GMC BD1500 Instruction Manual

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1/3 HP

BELT/DISC SANDER

BD1500
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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Contents

Warranty Power Tools

Whilst every effort is made to ensure your complete
satisfaction with this tool, occasionally, due to the mass
manufacturing techniques, a tool may not live up to our
required level of performance and you may need the
assistance of our service department.

This product is warranted for a 2-year period for home
domestic use from the date of the original purchase.
If found to be defective in materials or workmanship,
the tool or the offending faulty component will be repaired
or replaced free of charge with another of the same item.

A

small freight charge may apply. Proof of purchase is
essential. We reserve the right to reject any claim where
the purchase cannot be verified.

This warranty does not include damage or defects to the
tool caused by or resulting from abuse, accidents,
alterations or commercial or business use. It also does not
cover any bonus items or included accessories. Only the
power tool is covered under this warranty.

With continuing product development, changes may have
occurred which render the product received slightly
different to that shown in this instruction manual.

Please ensure that you store your receipt in a safe place.
Conditions apply to the above warranty. For full details of

the warranty terms and conditions please refer to our
website – www.gmcompany.com

For prompt service we suggest you log your service
request online - www.gmcservice.com.au, should you
not have access to the internet, please contact our
service department on 1300 880 001 (Australia)
or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand).

Introduction 3

Description of symbols 3

Specifications 3

General safety rules 4

Additional safety rules for belt & disc sanders 5

Unpacking 6

Accessories 7

Know your product 8

Getting to know your belt and disc sander 9

Mounting belt and disc sander to workbench 9

Installing sanding disc and guard 9

Installing work support 9

Installing table assembly 10

Auxiliary mounting for vertical sanding 10

Installing the sanding belt
– tensioning and tracking 11

Turning on and off 11

Basic operation 11

Positioning belt bed 12

Surface sanding on the sanding belt 12

End sanding on the sanding belt 12

Sanding curved edges 12

Sanding small end surfaces on the sanding disc 13

Maintenance 13

Power cord maintenance 13

General inspection 13

Repairs 13

3

Description of symbols

The rating plate on your tool may show symbols.
These represent important information about the
product or instructions on its use.

Wear hearing protection.
Wear eye protection.
Wear breathing protection.

Earthed Appliance

Conforms to relevant standards
for electromagnetic compatibility.

Specifications

Nominal voltage: 230–240Vac ~ 50Hz

Input power: 370W

No Load Disc speed: 2800min

-1

No Load Belt speed: 500 mt/min

Sanding Disc size: 150 mm

Sanding Belt size: 100 x 914 mm

Table size: 155 x 225 mm

Net weight: 17kg

Introduction

Your new GMC power tool will more than satisfy
your expectations. It has been manufactured under
stringent GMC Quality Standards to meet superior
performance criteria.

You will find your new tool easy and safe to operate,
and, with proper care, it will give you many years
of dependable service.

CAUTION. Carefully read through this entire Instruction

Manual before using your new GMC Power Tool. Take
special care to heed the Cautions and Warnings.

Your GMC power tool has many features that will make
your job faster and easier. Safety, performance, and
dependability have been given top priority in the
development of this tool, making it easy to maintain
and operate.

Environmental protection

Recycle unwanted materials instead
of disposing of them as waste. All tools,
hoses and packaging should be sorted,
taken to the local recycling centre and
disposed of in an environmentally safe way

.

4

General safety rules

WARNING. Read all instructions. Failure to follow all

instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/
or serious injury. The term “power tool” in all of the warnings
listed below refers to your mains operated (corded) power
tool or battery operated (cordless) power tool.

Save these instructions

1. Work area
a. Keep work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered and dark

areas invite accidents.

b. 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.

c. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a

power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2. Electrical safety
a. 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.

b. 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.

c. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.

Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.

d. 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.

e. 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.

3. Personal safety
a. 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
inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.

b. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.

Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

c. Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the

off position before plugging in. Carrying power tools with
your finger on the switch or plugging in power tools that
have the switch on invites accidents.

d. 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.

e. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at

all times. This enables better control of the power tool in
unexpected situations.

f. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or

jewellery.

Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be
caught in moving parts.

g. If devices are provided for the connection of dust

extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used.

Use of these devices

can reduce dust related hazards.

4. Power tool use and care
a. 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.

b. 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.

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c. Disconnect the plug from the power source before

making any adjustments, changing accessories, or
storing power tools.

Such preventive safety measures

reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

d. 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.

e. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or

binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and
any other condition that may affect the power tools
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired

before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.

f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly

maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less
likely to bind and are easier to control.

g. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.,

in accordance with these instructions and in the
manner intended for the particular type of power
tool, 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.

5. Service
a. 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.

Additional safety rules
for belt & disc sanders

WARNING: To avoid mistakes that could cause serious

permanent injury, do not plug the sander in until the
following steps are completed:

• Assembly and alignment

• Learn the use and function of the On/Off switch,

backstop, belt tracking knob, belt tension lever, work table
and work table tilt lock knob.

• Review and understand all safety instructions and

operating procedures in this manual.

• Read manual before using sander

• Wear safety goggles

• Wear a dust mask

• Maintain 1-2 mm maximum clearance between table and

sanding belt and disc

• Always support workpiece with “backstop” or “worktable”

• Avoid “kickback” (workpiece thrown at you). Use only left

hand side of disc.

• Avoid fire. Clean out all sawdust and disconnect from any

vacuum before sanding metals.

• Always unplug the sander before moving it.

• Put the sander on a firm level surface where there is

plenty of room for handling and properly supporting
the workpiece.

• Support the sander so it does not rock.

• Bolt the sander to its work surface.

• Never stand on the tool. Serious injury could occur if the

tool tips. Do not store anything above or near the tool
where anyone might stand on the tool to reach them.

• Check damaged parts, check for alignment of moving

parts, binding of moving parts, broken parts, - Do not use
sanding belts narrower than 100mm – narrower belts
uncover parts that could trap your fingers.

• Remove adjusting keys and wrenches from tool before

turning it on.

• Adjust work support to clear the sanding surface by no

more than 1-2 mm. When checking clearance between
the belt and work support, press the belt flat against the
metal beneath it.

• Make sure all clamps and locks are tight and no parts

have excessive play.

• Never use the sander near flammable liquids, vapors

or gases.

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• Keep guards in place and in working order.

• Don’t do layout, assembly, or setup work on the sander

while any parts are moving.

• Make sure there are no nails or foreign objects in the

part of the workpiece to be sanded.

• Make sure there are no debris between the workpiece

and its supports.

• When sanding irregularly shaped workpieces, plan your

work support so it will not slip and be pulled from your
hands.

• Use extra caution with large, very small or awkward

workpieces.

• Never use this tool to finish pieces too small to hold

by hand.

• Use extra supports (tables, saw horses, blocks, etc.) for

any workpieces large enough to tip when not held down
to the table top.

• Never use another person as a substitute for a table

extension, or as additional support for a workpiece that
is longer or wider than the basic sander table, or to help
feed, support or pull the workpiece.

• When finishing on the disc always press the workpiece

against the “down” side of the disc. Sanding against the
side coming up from under the table could damage the
work by making it “chatter” or tear the work from your
hands and throw it.

• Sand only one workpiece at a time.

• Clear everything except the workpiece and related support

devices off the table before turning the sander on.

• Plan the way you will hold the workpiece from start

to finish.

• Avoid awkward operations and hand positions where a

sudden slip could cause fingers or hand to move into a
sanding surface. Keep fingers away from where the belt
goes into the dust trap.

Unpacking

Due to modern mass production techniques, it is unlikely
that your power tool is faulty or that a part is missing. If you
find anything wrong, do not operate the tool until the parts
have been replaced or the fault has been rectified. Failure
to do so could result in serious personal injury.

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Accessories

The Belt & Disc sander is supplied with the following parts:

1. Work table

2. Table support

3. Mitre gauge

4. Sanding disc

5. Disc guard

6. Work support

7. Table lock knob

8. Washers (6.5 x 17.8 x 1.6) x5

9. Pan head screws M4.2 x2

10. Lock washers M6 x4

11. Hex head screws (M6 x 14) x4

12. Allen Key 6mm

1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

7.

8. 9.

10.

11.

6.

12.

8

7

8

9 11

12

3

2

4 6 1

Know your product

1. On/off switch

2. Base

3. Mounting holes (x2)

4. Work table

5. Table lock knob

6. Disc guard

7. Sanding disc

8. Sanding plate

9. Work support

10. Work support

hex screw

11. Sanding belt

12. Belt bed

13. Belt tracking knob

14. Belt tension lever

15. Belt bed locking screw

5

15

3

13

14

10

9

Getting to know your belt and disc sander

WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental start, turn switch

’OFF’ and remove plug from power source outlet before
making any adjustments.

1. Work Support. Supports the workpiece on the
sanding belt.

2. Hex Socket Head Screw. Loosening screw allows belt
bed to be raised to the vertical position.

3. Tracking Knob. Turning knob anti-clockwise causes
sanding belt to move towards the disc. Turning knob
clockwise causes sanding belt to move away from
the disc.

4. Tension Lever. Sliding lever to the right releases the
sanding belt tension; sliding lever to the left applies
belt tension.

5. Table Lock Knob. Loosening knob allows the work table
to be tilted for bevel sanding.

6. Auxiliary Mounting Hole. Allows table assembly to
be mounted for end sanding when bed is placed in
vertical position.

Mounting belt and disc sander to workbench

If belt and disc sander is to be used in a permanent
location, it should be fastened securely to a firm supporting
surface such as a workbench.

If mounting to a workbench, holes should be drilled through
supporting surface of the workbench.

1. The unit should be bolted
securely using M8 screws and
hex nuts (not included). Screw
length should be 38mm plus
the thickness of the bench top.

2. Locate and mark the holes
where belt and disc sander is
to be mounted.

3. Drill (2) x 9.5 mm diameter holes though workbench.

4. Place belt and disc Sander on workbench aligning holes
drilled in workbench.

5. Insert two M8 screws and tighten hex nuts.

Installing sanding disc and guard

1. Remove the backing from
the sanding disc (7). Align
perimeter of disc with sanding
plate (8) and press disc
firmly into position all the way
around.

2. Locate disc guard (6) and two
M4.2 pan head screws.

3. Position disc guard against
lower 1/3 of disc aligning
holes.

4. Using a Phillips screwdriver,
fasten the pan head screws
securely, applying light
pressure to thread the holes.

Installing work support

1. Using a wrench secure
work support (9) to side
of belt & disc sander using
M6 hex screw, lock washer
and washer.

2. Hold work support in position
and fasten.

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Installing table assembly

1. Position table support against
table (4) and align the holes.

2. Using 3 M6 hex screws, 3 lock
washers and 3 flat washers
fasten the table support to the
work table.

3. Position the table support in
the corresponding holes on the
side of the base. Ensure that
the 9.5 mm diameter index pin
aligns with the upper hole.

4. Place the 6.5 mm washer on
the end of the table lock knob
threaded shaft and insert shaft
through the slot and into the
threaded hole of base.

WARNING: To avoid trapping the

work of fingers between the table
and sanding surface, the table
edge should be a maximum of
1-2 mm from sanding surface.

5. Loosen the 3 hex head screws
at bottom of table support
and adjust table as required.
Adjust table as necessary and
retighten screws.

Auxiliary mounting for vertical sanding

1. Remove work support (9) lock
and bolt (10), and remove
work support.

2. Remove table assembly
by removing table lock knob
and washer.

3. Loosen the belt bed locking
screw (15) and raise the belt
sander bed (12) to the vertical
position. Retighten the locking
screw (15).

4. Attach work table assembly (4)
to auxiliary holes in belt bed.
Make sure index pin is in the
upper hole when sanding table
is in vertical position.

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Installing the sanding belt
– tensioning and tracking

WARNING: To avoid injury from

accidental start, turn switch
‘OFF’, remove key and remove
plug from power source outlet,
before removing or installing belt.

On the smooth side of the
sanding belt, you will find a
‘directional arrow’. The sanding
belt must run in the direction of
this arrow, so that the splice does
not come apart.

1. Slide tension lever (14) to
the right to release the belt
tension.

2. Place the sanding belt (11)
over the drums with the
directional arrow pointing
towards the left hand side.
Make sure the belt is centred
on both drums.

3. Slide tension lever to the left
to apply belt tension.

4.Tighten hex socket screw
(15) when bed is in desired
position.

5. Plug in the power cord. Turn
switch ‘On’ and immediately
‘OFF’, noting if the belt tends
to slide off the idler drum or
drive drum. If it did not tend
to slide off it is TRACKING
properly.

6. If the sanding belt moves
toward the disc, turn the
tracking knob (13) clockwise
1/4 turn.

7. If the sanding belt moves away from the disc, turn the
tracking knob (13) anticlockwise 1/4 turn.

8. Turn switch ‘ON and immediately ‘OFF’ noting belt
movement. Readjust tracking knob if necessary.

Turning on and off

1. Connect the plug to the power supply

2. To turn on press the green ‘ON’ button.

3. To switch off, press the red ‘OFF’ button.

4. Unplug the tool from the power point to prevent
unauthorised use.

Basic operation

Bevel sanding

1. The work table (4) can be
tilted from 0° to 45° for bevel
sanding.

2. Loosen the table lock knob (5)
and tilt the work table to the
desired angle.

3. Retighten the table lock knob.

WARNING: To avoid trapping the work or fingers between

the table and sanding surface, the table should be
repositioned on the table support to retain a maximum of 1­2 mm distance between sanding surface and table.

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Positioning belt bed

The belt bed locking hex screw
locks the belt bed (12) in a
vertical or horizontal position.

To adjust vertical position:

1. Remove work support (9)

2. Loosen the hex head locking
screw (15) using a 6 mm hex
wrench.

3. Position belt bed and retighten
the hex head locking screw.

Surface sanding on the sanding belt

WARNING: To avoid injury from slips, jams or thrown

pieces, adjust the backstop to clear the sanding surface by
no more than 1-2 mm.

When checking clearance between the belt and work
support, press the belt flat against the metal beneath it.

1. Hold the work piece firmly with both hands, keeping
fingers away from the sanding belt.

2. Keep the end butted against
the backstop and move
the work evenly across the
sanding belt. Use extra caution
when sanding very thin pieces.

3. When sanding long pieces,
remove the work support.

4. Apply only enough pressure
to allow the sanding belt to
remove any material.

End sanding on the sanding belt

1. It is more convenient to sand
the ends of long workpieces
with the sanding belt in a
vertical position.

2. Move the work evenly across
the sanding belt. For accuracy,
use the mitre gauge.

Sanding curved edges

1. Always sand inside curves on
idler drum as shown.

WARNING: Never attempt to

sand the ends of a workpiece on
the idler drum. Applying the end
of the workpiece to the idler drum
could cause the work piece to fly
up and result in an injury.

2. Always sand outside curves
on the left hand side of the
sanding disc.

WARNING: Applying the

workpiece to the right side of the
disc could cause workpiece to fly
up (kickback) and result in injury.

13

Sanding small end surfaces
on the sanding disc

1. Use of the mitre gauge
is recommended for this
operation.

2. Rest the workpiece against the
edge of the mitre gauge.

3. Always move the work across
the left hand side of the
sanding disc.

4. The table may be tilted for bevelled work.

Maintenance

Note: Always wear eye protection when cleaning the tool.
WARNING: Always ensure that the saw is switched off and

unplugged from the power supply before carrying out any
maintenance or cleaning.

1. Keep the tool’s air vents unclogged and clean at all times.

2. Remove dust and dirt regularly. Cleaning is best done
with a brush or a rag.

3. Re-lubricate all moving parts at regular intervals.

4. Never use caustic agents to clean plastic parts.

CAUTION: Do not use cleaning agents to clean the

plastic parts of the tool. A mild detergent on a damp cloth
is recommended. Water must never come into contact with
the tool.

Power cord maintenance

If the supply cord needs replacing, the task must be carried
out by the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s agent, or an
authorised service centre in order to avoid a safety hazard.

General inspection

Regularly check that all the fixing screws are tight. They
may vibrate loose over time.

Repairs

Only an authorised service centre should replace the
cordset or carry out other repairs.

Once a month, lubricate all moving parts with machine
oil. Take care to keep the oil away from any electrical
components.

Parts should only be replaced or repaired by an authorised
service centre.

14

15

GMC customer assist

If your product needs repairing, replacing,
technical service or you simply need help or advice,
please contact us on our Customer Assist Line
1300 880 001 (Australia) or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand).

For prompt service we suggest you log your service request
online at www.gmcservice.com.au. Should you not have
access to the Internet, please contact our service department
on 1300 880 001 (Australia) or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand).

7am –7pm, 7days a week (AEST).

Please note that if repair or replacement is required,
you must provide a valid original purchase receipt.

You will need the following details at hand to log your service request;

Personal details: First & Last name, address, pick up address,
contact phone numbers, email address

Product details: Product number, date of purchase, retailer bought from,
State & postcode, receipt number, reason for the request,
copy of official purchase receipt

Attach your purchase receipt and save with this Manual for future reference

.

Please refer to our website www.gmcompany.com for full GMC warranty Terms and Conditions.