MasterCraft 54-7240-8 User manual

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OPERATING MANUAL
Belt Sander
54-7240-8
Specifications:
Motor: 120 V 60 Hz 6.0 A
Belt speed: 600-1100 ft/min
Belt size: 3 x 21”
Net Weight: 7 lb 1oz (3.2 kg)
IMPORTANT:
Read through this operating manual carefully before using your new tool. Pay close
attention to all Safety Instructions, Warnings and Caution sections. Use your tool
properly and only for its intended use.
Safety symbols in this manual are used to flag possible dangers. The safety
symbols and their explanations require your full understanding. The safety warnings
do not by themselves eliminate any danger, nor are they a substitute for proper
accident prevention measures.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates caution, warning, or danger. Failure to obey
a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or others. To reduce the risk of
injury, fire, or electric shock, always follow the safety precautions.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TOOL
To operate this tool, read this operating manual and all the labels affixed to the
sander carefully before using. Keep this manual available for future reference.
IMPORTANT
This tool should only be serviced by a qualified service technician.

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READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Consider work area environment. Keep work area well-lit. Do not use tool in
presence of flammable liquids or gases.
Keep the work area clean. Cluttered work areas and workbenches invite injuries.
Do not operate power tools in areas that may be subject to hazardous
materials or airborne particles, such as flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children away. Do not let children touch tool. Keep children and bystanders
away from work areas.
Properly store tools away. When not in use, this tool should be stored in a dry,
locked place that is out of the reach of children.
Use clamps, or another practical way, 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.
Do not force the tool. To ensure safety, only use the tool for its intended purpose.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have thoroughly read
all instructions, safety rules and warnings. Failure to comply can result in fire, electric
shock, or serious personal injury. Save the Operating Manual and review frequently
for reference.
WARNING: When using power tools, basic safety precautions should always
be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
Wear proper clothing. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery, which can get caught
and draw you into moving parts. Rubber gloves and non-skid footwear are
recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair netting to contain long
hair.
Safety glasses. Use protective eyewear or a dust mask when operating this tool.
Secure work. Use clamps or a vise to hold workpiece in place.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety
shoes, hard hat, and hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Stay alert. Avoid accidental start-ups. Use common sense. Do not operate tool when
you are tired or under the influence of drags, alcohol, or medication.
Do not use tool if switch does not turn tool ON or OFF.
Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing the tool.

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Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool ON. A wrench or a
key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
Maintain tool with care. Keep tool clean. Properly maintained tools are less likely
to bind and are easier to control.
Only use recommended accessories. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool,
may be hazardous when used on another tool.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow
instructions in the “Maintenance” section of this manual.
Check damaged parts. Before using this tool, check guards and other parts carefully
to determine if they operate properly and perform their intended functions. Check the
alignment of moving parts; check also for binding of moving parts, breakage or
damage of parts, incorrect mounting, and any other conditions that may alter the
operation of the tool.
Any part that is damaged, defective switches included, should be properly repaired or
replaced by a qualified service technician. Do not use the tool if the starter switch is
not functioning properly.
WARNING: The operation of any tool can result in foreign objects being
propelled into your eyes, resulting in severe eye damage. When operating power
tools, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face
shield when needed.
WARNING: If any parts are missing, do not operate the tool until the missing
parts have been replaced. Using a damaged or defective tool can result in serious
personal injury.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
•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 in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a licenced electrician to install a polarized outlet.
Do not alter the plug in any way. Double insulation
eliminates the need for a three wire grounded power cord
and grounded power supply system.
•Avoid contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased
risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
•Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. A wet power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
•Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the tool, or to pull the
plug from an outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving
parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk
of electric shock.
•When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord
marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the
risk of electric shock. Replace damaged cords immediately. Use of damaged
cords can shock, burn or electrocute the operatior of the tool.

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•If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with adequate size conductors should
be used to prevent excessive voltage drop, loss of power or overheating. The
table shows the correct size to use, depending on cord length and nameplate
amperage rating of tool. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. Always use UL
and CSA listed extension cords.
Recommended sizes of extension cords
Volts Total length of cord in feet
Cord size in A.W.G. (minimum)
Tool’s Ampere rating
25’ 50’ 100’ 150’
0-6 18 16 16 14
6-8
120 V~
18 16 14 12
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR BELT SANDER
Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where
the sander 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.
•Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when sanding, especially while
sanding over-head.
•A suitable breathing respirator must be worn while sanding pressure-treated
materials.
•The machine is not suitable for wet sanding.
•Do not use sanding paper larger than needed. Extra paper extending beyond the
sanding pad can cause serious lacerations.

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OPERATION
KNOW YOUR BELT SANDER
(See Fig. 1)
Before attempting to use this sander,
familiarize yourself with all its operating
features and safety requirements.
This sander is designed to sand wood
surfaces, remove lacquer, varnish and
other types of coating.
1. ON/OFF 2-finger trigger switch
The tool can be turned “ON” or “OFF”
by squeezing or releasing the trigger.
2. “Lock-ON” button
•The tool is also equipped with a
“Lock-ON” button that allows continuous
operation without continually holding the
trigger.
•To lock switch “ON”: Squeeze trigger,
depress button, and release trigger.
•To unlock switch: Squeeze trigger,
then release trigger without depressing
the “Lock-ON” button.
3. Adjustable belt speed knob
•Rotate the adjustable belt speed knob to select the desired speed necessary for
the at-hand application.
4. Quick release tension lever
•Lift lever for fast and easy belt adjustments.
5. Sander belt
WARNING: Always disconnect the sander from its power supply before
attaching or removing sandpaper.
To install belt:
•Place sander on its side and pull the quick
release tension lever out, as shown in Fig. 2.
•Insert the new belt around both rollers.
Ensure the arrow on the inside of belt is
pointing in the direction of rotation as
indicated on housing.
•Once the belt is centred over the rollers and
bottom plate, place quick release tension lever back in its original position to
restore belt tension.
To remove belt:
•Place sander on its side and pull the quick release tension lever (see fig.3).
Remove belt as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig.1
Fig.2
3
2
1
8
4
7
6
9
5

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6. Belt adjustment knob
WARNING: Always disconnect the sander from its power supply before
attaching or removing sandpaper.
•When the sanding belt is correctly tracked,
the belt will remain centred and will
smoothly run over the rollers. Adjustment
is achieved by rotating the belt adjustment
knob.
•Rotating the belt adjustment knob
counter-clockwise will cause the roller (see A
in Fig. 3) to tilt toward the bottom plate. The
belt will now travel away from the sander.
•Rotating the knob clockwise will cause the roller (see A in Fig. 3) to tilt towards
the front of the machine. The belt will now travel towards the sander. The belt is
properly aligned if, when turned ON, the belt does not slip off roller (see A in Fig. 3).
7. 3-position adjustable handle
•Rotate the handle knob and position handle to
one of the three positions. Tighten the knob to
secure handle in place (see Fig. 4).
WARNING: Before sanding small workpieces, ensure workpiece is securely
held in a vise or clamp.
8. Cord guard
Helps prevent the cord from bending.
9. Dust collection bag
•When sanding, attach the dust bag to the
sander using the adaptor.
•For longer periods of use, or on large pieces of
work, attach a vacuum cleaner to the adaptor. In
addition, wear a suitable dust mask, as there
still may be some residual airborne dust
particles in the work area.
•To install: Align the edge of dust port with the
slot of dust bag outlet. Insert into tool until firmly
seated (see Fig. 5).
•To remove: Lift dust bag outlet up, and gently
pull on dust bag.
•To clean the dust bag: Empty the dust bag by
unzipping the lever lock (see A in Fig. 6) located
on bottom of the bag, gently tap to remove dust.
On occasional, slip the bag off of the frame and
turn bag inside out. Brush dust off of the lining
using a soft brush.
Fig.3
A
Fig.4
Fig.5
Fig.6
A

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GENERAL SANDING
WARNING: Sanding can produce clouds of fine dust particles that can ignite in
the presence of sparks or an open flame. To avoid injury, always use your sander in a
well-ventilated area.
WARNING: For your safety and to avoid damage, turn the sander ON and OFF
only when the sander is not in contact with a surface.
1. Be sure the cord is clear of the belt. Grasp the handles firmly.
2. Start the sander off of the work surface to avoid gouging the belt. NEVER start or
stop the sander with the belt in contact with the work surface.
3. Place the heel of the sander on the work surface first. Then, with a forward motion,
begin the sanding stroke as the tool is lowered onto the work surface.
4. Use short, overlapping strokes, moving the sander slowly back and forth across
the work surface.
5. Avoid tilting or rocking the sander or sanding in one spot for too long. This causes
gashes and hollows in the surface.
Do not apply pressure to the sander. The sander is weighted for the amount of
pressure needed. Too much pressure will overload the motor and reduce belt
speed.
6. Begin sanding with a coarser grit sandpaper and gradually use finer grits, until the
desired finish is achieved. Do not switch from a coarse grit to a very fine grit in one
step.
7. To stop, lift the sander from the work surface, then turn OFF. Disengage the
Lock-ON button. Allow the sander to come to a complete stop before setting it
down. A moving belt will cause the sander to “run away” even if the motor is off.
MAINTENANCE
Before cleaning or performing any maintenance, make sure the sander has been
disconnected from the power supply. Keep all ventilation openings clean. Avoid using
solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from
various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use a clean
cloth to remove dirt, oil and grease.
WARNING: Do not let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products,
penetrating oil, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. They contain chemicals that
can damage, weaken or destroy plastic.
WARNING: To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed by
a qualified service technician.

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WARRANTY:
This Mastercraft product carries a three (3) year replacement warranty against
defects in workmanship and materials. Mastercraft Canada agrees to replace the
defective product free of charge with the same model or one of equal value or
specification, within the stated warranty period, when returned by the original
purchaser with proof of purchase. Cordless tool battery or batteries and charger
and/or case carry a two (2) year replacement warranty against defects in
workmanship and materials. This product is not guaranteed against wear or breakage
due to misuse and/or abuse.
This product is not guaranteed if used for industrial or commercial purposes.
TOLL FREE HELPLINE: 1-800-689-9928