Performax 240-2978 Use and care manual

Oscillating Spindle Sander
For questions / comments, technical assistance
or repair parts –
Please Call Toll Free at:
1-888-315-3080 (M-F 8am –5pm CST)
SKU: 240-2978
Operation and Safety Instructions

Table of Contents
Technical data…………………………………………………………….. 2
General safety rules………………………………………………………. 3
Specific safety rules for the spindle sander………………………………. 5
Electrical information…………………………………………………….. 6
Know your spindle sander………………………………………………... 8
Assembly and adjustments……………………………………………….. 9
Operation…………………………………………………………………. 13
Maintenance………………………………………………………………. 14
Replacement parts………………………………………………………… 15
Warranty………………………………………………………………….. 16
Technical data
Oscillating Spindle Sander SKU: 240-2978
Item: 90225
Motor: 120 V AC, 60 Hz, 3.5 A, 7/16 HP
Speed: 2000 RPM (no load)
Oscillations: 58 OPM with 5/8" (16 mm) of travel
Spindle size: 1/2" (13 mm)
Sanding sleeve sizes: 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2", 3" (13, 19, 25, 38, 51, 76 mm)
Maximum sanding height: 3-5/8" (94 mm)
Weight: 34 lb 5 oz (10.2 kg)

General safety rules
Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your oscillating spindle
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. 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
this tool before turning it on.

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.

Specific safety rules for the spindle sander
WARNING: Do not operate the spindle sander until it is fully assembled and you
have read and understood the following instructions and the warning labels on the
spindle sander.
1. Know the condition of the spindle sander. If any part is missing, bent, or does not operate
properly, replace the part before using the sander.
2. Determine the type of work you are going to be doing before operating the spindle sander.
3. Secure your work. Support the workpiece securely on the table, and hold it with both hands.
4. Be aware of the direction of feed. Feed the workpiece into the sanding sleeve against the
direction of rotation of the sanding sleeve.
5. Always keep your hands out of the path of the sander and away from the sanding sleeves.
Avoid hand positions where a sudden slip could cause your hand to move into the spindle. Do
not reach underneath the workpiece or around the sanding sleeve while the spindle is rotating.
6. Disconnect the sander after turning off the power switch. Wait for the spindle to stop rotating
before performing maintenance. The sander must be disconnected when not in use or when
changing accessories, sanding sleeves, rubber spindles, or other items.
7. Make sure there are no nails or other foreign objects in the area of the workpiece to be sanded.
8. Never use this sander for wet sanding. Failure to comply may result in electric shock causing
serious injury or worse.
9. Use only identical replacement parts when servicing this spindle sander.
10. Make sure the spindle has come to a complete stop before touching the workpiece.
11. Take precautions when sanding painted surfaces. Sanding lead-based paint is NOT
RECOMMENDED. The contaminated dust is too difficult to control, and could cause lead
poisoning. When sanding paint:
Protect your lungs. Wear a dust mask or respirator.
Do not allow children or pregnant women in the work area until the paint sanding job is
finished and the clean-up is completed.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in an area where painted surfaces are being sanded.
Use a dust collection system when possible. Seal the work area with plastic. Do not track paint
dust outside of the work area.
Thoroughly clean the area when the paint sanding project is completed.

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.
Double insulated
This tool has a plug that looks like the one shown in Fig. A.
The tool is double insulated in order to provide a double thickness of insulation between you and
the tool’s electrical system. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor
components with protecting insulation.
WARNING: Double insulation does not take the place of normal safety precautions
when operating this tool.

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 amperage 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 120 V 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: Although this tool is double insulated, the extension cord and receptacle
must still be grounded while in use in order to protect the operator from electric shock.

Know your spindle sander
A Spindle
B Sanding sleeves (6)
C Throat plates (6)
D Upper spindle washer and hex nut
E Table top
F Rubber sanding drums (5)
G Sanding drum storage peg
H Dust port
I ON/OFF switch

Assembly and adjustments
Unpacking (Fig. 1)
Carefully unpack the spindle sander and all its parts, and compare against the list below. Do not
discard the carton or any packaging until the spindle sander is completely assembled.
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental starting, turn switch OFF and remove plug
from power source outlet before making any adjustments.
A Spindle sander
B Sanding sleeves (6)
C Rubber drums (5)
D Throat plates (6)
E lower spindle washer (1)
F Upper spindle washers (3)
G Spindle lock nut
H Wrench

Assembly and adjustments (continued)
This spindle sander requires some assembly. For your safety, completely assemble the spindle
sander prior to plugging it in.
Dust collection (Fig. 2)
A 2-1/2" (64 mm) dust port is located at the back of the spindle sander. This port can be connected
to a dust-collection system (not provided).
Mount the spindle sander (Fig. 3 and 4)
To mount the spindle sander in a permanent location, secure the base to a solid benchtop. If the
sander is to be used for portable applications, permanently secure the sander to a mounting board
(2). Use clamps (3) to hold the mounting board to a work bench or other supporting surface.
1. Use the four holes (1) in the base of the sander as a template.
2. Secure the sander to a mounting board, or directly to a workbench, using the appropriate
hardware (not provided).
If using machine bolts, make sure they are long enough to go through the base and the
benchtop.
If using lag bolts, make sure they are long enough to go through the base and far enough
into the benchtop to hold securely.

Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Sanding sleeve selection
Select and install a sanding sleeve that is close in size to the workpiece that you will be sanding,
and then select the matching throat plate.
Throat plate selection (Fig. 5)
WARNING: Failure to use the correct throat plate with its matching sanding sleeve could
result in pinched fingers or the workpiece being pulled down between the throat plate and the
sanding sleeve.
Use the throat plate (1) that provides the least amount of clearance between the sanding sleeve (2)
and the opening in the throat plate. Use the following chart to determine the correct throat plate and
upper spindle washer to use with each sanding sleeve.
Sanding Throat plate Upper spindle
sleeve diameter size washer size
1/2”(13mm) .5”(13mm) small
3/4”(20mm) .75”(20mm) medium
1”(28mm) 1”(28mm) medium
1 1/2”(38mm) 1.5”(38mm) large
2”(51mm) 2”(51mm) large
3”(76mm) 3”(76mm) large

Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Install a sanding sleeve (Fig. 6 and 7)
All of the sanding sleeves, except the smallest 1/2" sleeve, fit over a similar sized rubber sanding
drum.
1. Place the lower spindle washer (2) over the spindle (1) with the fin side facing down.
2. Select a sanding sleeve (5) for the job that you are planning. Select the corresponding rubber
sanding drum (4).
Note: Do not use a sanding drum with the 1/2" sanding sleeve.
3. Select the throat plate (3) that provides the smallest clearance between the sanding sleeve (5)
and the opening in the throat plate.
4. Place the throat plate (3) over the spindle (1), and fit it into the opening in the table.
5. Place the sanding drum (4) over the spindle.
6. Slide the sanding sleeve (5) over the sanding drum (4).
7. Place the upper spindle washer (6) over the spindle (1).
Use the large washer with the 3", 2", and 1 1/2" sanding drums.
Use the medium washer with the 1" and 3/4" sanding drums.
Use the small washer with the 1/2" sanding sleeve.
8. Place the hex nut (7) on the spindle (1). Tighten the hex nut only enough to expand the rubber
sanding drum (4) against the sanding sleeve (5). Do not overtighten.

Operation
ON/OFF switch (Fig. 8)
1. To turn the sander ON, insert the safety key (1) in the switch (2), and then move the switch
upward to the ON position.
2. To turn the sander OFF, move the switch (2) 1 downward to the OFF position.
3. To lock the switch in the OFF position, pull the safety key (1) out of the switch (2). The switch
will not operate with the safety key removed.
Note: If the safety key is removed while the sander is running, the sander can be turned OFF, but it
cannot be restarted without inserting the safety key.
Operate the sander (Fig. 9)
WARNING: Do not sand metal with this sander. Sanding metal will cause sparks that
may ignite wood and dust particles on the sander or in the workshop.
The spindle rotates in a counterclockwise (1) direction.
1. Make sure the hex nut (2) on top of the spindle is fastened securely.
2. Turn the sander ON, and let the motor reach full speed.
3. Feed the workpiece gradually against the sanding sleeve.
Do not force the workpiece.
Guide the workpiece from the right to left (3). If you guide the workpiece in the opposite
direction, the rotation forces of the spinning sanding sleeve will tend to throw or bounce the
workpiece away from the sanding sleeve.

Maintenance
WARNING: Turn the switch to the OFF position and unplug the power cord from the
electric outlet before adjusting or performing maintenance on the spindle sander.
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.
General Maintenance
Before each use, check for damaged, missing, or worn parts. Check for proper alignment of moving
parts, moving parts that are jammed, broken, or improperly mounted. If any of these conditions
exist, do not use the spindle sander until it is properly repaired or the parts are replaced.
Cleaning
Frequently blow or vacuum dust away from all sander parts and the motor housing.
Periodically remove the throat plate and lower washer from the spindle and remove any dust
accumulation in the throat plate area.
WARNING: Never use flammable or combustible solvents around tools. when servicing,
use only identical Performax replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product failure.

Troubleshooting
1. Over time, if the performance of the tool diminishes, or it stops working completely, it may be
necessary to replace the Carbon Brushes (34) by removing the Brush Holder (33). This
procedure should be completed by a qualified technician. If the Carbon Brushes are not worn
down, try cleaning the Carbon Brush tips with an ink eraser.
2. If the Sanding sleeve stops rotating when you touch it or press the stock material against it, turn
off the machine at once. Unplug the machine and check to make sure that the Hex Nut (1) s
threaded on tight to the Spindle (55).

Exploded view and parts list

Exploded view and parts list (continued)

Exploded view and parts list (continued)
Part#
Description
Qty
Part No.
Description
Qty
1
Hex nut 10
1
42
Bearing Cover
1
2
Upper spindle washer
1
43
Felt
1
3
Sander sleeve
1
44
Rubber washer
1
4
Rubber spindle
1
45
Bearing 6203zz
1
5
Throat plate
1
46
Bearing support
1
6
Lower spindle washer
1
47
Screw 4.2x15
4
7
Cast iron table
1
48
Bearing sleeve
1
8
Dust washer
1
49
Spring
1
9
Dust cover
1
50
Spring washer
2
10
Washer 5
5
51
Spindle washer
2
11
Spring washer 5
5
52
Screw 4.2x13
4
12
Screw 5x12
5
53
Wheel plate
1
13
Belt
1
54
Wheel(Ⅰ)
1
14
Belt Ⅱ
1
55
Spindle
1
15
Belt wheel
1
56
Pin
1
16
Spring washer
2
57
Wheel(Ⅱ)
1
17
Tension roller assembly
1
58
Bearing sleeve
1
18
Screw 4.2x13
4
59
Wheel plate
1
19
Orientation plate assembly
1
60
Screw 4.2x13
4
20
Screw 4.2x22
4
61
Screw 4.2x13
4
21
Washer 6
4
62
Bearing support
1
22
Spring washer 6
4
63
Bearing 6203zz
1
23
Screw 6x16
4
64
Rubber washer
1
24
Cord clamp
1
65
Felt
1
25
Screw 4.2x15
2
66
Wheel support
1
26
Bearing 6001zz
1
67
Wire assembly(Ⅰ)
1
27
Spring washer
1
68
Wire assembly(Ⅱ)
1
28
Armature assembly
1
69
Rectifier
1
29
Bearing 608zz
1
70
Screw 4.2x19
1
30
Connection plate
1
71
Wire assembly(Ⅲ)
1
31
Field assembly
1
72
Wire assembly(Ⅳ)
1
32
Rear cover
1
73
Power cord
1
33
Brush holder
2
74
Cord clamp
1
34
Carbon brush
2
75
Switch orientation plate
1
35
Brush spring
2
76
Housing base
1
36
Cord clamp
2
78
Logo label
1
37
Washer 4
4
79
Switch orientation(Ⅰ)
1
38
Screw 4.2x13
4
80
Switch
1
39
Washer 4
2
81
Switch orientation(Ⅱ)
1
40
Screw 4.2x110
2
82
Switch assistant orientation
1
41
Screw 4.2x22
4
83
Screw 4x16
4

Exploded view and parts list (continued)
Part No.
Description
Qty
Part No.
Description
Qty
84
Warning label(Ⅰ)
1
100
2”Throat plate
1
85
Cord clamp
1
101
3” Throat plate
1
86
Screw 4.2x15
2
102
1/2”Sanding sleeve(80 grit)
1
87
Thread
2
103
3/4” Sanding sleeve(80 grit)
1
88
Screw 4.2x10
2
104
1” Sanding sleeve(80 grit)
1
89
Rubber foot
4
105
1-1/2” Sanding sleeve(80 grit)
1
90
Washer 6
6
106
2” Sanding sleeve(80 grit)
1
91
Spring washer 6
6
107
3” Sanding sleeve(80 grit)
1
92
Screw 6x16
6
108
3/4”Rubber spindle
1
93
Bottom plate
1
109
1” Rubber spindle
1
94
Screw 4.2x13
6
110
1-1/2” Rubber spindle
1
95
Warning label(Ⅱ)
1
111
2” Rubber spindle
1
96
1/2”Throat plate
1
112
3” Rubber spindle
1
97
3/4”Throat plate
1
113
5/8”OD Rubber spindle
1
98
1” Throat plate
1
114
7/8” OD Rubber spindle
1
99
1-1/2” Throat plate
1
115
1-3/4” OD Rubber spindle
1

Warranty
PERFORMAX™ OSCILLATING SPINDLE SANDER WARRANTY
30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:
This PERFORMAX™ brand power tool carries our 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are not
completely satisfied with your PERFORMAX™ brand power tool for any reason within thirty (30)
days from the date of purchase, return the tool with your original receipt to any MENARDS®retail
store, and we will provide you a refund –no questions asked.
2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY:
This PERFORMAX™ brand power tool carries a 2-Year Limited Warranty to the original purchaser.
If, during normal use, this PERFORMAX™ power tool breaks or fails due to a defect in material or
workmanship within two (2) years from the date of original purchase, simply bring this tool with
the original sales receipt back to your nearest MENARDS®retail store. At its discretion,
PERFORMAX™ agrees to have the tool or any defective part(s) repaired or replaced with the same
or similar PERFORMAX™ product or part free of charge, within the stated warranty period, when
returned by the original purchaser with original sales receipt. Not withstanding the foregoing, this
limited warranty does not cover any damage that has resulted from abuse or misuse of the
Merchandise. This warranty: (1) excludes expendable parts including but not limited to blades,
brushes, belts, bits, light bulbs, and/or batteries; (2) shall be void if this tool is used for commercial
and/or rental purposes; and (3) does not cover any losses, injuries to persons/property or costs.
This warranty does give you specific legal rights and you may have other rights, which vary from
state to state. Be careful, tools are dangerous if improperly used or maintained. Seller’s employees
are not qualified to advise you on the use of this Merchandise. Any oral representation(s) made
will not be binding on seller or its employees. The rights under this limited warranty are to the
original purchaser of the Merchandise and may not be transferred to any subsequent owner. This
limited warranty is in lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied including warranties or
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Seller shall not be liable for any special,
incidental, or consequential damages. The sole exclusive remedy against the seller will be for the
replacement of any defects as provided herein, as long as the seller is willing or able to replace this
product or is willing to refund the purchase price as provided above. For insurance purposes, seller
is not allowed to demonstrate any of these power tools for you.
For questions / comments, technical assistance or repair parts –
Please Call Toll Free at: 1-888-315-3080 (M-F 8am –5pm CST)
SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS. THIS WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT THEM.