Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Sander. Before attempting to use this
product, please read this manual thoroughly and follow the instructions
carefully. In doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself and that of others
around you, and you can look forward to your purchase giving you long and
satisfactory service.
Please keep these instructions in a safe place for future reference.
14. This air tool should be serviced at regular intervals by qualified service
personnel.
15. Avoid damaging the air tool by applying excessive force of any kind.
16. Always maintain the air tool with care. Keep it clean for the best and safest
performance.
17. ALWAYS ensure the workpiece is firmly secured leaving both hands free to
control the tool.
18. ALWAYS ensure the tool has stopped before putting it down after use.
19. ALWAYS ensure that any attachments are correctly fastened before
connecting the tool to the power supply
20. Do not force or misuse the air tool. It will do a better and safer job at the
rate for which it was designed.
21. Quick change couplings should not be located at the tool. They add
weight and could fail due to vibration.
22. Do not remove any labels. Damaged labels should be replaced.
23. This tool vibrates with use. Vibration may be harmful to your hands or arms.
Stop using the tool if discomfort, a tingling feeling or pain occurs. Seek
medical advice before resuming use.
SANDER-SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
1. Inspect the sanding pad before use. Do not use if cracked or broken.
Check that the rated speed of the backing pad is at least as high as that
of the machine.
2. Avoid contact with the moving sanding pad and wear suitable gloves to
protect the hands.
3. Never start the tool unless the abrasive pad is applied to the workpiece.
4. Beware of potentially explosive atmospheres being caused by dust / fumes
resulting from sanding and use dust extraction systems where possible.
5. Always wear a face mask when using the sander as protection from
airborne particles of sanded material. Avoid disturbing existing dust and
minimise the scattering of dust in the workplace environment. Take steps to
control the dust at the point of emission.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Never carry the tool by the air hose or with your finger on the trigger.
2. When not in use the tool should be disconnected from the air supply and
stored in a dry place out of the reach of children.
The CAT121 Sander is ideal for use in garages and workshops. Random orbit
sanders give a virtually scratch - free finish on various surfaces prior to painting
or varnishing the finished surface.
Your sander should include the items above. Any damage or deficiency
should be reported to your CLARKE dealer immediately.
WARNING: COMPRESSED AIR CAN BE DANGEROUS. ENSURE THAT YOU
ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF
COMPRESSORS AND A COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY.
• Use only clean, dry, regulated compressed air as a power source.
• Air compressors used with the tool must comply with the appropriate
European Community Safety Directives.
• A build-up of moisture or oil in the air compressor will accelerate
wear and corrosion in the tool. ensure any moisture is drained from
the compressor daily and the inlet filter is kept clean.
• If an unusually long air hose is required, (over 8 metres), the line
pressure or the hose inside diameter may need to be increased.
• The air hose must be rated at least 150% of the maximum operating
pressure of the tool.
• A typical air line layout is shown above. If an automatic in-line filter/
regulator is used, it will keep the tool in good condition but should be
regularly checked & topped up with oil. Clarke air-line oil should be
used, and the lubricator adjusted to approx 2 drops per minute.
• Never exceed the maximum operating pressure for the tool. Higher
pressures and unclean air will shorten the life of the tool due to faster
wear and is a possible safety hazard.
WARNING: COMPRESSED AIR CAN BE DANGEROUS. ENSURE THAT YOU
ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF AIR
COMPRESSORS AND A COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY.
FITTING THE BACKING PAD
1. Turn spindle lock until the knurled
portion contacts the flat surface
on the Spindle.
2. Thread the backing pad into the
spindle, by grasping the balancer,
with one hand and the pad with
the other. Do not over tighten.
3. Now turn the spindle lock so that
the knurled portion is away from
the flat on the spindle, and the
spindle turns freely.
4. DO NOT operate tool with spindle in locked mode as performance would
be severely affected, and a hazardous situation may result.
FITTING THE SANDING SHEET
Peel off the back of the self adhesive sanding sheet and stick it to the backing
pad.
CONNECTING THE AIR SUPPLY
Ensure the compressor is turned off and that the trigger is NOT depressed when
connecting the air line to avoid inadvertent starting of the sander.
1. Remove the protective plug from
the air inlet and connect a suitable
hose with a male end fitting or use
the adaptor supplied to connect a
suitable hose.
2. Connect the other end of the hose
to the compressed air supply.
3. Turn on the air supply and check
for air leaks. Rectify any found
before proceeding.
• PTFE tape may be useful for sealing threaded connections.
4. If required, connect an in-line mini oiler to the tool. A mini oiler helps to
prolong the life of the air tool.
5. If a mini-oiler is not being used, run a few drops of oil through the tool
before use. It can be entered through the air inlet or via the hose at the
nearest connection to the air supply.
6. A gauze filter is fitted within the air inlet. Ensure this filter is always kept
clean. An airline can be connected to the adapter, via a quick release
coupling (not supplied).
IMPORTANT: Only use abrasive sanding pads designed for use with this type
of 150mm dia sanding pad (rated at over 10000rpm).
1. Squeeze the trigger against the
body of the tool to start.
2. Use the speed regulator to set the
speed.
• Clockwise to increase the
sanding speed
• Anticlockwise to decrease the
sanding speed.
3. Rest the sander on the workpiece
before starting it. Let the sander do the work.
• The actual weight of the sander is normally sufficient for efficient
sanding. Do not put additional pressure on the sander which would
only slow down the speed of the pad, reducing efficiency and
placing an additional burden on the motor.
4. Pass the sander back and forth in wide, overlapping areas, taking care to
keep the sander moving around at all times. Avoid dwelling in one place
for more than a moment.
5. Release the trigger to stop the sander.
6. Always ensure the sander has stopped before putting it down.
DISCONNECTING THE AIR SUPPLY
1. Do not disconnect the air supply hose until the compressor has been shut
down and the compressed air released.
2. Squeeze the trigger to discharge any compressed air from the sander and
air hose.
3. Once the pressure has been released, disconnect the air supply hose from
the sander.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE AIR TOOL IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE
AIR SUPPLY BEFORE STARTING ANY CLEANING OR MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES.
Please note that factors other than the tools condition may effect its operation
and efficiency, such as reduced compressor output, excessive drain on the
airline, moisture or restrictions in the air-line, or the use of connectors of
improper size or poor condition which will reduce air supply.
DAILY
1. Before use, drain water from the air-line and compressor.
2. Lubricate the air tool daily for optimum performance, using a high quality
airline oil either via a lubricator in the air supply system or by placing a few
drops into the air inlet immediately before use. This should be carried out
regardless of whether or not an in-line lubricator is used.
CLEANING
1. Keep the sander clean and free from debris.
2. Grit or gum deposits in the mechanism may eventually reduce efficiency.
This condition can be corrected by cleaning the air inlet filter and flushing
out the tool with gum solvent oil or an equal mixture of SAE No10 oil and
paraffin.
3. Failing this, the tool should be disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, dried
and reassembled. You may prefer to take the tool to your CLARKE dealer if
internal maintenance is required.
4. If the sander becomes sluggish and the air supply is of good quality, it may
be necessary to replace worn or damaged parts. You may prefer to take
the tool to your Clarke dealer if internal maintenance is required.
STORAGE
If the tool is to be stored, or is idle for longer than 24 hours, run a few drops of
Clarke air-line oil into the air inlet and depress the trigger in order to lubricate
the internal parts.
When not in use, the sander should be disconnected from the air supply and
stored in a dry place out of the reach of children.
Tool runs at normal
speed but slows down
under any load.
Tool runs slowly. Air flows
weakly from exhaust.
Tool will not run. Air
flows freely from
exhaust.
Tool will not shut off.1. Throttle O-rings
1. Piston parts worn.
2. Worn or sticking
mechanism due to
lack of lubricant.
1. Moving parts
jammed with gum/
dirt.
2. Air-line regulator in
closed position.
3. General airflow
blocked by dirt.
1. Piston stuck
due to buildup of
foreign material.
damaged or ill-fitting.
1. Return to Clarke dealer
for repair.
2. Drip lubricating oil into the
air inlet. Allow oil to soak
moving parts before using
1. Examine inlet air filter for
blockage. Drip a few
drops of air tool lubricat ing oil into air inlet.
2. Adjust in-line regulator to
open position.
3. Operate tool in short
bursts.
1. Disconnect air supply
and rotate tool assembly
manually.
2. Try operating tool in
short bursts.
3. Tap motor housing gently
with a rubber mallet.
4. Drip a few drops of air
tool lubricating oil into air
inlet to soak moving parts.
1. Return to Clarke dealer
for repair.
Your Clarke air tool has been designed to give long and trouble free service. If,
however, having followed the instructions in this booklet carefully, you
encounter problems, take the tool to your local Clarke dealer.
A wide range of airline accessories is available including filter/regulators,
lubricators, high-pressure hoses (5 to 50 metres) etc. Contact your Clarke
dealer or Clarke International Service Department for further information.
Clarke Air-lne Oil (Part no. 3050825) is available from your Clarke dealer.
ABRASIVE DISCS
Replacement hook and eye backed abrasive discs (6”/150mm) diameter are
available from your CLARKE dealer:
5-packFine120 gritPart No 6502042
5-packMedium80 gritPart No 6502044
5-packCoarse60 gritPart No 6502046
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Do not dispose of redundant or damaged airline components with general
household waste. All tools, accessories and packaging should be sorted,
taken to a re-cycling centre and disposed of appropriately.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be
required as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.