Page 1
3/8” X 13” AIR BELT SANDER
Model
97055
WITH ACCESSORIES
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools®.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright© 2007 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 2
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number
in the back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if
product has no number). Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for
future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
In this manual, on the labeling, and all other information
provided with this product:
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
WARNING
CAUTION
Notice
CAUTION
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, could result in death
or serious injury.
CAUTION, used with the safety alert
symbol, indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not
related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without the safety alert symbol,
is used to address practices not related to
personal injury.
Page 2SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 3
WARNING! Read all instructions
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in serious injury.
The term “air tool” in all of the warnings listed below refers to your Air Belt
Sander.
1. Work area safety
a. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b. Do not operate the Sander in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence
of ammable liquids, gases or dust. Air tools create sparks which may ignite
the dust or fumes.
c. Keep children and bystanders away while operating an air tool. Distractions
can cause you to lose control.
2. Personal safety
a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating
the Sander. Do not use an air tool while you are tired or under the inuence
of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating air
tools may result in serious personal injury.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the Sander on. A wrench
or a key left attached to a rotating part of the air tool may result in personal
injury.
d. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the Sander in unexpected situations.
e. 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.
3. Air tool use and care
a. Do not force the Sander. Use the correct air tool for your application. The
correct air tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
b. Do not use the Sander if the Control Lever (6) does not turn it on and off.
Any air tool that cannot be controlled with the Control Lever is dangerous
and must be repaired. When connecting the tool to the air supply, keep your
hands off the Control Lever to avoid accidentally starting the tool.
Page 3SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 4
c. Disconnect the Sander from its compressed air supply source before making
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the air tool accidentally.
d. Store idle air tools out of the reach of children, and do not allow people
unfamiliar with the Sander or these instructions to operate the air tool. Air
tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
e. Maintain air tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the Sander’s
operation. If damaged, have the air tool repaired before use. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained air tools.
f. Use the Sander in accordance with these instructions and in the manner
intended for this particular type of air tool, taking into account the working
conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the Sander for operations
different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
4. Service
a. Have your Sander serviced by a qualied repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the air tool is
maintained.
VIBRATION HAZARD
This tool vibrates during use. Repeated or long-term exposure to vibration may
cause temporary or permanent physical injury, particularly to the hands, arms
and shoulders. To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:
1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an extended period should rst
be examined by a doctor and then have regular medical check-ups to ensure
medical problems are not being caused or worsened from use. Pregnant women
or people who have impaired blood circulation to the hand, past hand injuries,
nervous system disorders, diabetes, or Raynaud’s Disease should not use this
tool. If you feel any medical or physical symptoms related to vibration (such as
tingling, numbness, and white or blue ngers), seek medical advice as soon as
possible.
2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces the blood supply to the hands and
ngers, increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.
3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the vibration effects on the user.
4. Use tools with the lowest vibration when there is a choice between different
processes.
5. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.
Page 4SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 5
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping safe control of it). Let the tool
do the work.
7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as explained in this manual. If any
abnormal vibration occurs, stop use immediately.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
1. Maintain labels and nameplates on the Sander. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
2. Stay within the maximum air pressure capacity (90 PSI). Never operate the
Sander above 90 PSI.
3. Compressed air only. Use clean, dry, regulated, compressed air at 90 PSI.
Never use oxygen, carbon dioxide, combustible gases, or any other bottled gas
as a power source for this tool.
4. Remove adjusting wrenches. Check that adjusting wrenches are removed from
the Sander and work surface before connecting to a compressed air supply
source.
5. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
6. CAUTION! To avoid injury, keep hands and ngers away from the Sanding Belt.
If both hands are holding the Body (1) of the Sander, your hands and ngers
cannot be injured by the Belt.
7. When using a handheld air tool, use both hands on the tool to resist starting
torque.
8. Do not leave the tool unattended when it is connected to its compressed air
supply. Turn off the tool, and disconnect it from its air supply before leaving.
9. Disconnect air hose and release any built-up air pressure. Never service the
Sander with the air hose attached. Always release any built-up air pressure in
the tool (even after disconnecting the air hose).
10. Use clamps (not included) or other practical ways 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.
11. Do not hold the Sander in any area for more than a few seconds. Damage to the
surface may occur.
12. This product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children.
Page 5SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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13. WARNING! The brass components of this product contain lead, a chemical
known to the State of California to cause birth defects (or other reporductive
harm). (California Health & Safety Code 25249.5, et seq.)
14. Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other con-
struction activities, contains chemicals known (to the State of California) to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chem-
icals are:
Lead from lead-based paints
Crystalline silica from bricks and cement or other masonry products
Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending 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 lter out microscopic particles. (California Health &
Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
15. The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which
cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Operating Pressure 90 PSI
Air Consumption 7 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)
Air Inlet Size 1/4”-18 NPT
Speed (Max.) 18,000 RPM
Activation Method Paddle Switch with Spring-Loaded Safety Lock
Abrasive Belt Size 13” Long x 3/8” Wide
Belt Tensioning Spring-Loaded Rack with Tensioning Screw
Sound Level 93 dBA
Accessories Sanding Belts: 80, 120 Grit (1 Each, Included)
3mm Hex Wrench (Qty. 1)
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure the item is intact and undamaged. If any parts
are missing or damaged, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number shown on the
cover of this manual as soon as possible.
REV 08b
Page 6SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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SET UP INSTRUCTIONS
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Risk of accidental starting; resulting in serious personal
injury. Disconnect the Sander from its compressed air
WARNING
source before assembling or making any adjustments to the
tool.
Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer
to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.
Assembly
1. Prior to using the Sander, the Sander must have a male Quick Connector (not
included) connected to the tool’s Air Inlet (50). To do so, wrap about 3” of Pipe
Thread Seal Tape (not included) around the threads of the Quick Connector.
Then rmly screw in the Quick Connector. (See Figure A.)
FIGURE A
CONNECTOR
(NOT INCLUDED)
2. For best tool performance, you should incorporate an in-line water lter,
regulator and oiler as shown in the illustration below. If an oiler is NOT used, it is
recommended that you squirt 3 to 4 drops of pneumatic tool oil (not included) into
the previously installed Quick Connector of the tool before each use.
(See Figure B.)
REGULATOR
FIGURE B
COMPRESSOR
TO
SANDER
QUICK
AIR
OILER FILTER
Page 7SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 8
3. To install a Sanding Belt, loosen the Belt Tensioning Screw (41) located on the
Adjusting Bar (36). Place the belt over the Belt Wheel (44). Push the Belt Wheel
(44) against the work bench to collapse the Adjusting Bar (36), allowing the belt
to attach over the Driving Belt Wheel (47) at the motor end. Manually rotate the
belt to make sure that it is centrally located on the two belt wheels. Make sure
the Belt Wheel (44) center screw is tight at all times. (See Figure C.)
BELT TENSIONING SCREW (41)
ADJUSTING BAR (36)
BELT
WHEEL
(44)
BODY (1)
BELT
WHEEL
(47)
FIGURE C
SANDING BELT
4. Loosen the Clamp Screw (52) with the supplied Hex Wrench (51). Rotate the
Adjusting Bar (36) to the desired position and tighten the Clamp Screw (52).
5. Connect a compressed air supply hose (not included) to the previously installed
Quick Connector. Then turn on the air compressor, and set its regulator to 90
PSI. Do not exceed 90 PSI. (See Figure D.)
FIGURE D
CLAMP SCREW (52)
AIR
SUPPLY
HOSE
(NOT INCLUDED)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
1. CAUTION! Prior to using the Sander, make sure to wear ANSI-
approved safety impact goggles, dust mask or respirator, and
heavy duty work gloves.
2. Use clamps (not included) or other practical ways 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.
Page 8SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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3. Grip the Sander and make sure the Sanding Belt is not touching any surface
before you turn on the tool. Then pull on the spring-loaded safety lock and gently
squeeze the Paddle Switch (6) and allow the Sanding Belt to rotate to its fullest
speed. (See Figure C.)
4. Place the rotating Sanding Belt on the workpiece surface, being careful not to
strike the workpiece with the sides of the Adjusting Bar (36). Move the Sander
back and forth to remove material. To increase the rotating speed of the Sanding
Belt, squeeze the Paddle Switch (6) harder. To decrease the speed of rotation,
relax pressure on the Paddle Switch. (See Figure C.)
5. Keep a light pressure on the Sander when in use. Do not apply heavy pressure,
as damage to the work surface may result.
6. When nished using the Sander, release pressure on the Paddle Switch (6).
Turn off the air compressor. Squeeze the Paddle Switch again to release any
remaining compressed air in the Sander. Then disconnect the air hose from the
tool. (See Figure D.)
7. Make sure to store the Sander in a clean, dry, safe location out of reach of
children and other unauthorized people.
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
Risk of serious personal injury from accidental starting.
Disconnect Sander from its compressed air supply before
performing inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
WARNING
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the Sander. Check for
loose parts, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts,
damaged hose, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
2. TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE SANDER, wipe with a clean, damp cloth
using a mild detergent. Do not use solvents. Do not immerse the tool in liquid.
3. WHEN STORING, keep the Sander in a clean, dry, safe location out of reach of
children and other unauthorized people.
4. CAUTION: All maintenance, service, and repairs not mentioned in this manual
must only be performed by a qualied service technician.
Damaged equipment can fail, causing serious personal
injury. Do not use damaged equipment. If abnormal noise or
vibration occurs, correct problem before further use.
5. PERIODICALLY APPLY GREASE
to the small grease tting located at
the junction of the Sander handle
and head. See Figure E, right.
GREASE
FITTING
Figure E
Page 9SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Possible Solution
Sander does not start. 1. Squeeze harder on Paddle Switch.
2. Make sure air compressor is set at 90 PSI.
3. Check for air leaks in air hose and all other compressed air
connections.
4. Remove Quick Connector. Check Air Filter in Air Inlet for excessive
debris build-up. If necessary, clean or replace Air Filter.
Sander will not remove material from
workpiece, even after repeated attempts.
Sanding Belt slips off tool when in use. 1. Loosen the Belt Adjusting Screw. Stretch the Sanding Paper tighter
1. Make sure Sanding Paper is not dull. If necessary, replace
Sanding Paper.
2. Use a more course grit Sanding Paper.
3. Do not continue using Sander to avoid damaging workpiece. Use
another method to remove material.
on the Adjusting Bar. Then retighten Adjusting Screw.
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty. Part Description Qty.
1 Body (with Bushing) 1 27 Nut 1
2 O-Ring 1 28 Angle Head 1
3 End Cap 1 29 Ball Bearing 1
4 C-Ring 1 30 Bevel Gear 1
5 Air Filter 1 31 Ball Bearing 1
6 Paddle Switch 1 32 Chuck Casing 1
7 Spring Pin 1 33 Key 1
8 Brush 1 34 Cap 1
9 Valve 1 35 Belt Track 1
10 O-Ring 1 36 Adjusting Bar 1
11 Spring 1 37 Spring 1
12 Speed Regulator 1 38 Nut 2
13 O-Ring 1 39 Spring 1
14 O-Ring 1 40 Cap 1
15 Valve Screw 1 41 Belt Tensioning Screw 1
16 Ball Bearing 1 42 Ball Bearing 2
17 Rear Plate 1 43 Spindle 1
18 Spring Pin 2 44 Belt Wheel 1
19 Cylinder 1 45 Spring Washer 1
20 Rotor 1 46 Nut 1
21 Vane 4 47 Belt Wheel 1
22 Steel Ball 1 48 Washer 2
23 Front Plate 1 49 Oil Hole 1
24 Ball Bearing 1 50 Air Inlet 1
25 Connector 1 51 Hex Wrench 1
26 Bevel Gear 1 52 Clamp Screw 1
REV 08k
Page 10SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
52
HEX WRENCH (51) NOT SHOWN.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT
HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR
DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE
UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER
ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL
PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION
OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
Page 11SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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90 Day Warranty
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality
and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free
from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of
purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse,
abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in
no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent,
special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY
IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection veries the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase
price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect
resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost
of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not
available individually as replacement parts.
Page 12SKU 97055 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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