tions provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all in-
structions listed below 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 mainsoperated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Work area safety
u Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark
areas invite accidents.
u 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.
u Keep children and bystanders away while operating a
power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Electrical safety
u 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.
u Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded sur-
faces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your
body is earthed or grounded.
u Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
u Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carry-
ing, 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.
u When operating a power tool outdoors, use an exten-
sion cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
u If operating a power tool in a damp location is un-
avoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric
shock.
Personal safety
u Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a
power tool while you are tired or under the influence
of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inatten-
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifica-
tion while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
u Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye
protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask,
non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection
used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
u 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.
Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
u 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.
u Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at
all times. This enables better control of the power tool in
unexpected situations.
u Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jew-
ellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.
u If devices are provided for the connection of dust ex-
traction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can re-
duce dust-related hazards.
u Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools
allow you to become complacent and ignore tool
safety principles. A careless action can cause severe in-
jury within a fraction of a second.
Power tool use and care
u 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.
u 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.
u Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or re-
move the battery pack, if detachable, 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.
u 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.
u Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for mis-
alignment 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.
1 609 92A 4JA | (18.07.2018)Bosch Power Tools
English | 7
u Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly main-
tained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less
likely to bind and are easier to control.
u 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.
u Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and
free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping
surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
Service
u 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.
Safety Warnings for Sander
u Hold the power tool firmly with both hands and make
sure you have a stable footing. The power tool can be
more securely guided with both hands.
u Only use the power tool for dry sanding. Water entering
a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
u Warning: Danger of fire! Avoid overheating the work-
piece and the sander. Always empty the dust collector
before taking a break from work. Sanding dust in the
dust bag, microfilter, paper bag (or in the filter bag or vacuum cleaner filter) can spontaneously combust under
certain conditions, for example if flying sparks are created when sanding metals. This risk is increased if the
sanding dust is mixed with paint or polyurethane residue
or with other chemical substances and if the workpiece is
hot as a result of prolonged work.
u Clean the air vents on your power tool regularly. The
motor’s fan will draw the dust inside the housing and excessive accumulation of powdered metal may cause electrical hazards.
u Secure the workpiece. A workpiece clamped with
clamping devices or in a vice is held more secure than by
hand.
u Always wait until the power tool has come to a com-
plete stop before placing it down.
Products sold in GB only:
Your product is fitted with an BS 1363/A approved electric
plug with internal fuse (ASTA approved to BS 1362).
If the plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it should be
cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its place by an authorised customer service agent. The replacement plug
should have the same fuse rating as the original plug.
The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a possible
shock hazard and should never be inserted into a mains
socket elsewhere.
Product Description and
Specifications
Read all the safety and general instructions.
Failure to observe the safety and general instructions may result in electric shock, fire
and/or serious injury.
Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this operating manual.
Product features
The numbering of the product features refers to the diagram
of the power tool on the graphics page.
Auxiliary handle (insulated gripping surface)
(1)
Screw for auxiliary handle
(2)
Orbital stroke rate preselection thumbwheel
(3)
On/off switch
(4)
Lock-on button for on/off switch
(5)
Filter element (Microfilter system)
(6)
Complete dust box (Microfilter system)
(7)
Rear clamping bracket
(8)
Clamping lever
(9)
Sanding plate
(10)
Clamping lever
(11)
Front clamping bracket
(12)
Handle (insulated gripping surface)
(13)
Sanding sheet
(14)
Punch
(15)
Screws for sanding plate
(16)
Sanding plate, thin, elongated
(17)
Sanding sheet, elongated
(18)
Screws for elongated sanding plate
(19)
Sanding sheet, triangular
(20)
Sanding plate, triangular, elongated
(21)
Extraction outlet
(22)
Dust extraction hose
(23)
A)
Accessories shown or described are not included with the
product as standard. You can find the complete selection of
accessories in our accessories range.
A)
A)
A)
A)
A)
A)
A)
A)
A)
A)
Technical data
Orbital sanderGSS 230 AVEGSS 280 AVE
Article number
Dust box included with product●●
Bosch Power Tools1 609 92A 4JA | (18.07.2018)
3 601 B92 8..3 601 B92 9..
8 | English
Orbital sanderGSS 230 AVEGSS 280 AVE
Orbital stroke rate preselection●●
Rated power inputW300350
No-load speedrpm8000–110008000–11000
No-load orbital stroke raterpm16000–2200016000–22000
Orbit diametermm2.42.4
Sanding sheet dimensions
– Hook-and-loop backingmm93 x 185115 x 230
– Clamping tensionmm93 x 230115 x 280
Sanding plate dimensionsmm92 x 182114 x 226
Weight according to EPTA-Procedure
01:2014
Protection class / II / II
The specifications apply to a rated voltage [U] of 230 V. These specifications may vary at different voltages and in country-specific models.
kg2.52.8
Assembly
u Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any
work on the power tool.
Dust/chip extraction
The dust from materials such as lead paint, some types of
wood, minerals and metal can be harmful to human health.
Touching or breathing in this dust can trigger allergic reactions and/or cause respiratory illnesses in the user or in
people in the near vicinity.
Certain dusts, such as oak or beech dust, are classified as
carcinogenic, especially in conjunction with wood treatment
additives (chromate, wood preservative). Materials containing asbestos may only be machined by specialists.
– Use a dust extraction system that is suitable for the ma-
terial wherever possible.
– Provide good ventilation at the workplace.
– It is advisable to wear a P2 filter class breathing mask.
The regulations on the material being machined that apply in
the country of use must be observed.
u Avoid dust accumulation at the workplace. Dust can
easily ignite.
Self-generated dust extraction with dust box
(seefiguresI–M)
Slide the dust box (7) onto the extraction outlet (22). Turn
the dust box in such a manner that its recesses face against
the tips on the extraction outlet and the dust box can be felt
to engage.
You can easily check the filling level of the dust box (7)
through the transparent container.
To empty the dust box (7), rotate slightly and pull it back.
Unscrew the filter element (6) and pull it out of the dust box
(7). Empty the dust box.
Gently tap the filter element (6) against a solid surface to
loosen the dust. Use a soft brush to clean the flaps of the filter element (6).
Note: In order to ensure optimum dust extraction, empty the
dust box (7) in good time and clean the filter element (6)
regularly.
When working on vertical surfaces, hold the power tool with
the dust box (7) facing downwards.
External dust extraction (see figure N)
Fit a dust extraction hose (23) onto the extraction outlet
(22). Mount the vacuum hose onto the extraction outlet (as
shown in the figure) in such a manner that the lateral openings on the extraction outlet remain free. This prevents the
power tool from adhering to the workpiece during sanding
and the surface quality of the workpiece from being impaired.
Connect the dust extraction hose (23) to an extractor. You
will find an overview of connecting to various dust extractors
at the end of these operating instructions.
The dust extractor must be suitable for the material being
worked.
When extracting dry dust that is especially detrimental to
health or carcinogenic, use a special dust extractor.
When working on vertical surfaces, hold the power tool with
the dust extraction hose facing downwards.
Changing the sanding sheet
Remove dirt and dust from the sanding plate (10), e.g. with
a brush, before attaching a new sanding sheet.
To ensure optimum dust extraction, make sure that the
punched holes in the sanding sheet are aligned with the
drilled holes in the sanding plate.
Sanding sheets with hook-and-loop backing
(seefigureE)
The sanding plate (10) is fitted with a hook-and-loop fastening, allowing sanding sheets with a similar backing to be secured quickly and easily.
Tap the hook-and-loop fastening of the sanding plate (10)
before fitting the sanding sheet (14) to facilitate maximum
adhesion.
1 609 92A 4JA | (18.07.2018)Bosch Power Tools
English | 9
Position the sanding sheet (14) so that it is flush with one
side of the sanding plate (10), then place the sanding sheet
on the sanding plate and press it on firmly.
To remove the sanding sheet (14), take hold of it by a corner
and pull it away from the sanding plate (10).
Sanding sheets without hook-and-loop backing
(seefiguresA–B)
Push the clamping lever (9) down.
Slide the sanding sheet (14) under the open front clamping
bracket (8) as far as possible and let go of the clamping lever
(9).
Open the clamping lever (11).
Position the sanding sheet (14) so that it fits tightly around
the sanding plate. Slide the other end of the sanding sheet
(14) under the open front clamping bracket (12) and clamp
the sanding sheet in place by closing the clamping lever
(11).
Unperforated sanding sheets, e.g. from rolls or bulk stock
sold by the metre, can be perforated using the punch (15)
for the purpose of dust extraction. To do this, fit the sanding
sheet on the power tool and push the tool down onto the
punch (see figureD).
To remove the sanding sheet (14), open the clamping lever
(11) and push the clamping lever (9) down. Pull the sanding
sheet out.
Choosing the sanding sheet
Different sanding sheets are available, depending on the material you are working with and the required surface removal
rate:
Grit
40–400
For processing all wood and wood-based materials
For pre-sanding, e.g. of rough and uneven beams and boards
For surface sanding and levelling of
slight irregularities
For finish-sanding and fine sanding of
hardwoods
For processing paint and lacquer layers or
primers such as fillers and bodyfillers
For sanding down paintCoarse 40, 60
For sanding undercoatsMedium 80, 100,
For final sanding of primers prior to
painting
Note: To avoid the sanding sheet tearing, only use sanding
sheets with a grit of 80 or above.
Coarse 40, 60
Medium 80, 100,
120
Fine180, 240,
320, 400
40–320
120
Fine180, 240,
320
Changing the sanding plate (see figure F)
If necessary, the sanding plate (10) can be replaced.
Unscrew the six screws (16) completely and remove the
sanding plate (10). Fit the new sanding plate (10) and
retighten the screws.
Special Sanding Plates
You can replace the standard supplied sanding plate (10)
with one of the special sanding plates that are available as
accessories.
Special sanding plates are fitted in exactly the same way as
the standard supplied sanding plate.
Likewise, each sanding sheet is attached and removed in exactly the same way as the original sanding sheet.
Elongated sanding plate, triangular, thin (see figure G)
Using the triangular, thin, elongated sanding plate (17) enables you to sand difficult-to-reach places and tight spaces
such as window and door posts, grooves, or behind radiators and water pipes.
To fit the triangular, thin, elongated sanding plate (17), use
the screws designed for this purpose (19).
Elongated sanding plate, triangular (see figure H)
Using the triangular, elongated sanding plate (21) enables
you to sand edges and corners.
Fine sanding plate (without hook-and-loop backing)
(seefiguresA–B)
If you primarily use standard sanding sheets without hookand-loop backing, we recommend using the fine sanding
plate without hook-and-loop backing. The flat surface of the
fine sanding plate will help achieve optimal sanding results,
especially when carrying out fine sanding.
Auxiliary handle
The auxiliary handle (1) enables comfortable handling and
optimum power distribution, with a high sanding removal
rate in particular.
Use the screw (2) to secure the auxiliary handle (1) on the
housing.
Operation
Starting Operation
u Pay attention to the mains voltage. The voltage of the
power source must match the voltage specified on the
rating plate of the power tool. Power tools marked
with 230V can also be operated with 220V.
u Products that are only sold in AUS and NZ: Use a resid-
ual current device (RCD) with a nominal residual current
of 30 mA or less.
Switching on/off
u Make sure that you are able to press the On/Off switch
without releasing the handle.
To switch on the power tool, press and hold the on/off
switch (4).
To lock the on/off switch (4) press and hold it while also
pushing the lock-on button (5).
Bosch Power Tools1 609 92A 4JA | (18.07.2018)
10 | English
To switch off the power tool, release the on/off switch (4).
If the on/off switch (4) is locked, press the switch first and
then release it.
Preselecting the orbital stroke rate
You can even preselect the orbital stroke rate during operation using the necessary orbital stroke rate preselection
thumbwheel (3).
The required orbital stroke rate is dependent on the material
and the work conditions and can be determined using practical tests.
Practical advice
u Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any
work on the power tool.
u Always wait until the power tool has come to a com-
plete stop before placing it down.
The material removal rate and sanding result are primarily
determined by the choice of sanding sheet, the preselected
orbital stroke rate level and the contact pressure.
Only immaculate sanding sheets achieve good sanding performance and make the power tool last longer.
Be sure to apply consistent contact pressure in order to increase the lifetime of the sanding sheets.
Excessively increasing the contact pressure will not lead to
increased sanding performance, rather it will cause more
severe wear of the power tool and of the sanding sheet.
Do not use a sanding sheet for other materials after it has
been used to work on metal.
Use only original Bosch sanding accessories.
Maintenance and Servicing
Maintenance and Cleaning
u Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any
work on the power tool.
u To ensure safe and efficient operation, always keep
the power tool and the ventilation slots clean.
In order to avoid safety hazards, if the power supply cord
needs to be replaced, this must be done by Bosch or by a
customer service centre that is authorised to repair Bosch
power tools.
After-sales Service and Advice on Using
Products
Our after-sales service can answer questions concerning
product maintenance and repair, as well as spare parts. You
can find exploded drawings and information on spare parts
at: www.bosch-pt.com
The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you
with any questions about our products and their accessories.
www.powertool-portal.de, the internet portal for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts.
In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always
include the 10‑digit article number given on the type plate of
the product.
Bosch Power Tool (China) Co. Ltd.
Bosch Service Center
567, Bin Kang Road
Bin Kang District
Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
China 310052
Tel.: (0571) 8887 5566 / 5588
Fax: (0571) 8887 6688 x 5566# / 5588#
E-mail: bsc.hz@cn.bosch.com
www.bosch-pt.com.cn
HK and Macau Special Administrative Regions
Robert Bosch Co. Ltd.
21st Floor, 625 King’s Road
North Point, Hong Kong
Customer Service Hotline: +852 2101 0235
Fax: +852 2590 9762
E-mail: info@hk.bosch.com
www.bosch-pt.com.hk
India
Bosch Service Center
69, Habibullah Road, (next to PSBB School), T. Nagar
Chennai–600077
Phone: (044) 64561816
Bosch Service Center Rishyamook
85A, Panchkuin Road
New Delhi–110001
Phone: (011) 43166190
Bosch Service Center 79,
Crystal Bldg., Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli
Mumbai–400018
Phone: (022) 39569936 / (022 )39569959 /
(022) 39569967 / (022) 24952071
Indonesia
PT Robert Bosch
Palma Tower 10th Floor
Jalan RA Kartini II-S Kaveling 6
Pondok Pinang, Kebayoran Lama
Jakarta Selatan 12310
Tel.: (21) 3005-5800
www.bosch-pt.co.id
Malaysia
Robert Bosch Sdn. Bhd.(220975-V) PT/SMY
No. 8A, Jalan 13/6
Robert Bosch Middle East FZE – Pakistan Liaison Office
2nd Floor Plaza # 10, CCA Block, DHA Phase 5
Lahore, 54810
Phone: +92(303)4444311
E-mail: Faisal.Khan@bosch.com
Philippines
Robert Bosch, Inc.
28th Floor Fort Legend Towers,
3rd Avenue corner 31st Street,
Fort Bonifacio, Global City,
1634 Taguig City
Tel.: (632) 8703871
Fax: (632) 8703870
www.bosch-pt.com.ph
Singapore
Powerwell Service Centre Ptd Ltd
Bosch Authorised Service Centre (Power Tools)
4012 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #01-02 TECHplace
Singapore 569628
Tel.: 6452 1770
Fax: 6452 1760
E-mail: ask@powerwellsc.com
www.powerwellsc.com
www.bosch-pt.com.sg
Thailand
Robert Bosch Ltd.
Liberty Square Building
No. 287, 11 Floor
Silom Road, Bangrak
Bangkok 10500
Tel.: 02 6393111
Fax: 02 2384783
Robert Bosch Ltd., P. O. Box 2054
Bangkok 10501
www.bosch.co.th
Bosch Service – Training Centre
La Salle Tower Ground Floor Unit No.2
10/11 La Salle Moo 16
Srinakharin Road
Bangkaew, Bang Plee
Samutprakarn 10540
Tel.: 02 7587555
Fax: 02 7587525
Vietnam
Branch of Bosch Vietnam Co., Ltd in HCMC
14th floor, Deutsches Haus, 33 Le Duan
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel.: (028) 6258 3690
Fax: (028) 6258 3692 - 6258 3694
Hotline: (028) 6250 8555
TOO "Robert Bosch" Power Tools, After Sales Service
Rayimbek Ave., 169/1
050050, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Service e-mail: service.pt.ka@bosch.com
Official website: www.bosch.com, www.bosch-pt.com
Bahrain
Hatem Al Juffali Technical Equipment Establishment.
Kingdom of Bahrain, Setra Highway, Al Aker Area
Phone: +966126971777-311
Fax: +97317704257
E-mail: h.berjas@eajb.com.sa
Egypt
Unimar
20 Markaz kadmat
El tagmoa EL Aoul – New Cairo
Phone: +20 2224 76091-95
Phone: +20 2224 78072-73
Fax: +20222478075
E-mail: adelzaki@unimaregypt.com
Iran
Robert Bosch Iran
3rd Floor, No 3, Maadiran Building
Aftab St., Khodami St., Vanak Sq.
Tehran 1994834571
Phone: +9821 86092057
Iraq
Sahba Technology Group
Al Muthana airport road
Baghdad
Phone: +9647901906953
Phone Dubai: +97143973851
E-mail: bosch@sahbatechnology.com
Jordan
Roots Arabia – Jordan
Nasser Bin Jameel street, Building 37 Al Rabiah
11194 Amman
Phone: +962 6 5545778
E-mail: bosch@rootsjordan.com
Kuwait
Al Qurain Automotive Trading Company
Shuwaikh Industrial Area, Block 1, Plot 16, Street 3rd
P.O. Box 164 – Safat 13002
Phone: 24810844
Fax: 24810879
E-mail: josephkr@aaalmutawa.com
Swanee Road, Alfalah Area
Tripoli
Phone: +218 21 4811184
Oman
Malatan Trading & Contracting LLC
P.O. Box 131
Ruwi, 112 Sultanate of Oman
Phone: +968 99886794
E-mail: malatanpowertools@malatan.net
Qatar
International Construction Solutions W L L
P. O. Box 51,
Doha Phone: +974 40065458
Fax: +974 4453 8585
E-mail: csd@icsdoha.com
Saudi Arabia
Juffali Technical Equipment Co. (JTECO)
Kilo 14, Madinah Road, Al Bawadi District
Jeddah 21431
Phone: +966 2 6672222 Ext. 1528
Fax: +966 2 6676308
E-mail: roland@eajb.com.sa
Syria
Dallal Establishment for Power Tools
P.O. Box 1030
Aleppo
Phone: +963212116083
E-mail: rita.dallal@hotmail.com
United Arab Emirates
Central Motors & Equipment LLC, P.O. Box 1984
Al-Wahda Street – Old Sana Building
Sharjah
Phone: +971 6 593 2777
Fax: +971 6 533 2269
E-mail: powertools@centralmotors.ae
Yemen
Abualrejal Trading Corporation
Sana’a Zubiery St. Front to new Parliament Building
Phone: +967-1-202010
Fax: +967-1-279029
E-mail: tech-tools@abualrejal.com
Diesel & Autoelectric Service Ltd.
117 Nyerere Rd., P.O. Box 70839
Vingunguti 12109, Dar Es Salaam
Phone: +255 222 861 793/794
Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands
Robert Bosch Australia Pty. Ltd.
Power Tools
Locked Bag 66
Clayton South VIC 3169
Customer Contact Center
Inside Australia:
Phone: (01300) 307044
Fax: (01300) 307045
Inside New Zealand:
Phone: (0800) 543353
Fax: (0800) 428570
Outside AU and NZ:
Phone: +61 3 95415555
www.bosch-pt.com.au
www.bosch-pt.co.nz
1 609 92A 4JA | (18.07.2018)Bosch Power Tools
Disposal
The power tool, accessories and packaging should be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.
Do not dispose of power tools along with
household waste.