Bosch GSS20-40 Owner’s Manual
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Operating/Safety Instructions
Consignes de sécurité/d’utilisation
Instrucciones de funcionamiento y seguridad
GSS20-40
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Safety Symbols
The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the
manual and pay attention to these symbols.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol,
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in minor or moderate injury.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warn-
ings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power
tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Work area safety
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
or dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power
tools create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.
Electrical safety
Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do
not use any adapter plugs with earthed
(grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs
and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or
grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an
increased risk of electric shock if your body is
earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord
for carrying, pulling or unplugging the
power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil,
sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or
entangled cords increase the risk of electric
shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors,
use an extension cord suitable for outdoor
use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use
reduces the risk of electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a damp location
is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of
an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you
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are tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment of inatten-
tion while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equip-
ment such as dust mask, non-skid safety
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used
for appropriate conditions will reduce personal
injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and / or battery
pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carry-
ing power tools with your finger on the switch
or energizing power tools that have the switch
on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench
or a key left attached to a rotating part of the
power tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better con-
trol of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in
moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection
of dust extraction and collection facilities,
ensure these are connected and properly
used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-
related hazards.
Power tool use and care
Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The
correct power tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch
does not turn it on and off. Any power tool
that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source
and/or the battery pack from the power tool
before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing power tools. Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools
are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts and any other condition that may
affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before
use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Prop-
erly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to
control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool
bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use
of the power tool for operations different from
those intended could result in a hazardous
situation.
Service
Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the
safety of the power tool is maintained.
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Safety Rules for Orbital Sanders
Unplug the sander before changing accessories. Accidental start-ups may occur if
sander is plugged in while changing an accessory.
Use clamps or other 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.
Your tool is equipped with a dust canister, empty it frequently, after completion of
sanding and before storing the sander. Be
extremely careful of dust disposal, materials
in fine particle form may be explosive. Do not
throw sanding dust on an open fire. Combustion from mixture of varnishes, lacquers, polyurethane, oil or water with dust particles can
occur if there is a static discharge, spark introduced in the box, or excessive heat.
Always wear eye and respiratory protection for dusty applications and when sanding overhead. Sanding particles can be ab-
Additional Safety Warnings
sorbed by your eyes and inhaled easily and
may cause health complications.
Use special precautions when sanding
chemically pressure treated lumber, paint
that may be lead based, or any other materials that may contain carcinogens. A
suitable breathing respirator and protective
clothing must be worn by all persons entering the work area. Work area should be sealed
by plastic sheeting and persons not protected
should be kept out until work area is thoroughly cleaned.
Do not wet sand with this sander. Liquid entering the motor housing is an electrical shock
hazard.
Do not use sandpaper intended for larger
sanding pads. Larger sandpaper will extend
beyond the sanding pad causing snagging,
tearing of the paper or kick-back. Extra paper
extending beyond the sanding pad can also
cause serious lacerations.
GFCI and personal protection devices like
electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear will
further enhance your personal safety.
Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC
power supply. While the tool may appear to
work, the electrical components of the AC
rated tool are likely to fail and create a hazard
to the operator.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil
and grease. Slippery hands cannot safely
control the power tool.
Develop a periodic maintenance schedule
for your tool. When cleaning a tool be careful not to disassemble any portion of the
tool since internal wires may be misplaced
or pinched or safety guard return springs
may be improperly mounted. Certain clean-
ing agents such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage plastic parts.
Ensure the switch is in the off position
before inserting battery pack. Inserting the
battery pack into power tools that have the
switch on invites accidents.
grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities contains chemicals known to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and
other masonry products, and
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-
treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, de-
pending on how often you do this type of work.
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
work in a well ventilated area, and work with
approved safety equipment, such as those
dust masks that are specially designed to filter
out microscopic particles.
Some dust created by
power sanding, sawing,
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Symbols
IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and
learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool
better and safer.
Symbol Name Designation/Explanation
V Volts Voltage (potential)
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watt Powe r
kg Kilograms Weight
min Minutes Time
s Seconds Time
⌀
.../min Revolutions or reciprocation per min-
1, 2, 3, ...
I, II, III,
Diameter Size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.
No load speed Rotational speed, at no load
n
0
n Rated speed Maximum attainable speed
ute
0 Off position Zero speed, zero torque...
Selector settings Speed, torque or position settings. Higher
Infinitely variable selector with off Speed is increasing from 0 setting
Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc. per minute
number means greater speed
Arrow Action in the direction of arrow
Alternating current Type or a characteristic of current
Direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Alternating or direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Class II construction Designates Double Insulated Construc-
tion tools.
Earthing terminal Grounding terminal
Li-ion RBRC seal Designates Li-ion battery recycling pro-
gram
Ni-Cad RBRC seal Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling pro-
gram
Read manual symbol Alerts user to read manual
Wear eye protection symbol Alerts user to wear eye protection
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Symbols (continued)
IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and
learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool
better and safer.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.
This symbol designates that this component is recognized by Underwriters Laboratories.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, to United States and Canadian
Standards.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing Services, to United States and Canadian
Standards.
This symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM
Mexican Standards.
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Functional Description and Specifications
2
Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any assem-
sures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
bly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety mea-
Orbital Sander
Fig. 1
9
8
1
6A
6B
7
1 Dust-sealed switch
2 Dust canister
3 Microfilter
4 Sanding pad
5A Rear clamp lever
5B Rear clamping bracket
Model number GSS20-40
Pad Size:
Regular Sanding Sheet:
PSA (Stick-On) Sanding Sheet:
3
5B
4
5A
6A Front clamp lever
6B Front clamping bracket
7 Sanding sheet
8 Soft-grip area
9 Ventilation openings
4 1/2” x 4 1/8” (1/4 sheet)
4 1/2” x 5 1/2”
4 1/2” x 4 1/2”
NOTE: For tool specifications refer to the nameplate on your tool.
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Assembly
Always disconnect the
source before attaching or removing sanding sheets.
plug from the power
ATTACHING SANDING SHEETS
When attaching a new sanding sheet, remove
any dust or debris from the sanding pad 4
(e.g. with a brush).
1. Unlock both sanding-sheet clamp levers 5A
and 6A and swivel them downwards (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2
6A
4
6B
2. Insert the sanding sheet 7 under the rear
clamping bracket 5B. Ensure that the sanding sheet 7 is not too short to be correctly
clamped under clamping brackets 5A and
5B. Swivel the sanding sheet clamp lever
5A back into the starting position and lock it
there (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3
5B
5A
clamped. Swivel the sanding-sheet clamping lever 6A back into the starting position
and lock it there (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4
6B
4
6A
7
PUNCH PLATE
After the sanding sheet has been installed,
it will be necessary to punch holes into the
sheet using the punch plate provided with
your sander. Align sander base with punch
plate and push down on sander until punch
plate pierces the sheet. Then remove punch
plate from sander (Fig. 5)
Fig. 5
13
To ensure optimum dust extraction, pay attention that the punched holes in the sanding sheet match with the holes in the sanding
plate.
4
3. Place the sanding sheet taut around the
sanding pad 4. Clamp the front part of the
sanding sheet under the front clamping
bracket 6B. Ensure that the sanding sheet
7 is not too short and that it is correctly
75A 5B
REMOVING SANDING SHEETS
To remove the sanding sheet 7, unlock both
sanding-sheet clamp levers 5A and 6A and
pull the sanding sheet out of its holder.
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ATTACHING PSA “STICK-ON”
SANDING SHEETS
Your sander can also be used with PSAbacked “stick-on” sanding sheets (sandpaper), which have pressure sensitive adhesive.
1. Peel protective sheet from the back of PSA
sheet.
2. Align PSA sheet with backing pad and
press firmly in place.
Notes:
• Make sure that clamp levers are latched,
even when PSA sanding sheets are used.
Dust Collection
• Remove PSA sheets soon after completing
each sanding operation in order to prevent
the adhesive from creating a hardened
bond with the backing pad.
REMOVING PSA SANDING SHEETS
To remove, lift an edge of sheet with your fingernail and peel it off the backing pad.
Note: If PSA sheet is accidentally left on the
pad and has cooled down, the best way to remove it is to sand for three to five minutes to
soften the adhesive backing.
MICROFILTER DUST CANISTER — The integral dust extraction system collects sanding
dust in canister supplied with your sander. For
maximum efficiency, the dust canister should
be emptied frequently during operation.
Your tool is equipped
with a dust canister,
empty it frequently, after completion of
sanding and before storing the sander. Be
extremely careful of dust disposal, materials in
fine particle form may be explosive. Do not
throw sanding dust on an open fire. Combustion from mixture of varnishes, lacquers, polyurethane, oil or water with dust particles can
occur if there is a static discharge, spark introduced in the box, or excessive heat. Do not
mix collected dust with paint or varnish, or use
it to absorb or dry liquid chemicals.
REMOVING AND INSTALLING
DUST CANISTER
To remove dust canister: rotate dust canister 2
while pulling it away from the tool (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6
To install dust canister: align dust port 14 with
hole in canister 2 and push canister onto tool
until it locks into place (Fig. 7).
Fig. 7
CLEANING AND EMPTYING
THE DUST CANISTER
The dust canister is transparent which will
allow you to easily see when empting and
cleaning is required.
To empty the dust canister: screw off and
remove microfilter 3 from the dust canister 2
(Fig. 8).
Empty dust canister 2. It is recommended to
loosen dust from the microfilter 3 by gently
striking it against a solid surface (Fig. 9).
Knock excess dust out of the microfilter, or remove dust with your fingers or a soft brush.
You may notice that all the dust may not come
out of the canister. This will not affect sanding
performance but will reduce dust collection efficiency.
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Fig. 8
3
Fig. 9
3
Note: Do not wash the microfilter with soap
and water. Dust may become more firmly
lodged in the pores, which will reduce dust
collection, and damage the micro filter.
To ensure optimum dust extraction, empty and
clean the canister and microfilter frequently.
ATTACHING VACUUM HOSE
Dust collection can also be achieved by attaching the tool to a vacuum cleaner.
The tool’s dust port is sized to accept Bosch
vacuum cleaner hoses (sold separately) that
have rubber nozzles.
1. Attach the vacuum cleaner hose’s nozzle 16
to dust port 14 (Fig. 10).
2. Attach the opposite end of the hose to the
vacuum cleaner.
Fig. 10
To attach a 1-1/4” or 1-1/2” hose to the tool, the
Bosch VAC024 vacuum hose adapter (sold
separately) is required.
When vacuuming dry dust that is especially
detrimental to health or may be carcinogenic,
use a vacuum cleaner that is specifically designed for that purpose.
When sanding on vertical surfaces, hold the
power tool in such a manner that the vacuum
hose faces downward.
Operating Instructions
ROCKER “ON/OFF” SWITCH
To turn the tool ON or OFF: Push IN the
switch rocker to the left or right side of the
tool. Always hold the sander off the work when
turning the switch ON or OFF.
SANDING SHEETS (SANDPAPER)
Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, or other synthetic abrasives are recommended for power
sanding use. Natural abrasives, such as flint
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or garnet sheet are too soft for economical
use in power sanding. For best results, use
Bosch sanding sheets: The uniform spacing
between grains minimizes filling or loading.
The high quality aluminum oxide sheet with
heavy backing cuts faster and lasts longer.
The following are recommended sanding
sheets and applications:
• Coarse Grit: For rough wood sanding.
• Medium Grit: For general wood sanding.
• Fine Grit: For smoothing wood or plaster
patches.
• Extra Fine Grit: For final sanding bare wood
and smoothing old paint.
There are also different types of sanding
sheets made for wood, paint and other surfaces.
Sanding sheets can be purchased pre-sized
or can be conveniently cut from large-size
commercially available sheets (standard
size: 9” x 11-1/16” or 228 x 280 mm). Cut into
four pieces of equal size as shown (Fig. 11).
Choose the proper grit for the job.
Fig. 11
CUT HERE
9" (228mm)
CUT HERE
11-1/16" (280mm)
SANDING TIPS
Bosch orbital sanders are designed to produce exceptional finishes on wood surfaces,
speed stock removal, or to remove lacquer,
varnish, and other coated finishes.
Orbital sanding provides fast, smooth final
finishes. And this model can sand flush on all
three sides of the tool to get in tight places
typical of cabinets, desks and shelving.
• Starting and stopping of sanding - Contact the work with the tool after sander has
reached its full speed and remove it from
the work before turning the switch “OFF”.
Operating in this manner will prolong switch
and motor life and will greatly increase the
quality of your work.
• This sander’s even weight distribution and
the prevention of sanding sheet slippage by
the clamping system virtually eliminate any
benefit from pressing on the sander. Excessive pressure to the sander may result in
an uneven sanding job and premature grit
wear. Constant and excessive pressure can
cause overheating and possible damage to
the motor, as well as premature wear out of
the pad.
• It’s usually best to work in strokes that parallel the grain, using some lateral motion so
the main strokes are overlapped as much
as 75%.
• If the surface is rough, start sanding with a
coarse grit, then medium, and then finish
with a fine or extra-fine grit. This procedure
will vary with different types of materials and
work.
• Continue to sand with each grit until the surface looks uniform.
• When going from one grit size to a finer
size, do not skip more than two grit sizes.
• To remove the greatest amount of stock, use
a coarse grit and move the sander steadily
over the entire surface against the grain as
well as with the grain. DO NOT REMAIN IN
ONE SPOT TOO LONG. It may remove too
much material and uneven sanding will result.
• Sanding with the grain of the wood gives the
smoothest final finish.
STORING THE SANDER
Do not store tool with PSA sanding sheets
on pad, as sanding creates heat, which will
cause an adhesive bond between the sheet
and the pad to harden when sheet and pad
cool down. (See REMOVING PSA SANDING
SHEETS on page 9.)
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