Performax 240-2973 Use and care manual

4" x 36" Belt/ 6" Disc Sander
Questions? Problems?
Please call our customer help line:
[phone] M-F 8-5 CST or
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SKU: 240-2973
Operation and Safety Instructions

2
Table of Contents
Technical data………………………………………………………………………. 2
General safety rules…………………………………………………………………. 3
Specific safety rules for belt/disc sander…………………………………………..... 5
Electrical information……………………………………………………………….. 7
Know your belt/disc sander…………………………………………………………. 9
Assembly and adjustments………………………………………………………….. 10
Operation……………………………………………………………………………. 17
Maintenance…………………………………………………………………………. 20
Troubleshooting……………………………………………………………………… 21
Exploded view and parts list………………………………………………………… 23
Warranty……………………………………………………………………………... 25
Technical data
4" x 36" Belt/6" Disc Sander SKU: 240-2973
Motor: 120 V, 60 Hz, 4.3 A, 1/2 HP
Motor speed: 3450 RPM (no load)
Disc diameter: 6"
Disc Specifications: A80 psa type (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive)
Belt size: 4" x 36"
Belt speed: 1900 SFM
Belt bed tilt: 0–90°
Belt grit: A80
Dust port size: 2-1/4" (Diameter)
Net weight: 41 lb

3
General safety rules
Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert, and knowing how your belt/disc sander
works. SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING: To avoid mistakes that could cause serious injury, do not plug in the sander
until the following steps have been read and understood.
1. READ and become familiar with this entire instruction manual. LEARN the tool’s applications,
limitations, and possible hazards.
2. AVOID DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. Do not use power tools in wet or damp areas or expose
them to rain. Keep work areas well-lit.
3. DO NOT use power tools in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
4. ALWAYS keep your work area clean, uncluttered, and well-lit. DO NOT work on floor
surfaces that are slippery.
5. KEEP BYSTANDERS AT A SAFE DISTANCE from the work area, especially when the tool
is operating. NEVER allow children or pets near the tool.
6. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL to do a job for which it was not designed.
7. DRESS FOR SAFETY. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, or jewelry (rings, watches,
etc.) when operating the tool. Inappropriate clothing and items can get caught in moving parts
and draw you in. ALWAYS wear non-slip footwear and tie back long hair.
8. WEAR A FACE MASK OR DUST MASK as the sanding operation produces dust.
WARNING: Dust generated from certain materials can be hazardous to your health. Always
operate this tool in a well-ventilated area and provide for proper dust removal. Use dust collection
systems whenever possible.
9. ALWAYS remove the power cord plug from the electrical outlet when making adjustments,
changing parts, cleaning or working on the tool.
10. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING ORDER.
11. AVOID ACCIDENTAL START-UPS. Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position
before plugging in the power cord.
12. REMOVE ADJUSTMENT TOOLS. Always make sure all adjustment tools are removed from
the sander before turning it on.

4
General safety rules (continued)
13. NEVER LEAVE A RUNNING TOOL UNATTENDED. Turn the power switch to OFF. Do
not leave the tool until it has come to a complete stop.
14. NEVER STAND ON A TOOL. Serious injury could result if the tool tips or is accidentally hit.
DO NOT store anything above or near the tool.
15. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Wear oil-resistant
rubber-soled footwear. Keep the floor clear of oil, scrap, and other debris.
16. MAINTAIN TOOLS PROPERLY. ALWAYS keep tools clean and in good working order.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
17. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Check for alignment of moving parts, jamming, breakage,
improper mounting, or any other conditions that may affect the tool’s operation. Any part that is
damaged should be properly repaired or replaced before use.
18. MAKE THE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF. Use padlocks and master switches and ALWAYS
remove starter keys.
19. DO NOT operate the tool if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication that
could affect your ability to use the tool properly.
20. USE SAFETY GOGGLES AT ALL TIMES—that comply with
ANSI Z87.1. Normal safety glasses only have impact resistant
lenses and are not designed for safety. Wear a face or dust mask
when working in a dusty environment. Use ear protection, such
as plugs or muffs, during extended periods of operation.

5
Specific safety rules for belt/disc sander
WARNING: Do not operate this tool until it is completely assembled and installed
according to the instructions.
1. This sander is designed to sand wood or wood-like products only. Sanding or grinding other
materials could result in fire, injury, or damage to the workpiece.
2. Use the sander on horizontal surfaces only. Operating the sander when mounted on non-
horizontal surfaces might result in motor damage.
3. Fasten the sander securely to a bench top or supporting surface in order to stop it from tipping
over or moving when in use.
4. Make sure the sanding belt is installed in the correct direction. See directional arrow on back of
belt.
5. Always have the tracking adjusted properly so the belt does not run off the pulleys.
6. Do not use sanding belts or discs that are damaged, torn, or loose. Use only correct size sanding
belt and disc.
7. Always hold the workpiece firmly when sanding. Keep hands away from sanding belt or disc.
Sand only one workpiece at a time.
8. Always hold the workpiece firmly on the table when using the disc sander and when using the
belt sander.
9. Always sand on the downward side of the sanding disc when using the disc sander. Sanding on
the upward side of the disc could cause the workpiece to fly out of position, resulting in injury.
10. Always maintain a minimum clearance of 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less between the table or
backstop and the sanding belt or disc.
11. Do not sand pieces of material that are too small to be safely supported.
12. When sanding a large workpiece, provide additional support at table height.

6
Specific safety rules for belt/disc sanders (continued)
13. Do not sand with the workpiece unsupported. Support the workpiece with the backstop or table.
The only exception is curved work performed on the outer sanding drum.
14. Always remove scrap pieces and other objects from the table, backstop, or belt before turning
the sander ON.
15. Never perform layout, assembly or set-up work on the table while the sander is operating.
16. Never use solvents to clean plastic parts. Solvents could dissolve or otherwise damage the
material. Use only a soft damp cloth to clean plastic parts.
17. Should any part of your sander be missing, damaged, or fail in any way, or any electrical
components fail to perform properly, shut off switch and remove plug from power supply outlet.
Replace missing, damaged, or failed parts before resuming operation.
18. Never pull the power cord out of the receptacle. Keep cords away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges.
19. Have an electrician replace or repair damaged or worn cords immediately.

7
Electrical information
Grounding instructions
IN THE EVENT OF A MALFUNCTION OR BREAKDOWN, grounding provides the path of
least resistance for electric current and reduces the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with
an electric cord that has an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug MUST
be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with ALL
local codes and ordinances.
DO NOT MODIFY THE PLUG PROVIDED. If it will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet
installed by an electrician.
IMPROPER CONNECTION of the equipment grounding conductor can result in electric shock.
The conductor with the green insulation (with or without yellow stripes) is the equipment
grounding conductor. If repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary, DO NOT
connect the equipment grounding conductor to a live terminal.
CHECK with a licensed electrician or service personnel if you do not completely understand the
grounding instructions, or if you are not sure if the tool is properly grounded.
USE ONLY THREE-WIRE EXTENSION CORDS that have 3-pronged plugs and outlets that
accept the tool's plug as shown in Fig. A. Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.
CAUTION: In all cases, make certain the outlet in question is properly grounded. If you are not
sure if it is, have a licensed electrician check the outlet.

8
Electrical information (continued)
Guidelines for using extension cords
WARNING: This tool is for indoor use only. Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use
one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop
in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table below shows the correct size to
be used according to cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier
gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
Minimum gauge for Extension Cords (AWG)
(When using 120V only)
Ampere Rating
Total Length of Cord in feet
More Than
Not More Than
25
50
100
150
0
6
18
16
16
14
6
10
18
16
14
12
10
12
16
16
14
12
12
16
14
12
Not Recommended
Be sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a damaged
extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat and damp or wet areas.
Use a separate electrical circuit for your tools. This circuit must not be less than a #12 wire and
should be protected with a 15 A time-delayed fuse. Before connecting the motor to the power line,
make sure the switch is in the OFF position and the electric current is rated the same as the current
stamped on the motor nameplate. Running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.
WARNING: This tool must be grounded while in use to protect the operator from electrical
shock.

9
Know your belt/disc sander

10
Assembly and adjustments
WARNING! Always ensure the sander is unplugged prior to attempting any assembly, installation
or changing of parts and accessories.
Unpacking
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental starting, turn switch OFF and remove plug
from power source outlet before making any adjustments.
Carefully unpack the belt/disc sander and all its parts, and compare against the list below. Do not
discard the carton or any packaging until the belt/disc sander is completely assembled.
1. Socket Head Screws (2)
2. Sanding Disc (1)
3. Miter Gauge (1)
4. Washers (2)
5. Work Support (1)
6. Hex Key 15/64" (1)
7. Worktable (1)
8. Adjustment Knob (1)

11
Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Installation of Sanding Disc and Guard
1. Peel backing away from sanding disc.
2. Align perimeter of disc with plate, and press disc firmly into position on plate, leaving no
loose edges.
3. Position disc guard against lower 1/3 of disc, aligning holes as shown. And use a
screwdriver to fasten the provided screws and washers securely.
Mount the disc sander table
1. With the table in a horizontal position, line up and insert the pivot indexing pin with the pivot
hole on the frame. Hold in place.
2. Insert the handle into the threaded hole and tighten.

12
Assembly and adjustments (continued)
3. Adjust the table so that the edge is a maximum of 1/16 inch from the disc. Holding the table in
this position, tighten the three bolts on the top of the table.
Note: The table may have to be re-adjusted when tilted.
WARNING: To avoid trapping the workpiece or fingers between the table and the
sanding disc, the table edge should be adjusted to a maximum of 1/16 inch from the
sanding disc.
Mount the work support
1. Align the Work Support with the hole.
2. Install a Lock Washer and a Flat Washer on the Hex Screw.
3. Insert the Hex Screw into the Work Support hole and tighten.
4. Adjust the Work Support height to avoid contact with the sanding belt.

13
Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Mounting the Sander to the Workbench
CAUTION: If during operation there is any tendency for
the sander to tip over, slide or walk on the supporting
surface, the sander should be properly mounted to a
workbench or stand.
1. Position the sander on the workbench where you
expect/intend to use it.
2. Mark the workbench through the mounting holes
located in the sander base. Drill holes in the
workbench at the marks.
3. Using long bolts, washers, locking washers and nuts,
as shown (not supplied), secure the sander to the
workbench.
Note: All bolts should be inserted from the top. Washers and hex nuts should be fastened from the
underside of the workbench.
Install the sanding belt
1. Loosen the bed locking screw with the hex key.
Raise the sanding bed about 45°; tighten the bed
locking screw.
2. Release the tension lever.
3. Locate the directional arrow on the smooth side of
the sanding belt.
4. Place the sanding belt over the drums with the
directional arrow pointing toward the dust chute.
5. Center the belt correctly on both drums.
6. Slide the tension lever to tighten the belt to the
bed.
7. Loosen the bed locking screw; lower the bed to a
horizontal position. Tighten the bed locking screw.

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Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Sanding belt tracking adjustment
1. Plug in the power cord.
2. Turn the switch ON and OFF to make sure the
sanding belt is correctly centered and not sliding off
the idler and drive roller drums.
a. If the sanding belt moves toward the disc,
slightly turn the tracking knob
counterclockwise.
b. If the sanding belt moves away from the disc,
slightly turn the tracking knob clockwise.
3. Turn the switch ON and OFF again; readjust the
tracking knob if necessary.
Change sanding belt bed position
The sanding bed can be used in the horizontal or vertical positions or any angle in between. To use
in the vertical position, do the following:
1. Loosen the bed locking screw with hex key, move the bed to the desired vertical position.
2. Tighten the locking screw when at desired position.
Dust Port Operation
The dust port can be easily connected to a large diameter shop vacuum hose.
Sanding operations are inherently dusty. To help minimize the amount of dust that escapes into the
surrounding air, this sander is equipped with a 2-1/4" dust chute that can be easily connected to a
dust-collection system. It is strongly recommended that users employ a dust-collection system
when using this belt & disc sander.
Use of a mask or respirator is still recommended even when a dust-collection system is in use.

15
Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Install a sanding disc
1. Remove the two screws from the sanding disc guard and remove the guard.
2. Remove the used sanding disc.
3. Wipe the sanding disc plate clean.
4. Peel the backing from the new sanding disc, align the disc with the plate and press the sanding
disc firmly on to the plate.
5. Reinstall the disc guard and tighten the screws.

16
Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Square the tables
To ensure accurate end sanding, the work tables must be square to the sanding surfaces prior to
using the tables for disc sanding.
1. Adjust the table to be 90° with the sanding surface.
2. Using a combination square (1), place one end on the
table with the ruler end against the sanding surface
(3). Check that the table is 90° to the sanding surface.
3. If the table is not 90° to the sanding surface, loosen
the handle (4), adjust the table, tighten the handle
and recheck with the square.
Square the work support
The work support (2) must be square to the sanding belt
when using the belt sander in a horizontal position. To
keep the workpiece from being carried along the belt:
1. Make sure the sanding belt is tight; also check that
the tension lever is fully tightened.
2. Place the combination square (1) on the belt with the
ruler against the work support (2).
3. Adjust by loosening the work support locking screw
(3), square the work support.
4. Tighten the work support locking screw (3).

17
Operation
ON/OFF Switch
The keyed switch is intended to prevent unauthorized use of the sander.
WARNING: Remove the safety key whenever the sander is not in use. Place the key in a
safe place and out of the reach of children.
1. To turn sander ON, insert the safety key (1) into the
key slot (2) in the center of the switch.
2. Push key firmly into the slot, then push switch to the
ON position to start the sander.
3. To turn the sander OFF push switch to the OFF
position.
4. Remove the safety key when the sander has come to a
complete stop by gently pulling it forward and out.
Surface sanding on sanding belt
Hold the workpiece firmly with both hands. Keep fingers
away from sanding belt. Keep the workpiece end against
the backstop and move it slowly across the sanding belt.
Apply enough pressure to remove material; excessive
pressure will reduce sanding efficiency.
Sanding inside curves
When sanding inside-curves on the belt-sander, always sand
on the idler drum end of the work support station (right side of
the machine as shown in diagram).
Hold the workpiece firmly, keeping fingers away from the
sanding belt. Keep the curve pressed firmly against the idler
drum, moving the work evenly back and forth across the drum.
Note: Use extra caution when sanding very thin pieces, and
apply only enough pressure to allow the sanding belt to
remove the material.

18
Operation (continued)
End sanding and outside curve sanding with the disc
Use for sanding the ends of small and narrow workpieces and
outside curved edges. Always work on the left side of the disc
(downward rotation side), holding the workpiece firmly with
light pressure against the sanding disc.
CAUTION: To avoid personal injury and/or damage to the
workpiece, become familiar with the rotation of the belt and
disc sanding surfaces.
The belt sander rotates counterclockwise or downward toward the table or backstop. The disc
sander rotates counterclockwise, downward toward the table on the left side of the disc and upward
from the table on the right side of the disc. Always use the left side of the disc; using the right side
of the disc will cause the workpiece to fly up or kickback and could result in injury. Review this
instruction manual for correct operation, adjustments, and basic sanding operations.
Belt sander –Horizontal and vertical sanding
Your belt & disc sander –belt station can sand vertically as well as horizontally. Depending on
operator needs and the workpiece, the work-support can be used with either the horizontal or
vertical position.
To change from one position to the other:
1. Locate the 15/64" (6 mm) hex wrench
2. Loosen the bed-locking hex-socket screw by turning it counter-clockwise.
3. Manually move the work support station into the vertical or horizontal position, as required.
4. Retighten the bed-locking hex-socket screw by turning it clockwise (using the 15/64" (6 mm)
hex wrench).
Operational Note: Sand long workpieces with the sanding belt in the vertical position by moving
the work evenly across the sanding belt.

19
Operation (continued)
Miter gauge –Disc sander
A miter-gauge is supplied with your sander, and can be used on the disc table. The miter gauge
head can be set anywhere up to 60º (right or left) by loosening the lock-knob, setting the miter
gauge head to the desired angle, and retightening the lock-knob.
Sanding small end grain and other small surfaces using the miter gauge
Use of the miter gauge is recommended for sanding small end surfaces on the sanding disc.
Note: Always move the workpiece across the sanding disc from the left side towards the right side,
and be sure to hold the workpiece down tightly onto the table surface.
Maintenance
WARNING: For your own safety, turn the switch OFF and remove the plug from the
electrical outlet before adjusting or performing maintenance or lubrication work on the belt/disc
sander.
Before using, check to make sure parts are not damaged, missing, or worn; check for alignment of
moving parts, binding of moving parts, improper mounting, or any other conditions that may affect
the sander operation. Should any of these conditions exist, do not use the sander until properly
repaired or parts are replaced. Frequently blow or vacuum dust from all sanding parts and motor
housing.
WARNING: Any attempt to repair or replace electrical parts on this tool may be hazardous.
Repairs should be done by a qualified service technician.
Lubrication
Ball bearings are grease packed at the factory and require no further lubrication. Use a spray
lubricant on all moving table parts to ensure smooth operation.

20
Maintenance (continued)
Adjust the Drive belt
1. Remove the drive belt housing cover (1).
2. Loosen the 3 screws (2) allowing the pulley to slip and the drive belt (3) to loosen. The drive
belt should be seated correctly in the motor pulley and the drive pulley.
3. Adjust the tension of the belt by putting a slotted screwdriver in the bracing slot (4). Pushing up
on the screwdriver will tighten the tension of the belt between the pulleys.
4. Tighten all 3 screws (2).
5. Test belt tension by squeezing both sides of the belt. If properly adjusted, the belt should "give"
between 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6 mm). Make sure that the belt teeth are properly seated in the pulley
gears.
6. Carefully reinstall the drive belt housing cover (1), insert and tighten screw.
Note: Excessive tightness on the pulley belt will cause increased noise and motor overload.
Premature failure will occur if belt is too loose.