat. No. _1473
I:R
CAUTION: The use
WERE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME THIS MANUAL WAS PRINTED.
CLOTH BACKED SANDING BELTS
Cat. No. _)22304-X.Fine
Cat. No. _)22301-Fine
Cat. No. _122302-Medium
Cat. No. _)22303-Coarse
Cat. No. _)22305-X-Coarse
POLYESTER BACKEp SANDING BELTS
at. No. _23201-X.F,ne
Cat. No. _23202-Fine
Cat. No. _23203-Medium
Cat. No. _23204-Coarse
of attachments or accessories not listed above might be hazardous.
Page 7

NOTES
Page 8

NOTES
Page 9

CRAFTSMAN 3 INCH BELT SAN,IER -- MODEL NUMBER 315.11701
t
3
13
18
21
12 11
NOTE "A" PAGE 11
56 7
/
8
FOR PARTS LIST -- SEE PAGE 11
Page 10

Sears
OWNERS
MANUAL
SERVICE
MODEL NO.
315.11701
HOW TO ORDER-
REPAIR.PARTS
CRI:iFTSIqI:IN"
3 INCH
BELT SANDER
DOUBLE INSULATED
Now that you have purchased your. Belt Sander,
should a need ever exist for repair parts or service,
simply contact any Sears Service Center and most
Sears, Roebuck and Co. stores. Be sure to provide
all pertinent facts when you call or visit.
The model number of your Belt Sander will be found
on the plate located on top of your sander.
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
•PART NUMBER
• MODEI_"4 U MBE R
315 .,11_ _
•PART DESCRIPTION
• NAME OF ITEM
3" Belt Sander
_ll parts l_stea may be ordered from any Sears Ser-
vice Center and most Sears stores.
If the parts you need are not stocked locally, your
order will be electronically transmitted to a Sears
Repair Parts Distribution Center for handling.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.