HireTech HT8 System manual


2018/09 © Hiretech Part # 163829
OWNERS MANUAL & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
HT8 DRUM FLOOR SANDER
From Serial Number
07294 (240/240 Volt) & 03415 (110/120 Volt)
HSS2105 (L01A)

WARNING
For safe operation of this machine, read and understand all
instructions. Look for the ‘warning/caution’ symbol.
This symbol means that if you do not follow the instructions
injury can occur to the operator and damage to the
machine and floor may result.
WARNING: Risk of explosion.
Floor sanding can result in an explosive mixture of fine
dust and air. Use this floor-sanding machine only in a well-
ventilated area free from any flame, match or source of
ignition.
WARNING: Risk of fire.
Never leave the floor sander unattended with dust in the
dust bag.
WARNING: Risk of potential injury.
Moving Parts - to reduce the risk of injury, unplug the
machine before replacing abrasive sheets or carrying out
any form of adjustment or servicing.
NORTH AMERICAN SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: This floor sanding machine must be grounded.
This floor-sanding machine shall be grounded while in use to protect
the operator from electric shock. The machine is provided with a
three-conductor cord and a moulded three-contact grounding
type attachment plug to fit the proper grounding type receptacle.
The Green (or Green and Yellow) conductor in the cord is the
grounding wire. Never connect this wire to any pin other than the
grounding pin of the attachment plug.
This floor-sanding machine is provided with an attachment plug
as shown in sketch A. It is intended for use on a nominal 120 volt
circuit. If a properly grounded receptacle as shown in sketch A
is not available, an adaptor as shown in sketch ‘C’ should be
installed as shown in sketch B if the outlet box that houses the
receptacle is grounded. Be sure to fasten the grounding tab with a
metal faceplate screw.
MAINS CABLE WIRING - PLUG
USE & APPLICATION
This machine is intended for commercial use connected with the
laying and maintaining of wooden floors and decks.
These types of surfaces may be found both in commercial and
household environments.
SPARE PARTS
Use Hiretech genuine spare parts only for service and repair.
Use of non-approved parts will void the product warranty. See
the back cover of this manual for the terms and conditions of the
Hiretech Limited Warranty.
Hiretech reserves the right to make changes or improvements to it’s
products without prior notice.
For the latest product news and updates, spare parts, downloads
and service information visit www.hiretech.biz.
ATTACHMENT PLUG SKETCH ‘C’
METAL
SCREW
COVER OF GROUNDED
OUTLET BOX SKETCH ‘B’
ADAPTER
GROUNDING
MEANS
COVER OF GROUNDED
OUTLET BOX SKETCH ‘A’
GROUNDING PIN
CONTENTS
Warning 1
North American Safety Instructions 1
Use & Application 1
Spare Parts 1
Mains Cable Wiring - Plug 1
Specification 2
Safety 2
Set Up 2
Preparation 3
Operation 3
Floor Sanding Technique 4
Floor Types 4
Floor Sanding Tecnique 5
Floor Sander Abrasive Guide 6
Floor Sander Abrasives 6
Service & Routine Maintenance 7
Fault Finding 10
Parts Diagram 11
Parts Diagram 12
Parts List 13
Circuit Diagram 14
Fitting Replacement Switch 14
1 © Hiretech

SPECIFICATION
The HT8-1.2 Hiretech Floor Sander will sand hard and soft wood
floors, cork and composition floors that require rapid sanding and
levelling to a fine finish. A powerful motor drives a finely balanced
sanding drum which is covered in a unique drum rubber providing a
high quality finish to both hard and soft woods and other surfaces.
Completely self contained with a high efficiency dust pickup the
machine breaks down into three simple component parts for easy
transport. With low voltage trip and overload protection the HT8-
1.2 is a high performance sander suitable for professional and
home owner use.
Power Supply 110/120 V 50/60 Hz
220/240 V 50/60 Hz
Off Load Current 110/120 V 8A
220/250 V 5A
Average Load Current 110/120 V 15A
220/250 V 8A
Noise 95 dBa at 1metre (3’ 3”)
Vibration 1.60 m/s² r.m.s.
Switch Low voltage trip and overload
protection.
Motor Continuous heavy duty AC/
DC self cooling 4 brush.
Motor RPM 8,500
Drum RPM 3,300
Sanding Drum 8” (203mm) wide aluminium
extrusion with moulded rubber
drum cover.
Drive Non-slip toothed timing belts
and gear cut pulleys.
Dust Pickup Seated oversize vacuum fan
with adjustable dust pan,
disposable paper dust or cloth
bag.
Moving Parts Sealed for life ball bearings.
Guards High impact injection moulded
ABS.
Abrasive 495mm (19.5”) total length x
203mm (8”) wide sheet with
notched and angled ends 24
to 120 grit.
Power Cable 7m (23’) Non-marking outer
insulation.
Weight Net 41.5kg (91.5lbs)
Shipping Weight 50.0kg (110.3lbs)
Shipping Dimensions 78 x 40 x 44cm
(30.75” x 15.75” x 17.5”)
Warranty 2 years
Read the following Safety and Operational notes before
using your Hiretech Floor Sander.
SAFETY
1. For safety it is recommended that a residual current circuit
breaker (ground fault interrupter) is used with this machine.
2. Check the operating voltage is correct and that the machine is
switched OFF (‘O’) before connecting to the power supply.
3. Always disconnect from the power supply when changing the
abrasive paper, servicing the floor sander, replacing the dust
bag or leaving the machine unattended.
4. Always replace the dust bag (paper type) or empty the dust
bag (cloth type) when the dust in the bag reaches the ‘MAX’
line or when the machine is left unattended.
5. Never dispose of or empty the contents of the dust bag into a
fire or incinerator.
6. Never reuse the paper dust bag or use a non standard bag.
Cloth bags must be in good condition with no holes.
7. Always wear a dust mask when using the floor sander,
handling the dust bag or cleaning the machine after use.
8. Wear ear protection when using the floor sander.
9. Ensure adequate ventilation of the work area to avoid the
formation of a combustible mixture of flying dust and air.
10. Never smoke when using or servicing the floor sander or
when handling the dust bag.
11. Never expose the machine to rain or damp. Always store in a
dry place.
12. Stop the floor sander immediately if damage to the machine
or abrasive paper is suspected.
13. Never allow the power cable to come into contact with the
sanding drum when the floor sander is in operation. If the
power cable becomes damaged and the inner conductors
are exposed switch the power OFF and remove the plug
before attempting to move the machine. The cable must be
replaced by an authorised dealer or qualified electrician
using Hiretech® genuine spare parts only.
14. Keep hands, feet and loose clothing away from all moving
parts of the machine.
15. Punch down or remove all nails, screws, tacks and other
fixings from the floor before sanding to prevent contact with
the sanding drum.
16. Never operate the machine without all the guards in place.
17. Keep children and pets clear at all times.
18. If the machine should fail to operate refer to the Fault Finding
Guide on page 10.
19 The HT8 is heavy, take care when lifting and transporting the
machine. Always break down the machine into its component
parts when lifting and transporting.
SET UP
Assembly and Transport
1. The HT8-1.2 breaks down into three component parts, the
main body, handle assembly and dust tube for easy handling
and transport. To assemble loosen the Clamp Bracket Ref.21
and slide the handle assembly into the Handle Bracket Ref.51.
Adjust the height of the handle so that your arms are slightly
bent when standing upright behind the machine. This will
provide you with maximum control in operation. Tighten the
clamp bracket firmly. Always ensure that the clamp bracket is
tight, check periodically during use.
2. Connect the Cable Handle Ref.20 to the Body Twist Lock
Ref.24 at the rear right hand side of the floor sander body.
2© Hiretech

Align the plug with the pins, push in and twist clockwise to
lock.
3. Slide the Exhaust Tube Ref.59 into the Exhaust Bracket Ref.56
and push fully home.
4. Fit a paper dust bag following the instructions printed on the
bag. If a cloth bag is used ensure that it is tied securely around
the dust tube neck and that the bag is in good condition with
no holes.
5. To prepare the floor sander for use place the machine on the
floor and remove the main cable from it’s storage position
on the handle assembly. Check that the cable is in good
condition and that all fittings are secure.
6. To dismantle the floor sander reverse procedure 1 to 5 above.
7. Always ensure that the floor sander is secure and cannot
move when being transported in a vehicle. The floor sander
is heavy. Take care when lifting and carrying the machine.
Always break down the machine into its component parts
when lifting and transporting.
Installing Abrasive Paper
1. Ensure the power cable is disconnected from the power
supply.
2. Tip the floor sander back so that it rests on the handle.
3. Lift the Drum Guard Ref.35 and turn the Drum Ref.168 to
expose the Paper Clamp Bar Ref.175. Take care not to trap
your fingers when turning the drum.
4. Loosen the 2 Paper Clamp Screws Ref.174 with a coin or
suitable screw driver so that the clamp bar raises about 1/2“
(12mm) only. DO NOT remove the screws completely.
5. Select a suitable grade of abrasive paper (see Abrasive Paper
Guide on page 6). To help install course grit abrasive papers
draw the smooth side (back) of the paper over the edge of a
work bench to make it curl .
6. Kneeling in front of the machine place one end of the abrasive
paper under the clamp bar so that the notches align with the
clamp bar screws and clamp bar.
Carefully holding the abrasive paper in place rotate the drum
1 revolution. Tuck the other end of the abrasive paper under
the clamp bar and use both hands to squeeze the sheet tight
around the drum. Make sure it is square to the edges of the
drum with no overlap and both ends of the abrasive sheet are
equal distance under the paper clamp bar.
Firmly tighten the two clamp bar screws. Check the abrasive
sheet is skin tight around the drum. If in doubt repeat the
above procedure. Loose or damaged abrasive sheets will
tear during sanding and can be expensive to keep replacing.
Damage may also occur to the floor and floor sander.
7. Lower the drum guard and stand the machine up. The floor
sander is now ready for use.
Note: Use Hiretech genuine floor sander abrasives for the best
sanding performance and finish. They will also reduce the risk of
tearing due to poor fit which is a common problem with generic
and non standard abrasives.
PREPARATION
1. Where possible remove all furniture from the area or room.
The HT8-1.2 Floor Sander features an efficient dust pickup,
however, some dust will escape.
2. Remove all tacks, staples and other unwanted fixings from the
floor. Failure to do so will result in damage to the abrasive
paper and sanding drum.
3. Punch all nails below the surface of the floor using a suitable
nail punch and hammer. Any screws used to fix boards should
be counter sunk below the surface. During sanding any nails
or screws that become exposed must be punched or counter
sunk further.
4. Firmly fix all loose boards or blocks.
5. Remove heavy wax, grease and dirt deposits by hand.
6. Sweep and vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove
dirt and discarded fixings.
7. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows.
OPERATION
1. Move the floor sander to the location of your work.
2. Connect the power cable to a suitable power supply ideally
located behind or to one side of the machine and work area.
3. Wear a dust mask and ear protection.
4. Hold both handles with the main cable held in a small loop in
the left hand and then passed over the left shoulder.
5. Apply light downwards pressure on the handles to tip the floor
sander back to raise the sanding drum off the floor. Switch on
by pushing the ON/OFF switch to the ‘I’ position.
CAUTION: the HT8-1.2 Floor Sander is a powerful
machine. Always ensure that you have a firm grip before
switching on.
6. Now move the floor sander slowly forward and at the same
time release the pressure on the handles to gently lower it so
that the sanding drum comes into contact with the floor.
7. Guide the floor sander in a straight line at a slow walking
pace. Do not force or hold the floor sander back. Allow the
machine to do the work and always move at an even pace.
8. At the end of the pass while still moving forward tilt the floor
sander back so that the sanding drum comes clear of the
floor. Now moving backwards lower the floor sander again
and pull it backwards over the area just sanded moving at a
steadily even pace. Take care to ensure that the power cable
is kept clear of the sanding drum at all times. At the end of the
sanding pass and while still moving backwards tilt the floor
sander back so once again the sanding drum comes clear of
the floor.
Move the machine over so that it overlaps the area just sanded
by 3” (75mm) and start to sand the next pass repeating the
above technique.
CAUTION: to prevent damage to the floor surface, work
piece or machine follow these rules.
i. Always ensure that the floor sander is moving when in
operation and the sanding drum is in contact with the
floor.
ii. Never lift the back of the machine when sanding.
iii. Never apply pressure to try to increase the rate of
sanding. Damage to the floor and machine will occur.
iv. Never bounce or drop the floor sander on to the floor.
Always lower the machine gently.
v. Never dwell in one place, move steadily at all times.
vi. Never allow the power cable to come into contact with
the sanding drum.
3© Hiretech

9. When the dust in the dust bag reaches the ‘MAX’ line stop
sanding. Disconnect the power cable from the power supply
and remove the paper dust bag. Turn the top of the paper
dust bag over to stop the escape of dust and dispose of into a
suitable container. Never reuse the paper dust bag or empty
it or dispose of it into a fire. If a cloth bag is used empty into
a suitable container being careful to contain the dust. Do not
dispose of the contents into a fire.
10. Fit a new paper dust bag or refit the cloth bag. Reconnect the
floor sander to the power supply and continue sanding.
11. When taking a break from work disconnect the power cable
from the supply, remove and dispose of the paper dust bag, or
empty the cloth bag as detailed in 8. above. Never leave the
floor sander unattended with the dust bag in place containing
dust.
12. On completion disconnect the power cable from the supply.
Remove and dispose of the paper dust bag, or empty the
cloth bag as detailed in 8. above. Stow the cable on the
handle assembly and if required dismantle for transportation.
Carry out maintenance as recommended in Maintenance and
Servicing.
DANGER: never leave the floor sander unattended with
dust in the dust bag. Always remove the dust bag and
dispose of into a suitable container.
FLOOR SANDING TECHNIQUE
HT8 Drum Floor Sander - a powerful floor sander designed for the
rapid levelling and sanding of all types of wood flooring excluding
thin laminated or veneered floors. Load the sander with abrasive
making sure that it is skin tight around the drum. Loose sheets
will tear. Place the sander on the right hand wall (unless you are
making an angled cut on uneven floors) with about two thirds of
the floor in front of you. Start the sander with the drum off the floor
then walk forward at an even pace and ease the drum on to the
floor. As you near the end of the pass, gradually raise the drum
off the floor. Practice this technique before turning on the sander.
Cover the same path you made on the forward cut by pulling the
machine backwards and easing the drum to the floor as you begin
the backward pass until you reach the original starting point, then
ease the drum off the floor.
When two thirds of the floor is sanded, turn the floor sander around
and sand the remaining third in the same way. Overlap the one
third area by 0.6 to 0.9 meters (2 to 3 feet ) with the two thirds
area to blend the two areas together.
WARNING: never bounce the sanding drum or dwell in
one place as this will sand dips and hollows in the floor.
HT7 Disc Floor Sander (Edger) - a powerful disc floor sander
designed for sanding along the edges of a floor without damaging
the baseboards or mouldings. Also suitable for smaller areas
where the HT8-1.2 Floor Sander will not reach like stair treads and
closets load the abrasive disc making sure the retaining bolt is tight.
Start the edger with the disc off the floor then lower the disc to
the floor as you move the sander. Work progressively moving the
sander in a sweeping motion from side to side.
HTF Orbital Floor Sander - a orbital action floor sander designed
for re-finishing, sanding between coats of varnish and re-surfacing
floors in good condition. Load the abrasive sheet, pad or strip.
Start the sander, move immediately and sand in the direction of
the grain using the same technique as the drum floor sander. For
difficult to reach areas use the disc floor sander with a fine grit
abrasive, or sand by hand.
Hand Sanding - to sand difficult to reach areas scrape and sand
the floor by hand. Use a scraper to remove old finishes, always
scraping in the direction of the grain, and then sand by hand using
the same grit abrasive as you finished with when machine sanding.
See Floor Sanding Technique diagrams on page 5.
FLOOR TYPES
Plank & Strip Floors
Old floors in good condition - when the floor is in good condition
- no uneven edges, cupping or crowning of planks and strips - and
you want to re-surface the floor, sanding back to new wood, start
sanding in the direction of the planks or strips - with the wood grain.
Start with a medium grit abrasive. Complete the first cut with the
HT8-1.2 Floor Sander then sand up to the baseboards and door
thresholds with the HT7-2 Disc Floor Sander, using a medium grit
abrasive, blending the edges in with the main floor area. Sweep
the floor. Using a medium/fine grit abrasive, sand the main floor
area with the drum sander and then complete the floor with the
edger using a fine grit abrasive. Sweep the floor. Finish sanding
the main floor area with the drum floor sander using a fine grit
abrasive. If the floor is in particularly good condition (level with no
deep scratches or blemishes) you may re-surface the floor using the
HTF-2 Floor Sander, however, as the sanding action of this machine
is less aggressive than the HT81.2 Floor Sander the job will take
more time.
Uneven floors - when the floor is uneven sand diagonally at 45o
across the room in both directions using the HT8-1.2 Floor Sander
with a coarse grit abrasive. Only make one cut on both diagonals,
this will achieve a basic level. Now complete the floor as for a
level strip or plank floor. Use the same grit abrasive as was used
on the 45o cut for the first cut parallel to the planks or strips.
Floors with an existing finish - when re-finishing a floor remove as
little of the existing surface as possible. If the old finish is worn and
the floor is generally in good condition use the HTF-2 Floor Sander
with Hiretech abrasive pads and strips which have been especially
designed for re-finishing floors. These will maintain the integrity of
any stain used to colour the wood and prepare the surface for a
new coat of finish. If the floor is badly marked and scratched and
has to be sanded back to new wood use the HT8-1.2 Floor Sander
and HT7-2 Disc Floor Sander. Always try a medium grit paper first,
particularly on a diagonal cut. If 90% of the old finish is removed
and the floor is generally level, you do not need to use a coarse
grit abrasive.
Engineered and Thin Floors
Use the HTF-2 Floor Sander for engineered or thinner floors that
may have been subjected to repeated sanding. The HTF-2 will
remove old surface finishes and prepare the floor for re-finishing.
Sand the floor using the same method as a strip, plank, or parquet
floor. If the floor has deeper scratches or marks these should be
sanded out by hand and blended in with the main floor. To check
the wood depth in the floor remove a baseboard or moulding from
around the edge of the floor. This should provide access to the
edge of the floor for inspection.
Parquet & Block Floors
The grain of the wood will run in a number of directions so sand
4© Hiretech

the floor in the direction of the main source of natural light in the
room. If there is no source of natural light sand in the direction of
the longest side of the room or, if the room is square, in the direction
the furniture is laid out and how people normally use and view the
room.
This technique will help mask any imperfections in the floor.
Complete the sanding operation as detailed for plank or strip
floors.
Between Coats of Finish (varnish)
Use the HTF-2 Floor Sander to sand between coats of floor finish,
particularly when using water based varnishes. These types of
finishes tend to raise the wood grain when first applied to raw
wood. Allow each coat of varnish to dry completely following
FLOOR SANDING TECHNIQUE
5© Hiretech
the manufactures directions. Use Hiretech abrasive pads to sand
between each coat of varnish. The fine abrasive pads will remove
light brush/applicator marks and raised grain while maintaining
the integrity of the coat of varnish applied.

FLOOR SANDER ABRASIVE GUIDE
DO NOT OVER-SAND USE ONLY AS HEAVY GRADE ABRASIVE AS IT TAKES TO DO THE JOB. PROGRESS
FROM FIRST GRADE USED THROUGH FOLLOWING GRADES TO REMOVE ALL VISIBLE SANDING MARKS.
DO NOT MISS A GRADE.
FLOOR SANDER ABRASIVES
Hiretech Abrasives
HT8/DU8
FLOOR SANDER
SHEET
20 & 50/CASE
HT8 EX
FLOOR SANDER
BELTS
5/CASE
HT7/SUPER 7
EDGER DISC
FIBRE BACKED
25/CASE
HT7/SUPER 7
EDGER DISC
PAPER BACKED
25 & 50/CASE
HTF FLOOR
SANDER SHEET
ADHESIVE
BACKED
HTF ABASRIVE
PAD
20/CASE
Hiretech recommend
the following abrasive
range which are suitable
for all floor types and
P16 - - 01025 - - -
P24 Grit Open Coat 01001 - - 01044 - -
P24 Grit 01002 01010 01026 - - -
P36 Grit -01011 ----
P40 Grit 01003 01012 -0104501750-
P50 Grit -01013 01027---
P60 Grit -01014 --01751-
P80 Grit 01004 01015 01028 01046 01752 -
P100 Grit -01016 ----
P120 Grit 01005 01017 01030 01048 01754 -
P150 Grit -01018 ----
P180Grit ----01756-
P280 Grit/Backing Pad -----01769
Abrasive Grade Floor Type and Condition
Grit P24 Open Coat
(Very Coarse non-glogging)
For removing surface coatings from old floors such as varnish, stains and wax
polishes. For the rapid sanding and removal of scratches and marks. Sanding
level the joints of sub-flooring like particle board and masonite.
Grit P24
(Very Coarse)
For the rapid sanding and removal of scratches and marks. Sanding level the
joints of sub-flooring like particle board and masonite.
Grit P36 to P50
(Coarse/Medium)
For removing surface coatings from old floors such as varnish, stains and wax
polishes. For the rapid sanding and removal of scratches and light marks.
Sanding level the joints of sub-flooring like particle board and masonite.
Grit P60 to P80
(Medium)
For the rapid sanding and removal of scratches and light marks. Sanding level
the joints of sub-flooring like particle board and masonite.
Grit P100 to P120
(Medium/Fine)
Intermediate sanding of all types of wood floor. For final sanding of all types
of wood floor.
Grit P150 - P180
(Fine/Very Fine)
For final sanding of all types of wood floor. First sanding of cork or
composition floors. For sanding between coats of solvent based and 2 pack
varnishes.
6© Hiretech

FAULT FINDING
10 © Hiretech