MasterForce 241-0795 Operator's Manual

241-0795

1/4 SHEET SANDER

For questions / comments, technical assistance or repair parts –
Please Call Toll Free: 1-866-917-4374. (M-F 8:30am-5:00pm Est.)

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

CAUTION:

To Reduce The Risk Of Injury, User Must Read And

Understand Operator’s Manual. Save These Instructions For Future
Reference.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Symbols ......................................................... Page 2

Safety Instructions ...................................................... Page 3

Overview/Specifications ................................................Page 7-8

Assembly .............................................................Page 8

Operation ............................................................. Page 9

Maintenance .......................................................... Page 12

Troubleshooting .......................................................Page 13

Warranty .............................................................Page 14

Page 2

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Some of these following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their
meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and
more safely.

WARNING:

To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed by a

qualied service technician.

Symbol

Name

Designation / Explanation

V Volts Voltage

A Amperes Current

Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)

W Watts Power

∿

Alternating current Type of current

�

Direct current Type or characteristic of current

n

o

No-load speed Rotational speed at no load

lbs Pounds Weight

Class II construction Double insulated construction

.../min

Per minute

Revolutions, strokes, surface speed
orbits, etc., per minute

Wear safety goggles

WARNING:

The operation of any
power tool can result in foreign objects
being thrown into your eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Before
beginning power tool operation, always
wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields and a full-face shield
when needed. We recommend a Wide
Vision Safety Mask for use over eye­glasses or standard safety glasses with
side shields. Always use eye protection
which is marked to comply with
ANSI Z87.1.

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The
safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful attention and
understanding. The symbol warnings do not, by themselves, eliminate any danger. The
instructions and warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention
measures.

WARNING:

Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this manual,
including all safety alert symbols such as “DANGER,” “WARNING,” and “CAUTION”
before using this tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric
shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates DANGER, WARNING, OR CAUTION.
May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE:

(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property

damage.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

WARNING:

Page 3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

DANGER:

CAUTION:

Page 4

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

Read all safety warn-

ings and instructions!

Failure to follow the warnings 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.

WARNING:

Risk of re and elec­tric shock. Dry location use only. Do not
expose to rain. Risk of injury.

WORK AREA SAFETY

1. Keep the work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

2. 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.

3. Keep children and bystanders away
while operating a power tool. Distractions
can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Do not expose power tools to rain or
wet conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.

4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the

cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the
power tool. Keep the cord away from heat,
oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged

or entangled cords increase the risk of
electric shock.

5. 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.

6. If operating a power tool in a damp

location is unavoidable, use a ground-fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply.

Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric
shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing
and use common sense when operating a
power tool. Do not use the tool while tired
or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
medication. A moment of inattention while

operating power tools may result in serious
personal injury.

2. 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.

3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure
that the switch is in the off-position before
connecting to a power source and/or
battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool.
Carrying power tools with your finger on the
switch or energizing power tools that have
the switch on invites accidents.

4. 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.

5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. This enables better
control of the power tool in unexpected
situations.

Page 5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

6. 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.

7. If devices are provided for the

connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure that these are
connected and properly used. Use of these

devices can reduce dust-related hazards.

USE AND CARE OF THE POWER

TOOLS

1. Do not force the power tool. Use the
correct power tool for your application. The
correct power tool will do the job better
and more safely at the rate for which it was
designed.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp
cutting edges are less likely to bind and are
easier to control.

7. Use the power tool, accessories, 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

1. 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.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR

1/4 SHEET SANDER

1. Hold power tools by insulated gripping
surfaces when performing an operation where
the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring.

Contact with a” live” wire will make exposed
metal parts of the tool live and shock the
operator.

2. A suitable breathing respirator must
be worn while sanding lead paint, some

woods and metal to avoid breathing the
harmful/toxic dust or air.

3. Always wear safety goggles and a dust
mask when sanding, especially sanding

over-head.

4. The machine is not suitable for wet
sanding.

5. Secure the workpiece. A workpiece

clamped with clamping devices or in a vice
is held more secure than by hand.

6. Make sure the sandpaper is not
contacting the workpiece before the on/off
rocker switch is in the ON position.

7. Do not leave the tool running. Operate

the tool only when hand-held.

Page 6

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

DANGER:

People with electronic
devices, such as pacemakers, should
consult their physician(s) before using this
product. Operation of electrical equipment
in close proximity to a heart pacemaker
could cause interference or failure of the
pacemaker.

WARNING:

Some dust created by
power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling
and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to the state of California
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 chemically­treated 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 filter out microscopic particles.

Page 7

OVERVIEW

Platen

Pad

On/Off Rocker Switch

Vacuum Adaptor

Dust-collecting Box

1/4 Sandpaper Sheets

Paper Punch

Paper-Clamp Lever

Paper Clamp

Air Vent

Page 8

SPECIFICATIONS

Rated Power Input 2.4 Amps

Rated Voltage 120 V~, 60 Hz

No-load Speed 14,000 OPM

Orbital Diameter 1/16 in.

Pad Size 4” x 4-1/2”

Paper Size 4-1/2” X 5-1/2”

Sander Weight 3 lbs. 9 oz.

ASSEMBLY

WARNING:

If any part is broken
or missing, DO NOT attempt to plug in the
power cord, or operate the tool until the
broken or missing part is replaced. Failure
to do so could result in possible serious
injury.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to
modify this tool or create accessories not
recommended for use with this tool. Any
such alteration or modication is misuse
and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious injury.

WARNING:

Your tool should never
be connected to the power source when
you are assembling parts, making adjust­ments, installing or removing sandpapers,
cleaning, or when it is not in use. Discon­necting the tool will prevent accidental
starting, which could cause serious per­sonal injury.

CONTENTS

Sander, sandpapers (grit 60,120,220), dust­collecting box with vacuum adaptor, paper
punch and instruction manual.

UNPACKING

1. Carefully remove the tool and any ac­cessories from the carton. Make sure that
all items listed in the packing list are in­cluded.

2. Inspect the tool carefully to make sure
that no breakage or damage occurred dur­ing shipping.

3. Do not discard the packing material un­til you have carefully inspected and satis­factorily operated the tool.

Page 9

OPERATION

WARNING:

Your tool should never
be connected to the power source when
you are assembling parts, making adjust­ments, installing or removing sandpapers,
cleaning, or when it is not in use. Discon­necting the tool will prevent accidental
starting, which could cause serious
personal injury.

TURNING THE SANDER

ON/OFF (FIG. 1)

To turn on the sander, connect the plug to an
electrical outlet, and depress the side of the
rocker switch marked “I”.

To turn the sander off, depress the side of
the rocker switch marked “O”.

ATTACHING THE

VACUUM ADAPTOR

The vacuum adapter allows you to connect
a 2-1/2 in. diameter vacuum hose to help
keep the work area clean.

To install:

1. Disconnect the sander from the power
source.

2. Align the raised rib of the dust-exhaust
port with the groove of the vacuum
adaptor (FIG. 2).

3. Slide the vacuum adaptor forward and
push it onto the dust-exhaust port, until
it is firmly seated.

NOTICE: From time to time, clean the
vacuum adaptor with a dry brush.

To remove:

1. Disconnect the sander from the power
source.

2. Grip the adaptor firmly and pull it out
from the tool.

ATTACHING THE DUST-COL-

LECTING BOX TO THE ADAPTOR

WARNING:

Do not use the dust
box when sanding metal. Using the dust
box when sanding metal creates a re
hazard, which could damage the tool and
lead to serious personal injury.

Your sander is supplied with a dust­collecting box to help you keep the working
area clean. The dust box is ideal for smaller
jobs.

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

On/Off Rocker Switch

Dust-exhaust Port

Rib

Groove

Vacuum
Adaptor

Page 10

OPERATION

To install:

1. Disconnect the sander from the power
source.

2. Align the indicators on the vacuum
adaptor and the dust box.

3. Slide the dust box forward and push
it onto the adaptor. Rotate the box
clockwise to lock it in place (FIG. 3).

NOTICE: From time to time, clean the
vacuum adaptor with a dry brush. See the
maintenance section for instructions for
cleaning the dust box.

To remove:

1. Disconnect the sander from the power
source.

2. Grip the dust box firmly, rotate it
counterclockwise and pull it out from the
tool (FIG. 3).

WARNING:

Collected sanding dust
from sanding surface coatings such as
polyurethanes, linseed oil, etc., can self­ignite in the sander dust box or elsewhere
and cause re. To reduce the risk of re,
always empty the dust box frequently while
sanding and never store or leave a sander
without totally emptying its dust box. Also
follow the recommendations of the coat­ings manufacturers.

ATTACHING THE SANDPAPER

WARNING:

Always inspect the
sandpaper before attaching. Do not use
the paper if it is torn or defective.

1. Disconnect the sander from the power

source.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the
sander could result in accidental starting,
causing possible serious personal injury.

2. Remove any dust or debris from the

platen.

3. The paper clamp levers are located on

each side of the sander and are locked
into the slots on the upper surface of the
platen.

Lift the two levers and disengage them

from the slots in the platen. This will
release the tension on the paper clamps
that hold the paper in position on the
underside of the platen (FIG. 4).

4. Insert the front end of the sandpaper

approximately 1/2 in. under the front

paper clamp.

5. Lift up on the lever that controls the front

paper clamp and lock it back into the slot
on the platen. This will securely clamp
the paper to the front of the platen.

6. Smooth out the sandpaper by pressing

it tightly against the bottom of the pad
(front to back).

FIG. 3

lndicator

Adaptor

Indicator

Unlock

Lock

FIG. 4

Front paper
clamp

Paper clamp
lever

Back paper
clamp

Page 11

7. Insert the back end of the sandpaper into
the back paper clamp, fit the sandpaper
as tightly as possible, and lift up on the
back clamp lever to lock it into place.
This will securely clamp the paper to the
back of the platen.

8. The sandpaper should now be
positioned tightly against the underside
of the platen from front to back and
securely clamped in place (FIG. 5).

PAPER PUNCH (FIG. 6)

A paper punch is provided with the sander
so you can punch properly aligned holes
into the sandpaper. This is done after the
paper is installed onto the sander.

OPERATION

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

Paper
goes
under the
clamp

Raise lever up to
clamp paper

Paper punch

To punch holes:

1. Line up the front and side of the sander
over the paper punch as shown in FIG. 6.

2. Lower the sander onto the punch
template while applying pressure. Make
sure that the holes are punched all the
way through the paper.

3. Clear the holes in the sander’s pad.

NOTICE: Punching holes properly is a
necessary step for the dust-collecting
system to operate properly.

SELECTING THE RIGHT GRADE

OF SANDPAPER

Different grades of sandpaper can be
purchased from the store where you
purchased the tool. Available grades are:
Coarse, Medium and Fine.

Use a coarse grit to sand down rough
finishes, medium grit to smooth the work
and fine grit to finish off.

It is best to make a trial run on a scrap piece
of material to determine the optimum grades
of sandpaper for a particular job.

SANDING

This sander can be used for most sanding
operations on materials such as wood,
plastic, metal and painted surfaces.

WARNING:

Do not touch the vents
after prolonged use; the gear box could be
very hot.

WARNING:

Wear safety goggles,
dust mask, and hearing protection.

CAUTION:

Clamp the workpiece
to prevent it from moving during operating.
An unsecured workpiece could be thrown
towards the operator, causing injury.

Page 12

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

Before connecting the
sander to power source, always check to
be sure that the switch is in the OFF (O)
position. Failure to do so could result in
accidental starting of the sander, causing
possible serious injury.

1. Plug the sander to the power source.

2. Depress the side of the rocker switch

marked “I” to start the sander and allow
the motor build to its maximum speed.

WARNING:

Keep your head away
from the sander and the sanding area. Your
hair could be drawn into the sander, caus­ing serious injury.

3. Place the sander on the workpiece so

that the sandpaper is fully in contact
with the workpiece.

4. For best sanding results, apply light

pressure on the sander, but do not force
the tool.

WARNING:

To avoid serious per­sonal injury, always disconnect the plug
from the power source when cleaning or
performing any maintenance. Contact a
qualied service technician for all repairs.

WARNING:

When servicing, use
only identical replacement parts. Use of
any other parts may create a hazard or
cause product damage. For more informa­tion, call the toll-free helpline, at 1-866­917-4374.

NOTICE: Applying additional pressure
only slows the motor, rapidly wears
sandpaper, and greatly reduces sander
speed. Excessive pressure will overload
the motor, causing possible damage
from motor overheating and can result in
inferior work.

5. Move the sander slowly, guiding it in
a forward and backward motion. The
removal rate and the sanding pattern are
determined by the choice of sandpaper
and the work surface.

6. Do not sand on one spot too long, as
the sander’s rapid action may remove
too much material, making the surface
uneven.

7. Upon completion of the sanding
operation, remove the sander from the
workpiece, turn the sander off and wait
until it comes to a complete stop before
putting it down.

WARNING:

Avoid using solvents
when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics
are susceptible to damage from various
types of commercial solvents and may be
damaged by their use. Use a clean cloth to
remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.

WARNING:

If the supply cord is
damaged, it must be replaced by a spe­cially prepared cord available through the
service organization.

WARNING:

Using compressed
air may be the most effective cleaning
method. Always wear safety goggles when
cleaning tools with compressed air.

Page 13

CLEANING THE

DUST-COLLECTING BOX

For most efficient operation, empty the
dust-collecting box when it is no more
than half full. This will permit the air to flow
through the dust box better. Always empty
and thoroughly clean the dust box when
you’ve finished sanding and before you
store the sander.

TO EMPTY THE DUST-COLLECT-

ING BOX (FIG. 7)

MAINTENANCE

TROUBLESHOOTING

FIG. 7

1. Disconnect the sander from the power

source.

2. Remove the dust box from the vacuum

adaptor and shake out the dust.

3. For a more thorough cleaning of the dust

box, open the lower cover and remove it
from the dust box.

4. Gently shake or tap the dust box and the

cover to empty.

5. Use a soft brush to clean the filter.

NOTICE: The lter cannot be rinsed with
water.

6. Reattach the lower cover to the box, and

firmly reinstall the box on the adaptor of
sander.

WARNING:

Collected sanding dust
from sanding surface coatings such as
polyurethanes, linseed oil, etc., can self­ignite in the sander dust box or elsewhere
and cause re. To reduce the risk of re,
always empty the dust box frequently while
sanding and never store or leave a sander
without totally emptying its dust box. Also
follow the recommendations of the coat­ings manufacturers.

Filter

Dust-collecting box

Lower cover

PROBLEM

CAUSE OF THE

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

The sander does not work. Not connected to power

source.

Plug the sander into a power
source.

Unsatisfactory sanding result. Sandpaper is worn. Replace with new sandpaper.

SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS

THIS WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT THEM

1/4 SHEET SANDER

WARRANTY

90-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:

This MASTERFORCE® brand power tool carries our 90-DAY Money Back
Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your MASTERFORCE® brand
power tool for any reason within ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, return
the tool with your original receipt to any MENARDS® retail store, and we will provide
you a refund – no questions asked.

3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY:

This MASTERFORCE® brand power tool carries our famous No Hassle 3-Year
Limited Warranty to the original purchaser. If, during normal use, this
MASTERFORCE® power tool breaks or fails due to a defect in material or
workmanship within three (3) years from the date of original purchase, simply bring
this tool with the original sales receipt back to your nearest MENARDS® retail store.
At its discretion, MASTERFORCE® agrees to have the tool or any defective part(s)
repaired or replaced with the same or similar MASTERFORCE® product or part
free of charge, within the stated warranty period, when returned by the original
purchaser with original sales receipt. Not withstanding the foregoing, this limited
warranty does not cover any damage that has resulted from abuse or misuse of
the Merchandise. This warranty: (1) excludes expendable parts including but not
limited to blades, brushes, belts, bits, light bulbs, and/or batteries; (2) shall be void
if this tool is used for commercial and/or rental purposes; and (3) does not cover any
losses, injuries to persons/property or costs. This warranty does give you specific
legal rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. Be
careful, tools are dangerous if improperly used or maintained. Seller’s employees
are not qualified to advise you on the use of this Merchandise. Any oral
representation(s) made will not be binding on seller or its employees. The rights
under this limited warranty are to the original purchaser of the Merchandise and may
not be transferred to any subsequent owner. This limited warranty is in lieu of all
warranties, expressed or implied including warranties or merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Seller shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or
consequential damages. The sole exclusive remedy against the seller will be for the
replacement of any defects as provided herein, as long as the seller is willing or
able to replace this product or is willing to refund the purchase price as provided
above. For insurance purposes, seller is not allowed to demonstrate any of these
power tools for you.
For questions / comments, technical assistance or repair parts – Please Call Toll
Free at: 1-866-917-4374. (M-F 8:30am-5:00pm Est.)

12/2014

© 2014 Menard, Inc., Eau Claire, WI 54703