Porter-Cable 342 User Manual

Instruction Manual
Manuel d’utilisation
Manual de Instrucciones

MODEL 342

1/4 SHEET SANDER

PONCEUSES À 1/4 FEUILLE

LIJADORAS DE 1/4 DE HOJA

®

ADVERTENCIA: Lease este instructivo antes de usarel producto.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

shock, fi re 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.

1) Work area safety

2) Electrical safety

3) Personal safety

4) Power tool use and care

Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric

To reduce the risk of injury, user must read instruction manual.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or 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.

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. Use only 3-wire extension cords that
have 3-prong grounding-type plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept the tool's plug.

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. When using

an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will
draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length
and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the
gauge number, the heavier the cord.

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets

V olts Total Length of Cord in Feet

120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150
240V 0-50 51-100 101-200 201-300

Ampere Rating

More Not more AWG
Than Than
0 - 6 18 16 16 14

6 - 10 18 16 14 12
10 - 12 16 16 14 12
12 - 16 14 12 Not Recommended

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 jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and

gloves away from moving par ts. Loose clothes, jewelry 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.Accessories that may be suitable for one tool, may become hazardous
when used on another tool.

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 f or which it w as designed.

b) Do not use the power tool if the s witch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that

cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

c) Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments,

changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such pre ventive safety measures reduce

the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

www.porter-cable.com

Copyright © 2006 Porter-Cable

A10882 - 04-11-06 - Rev.A

Instructivo de operacion,

centros de servicio y poliza de garantia.

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. Powe r

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 SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

Hold power tools by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool
may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts
of the tool "live" and shock the operator.

• ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

• It is not advised to sandpaper painted surfaces that may contain lead. See page 2 for
Precautions to Take When Sanding Paint.

• Clean your tool out periodically.

• Empty dust bag frequently. Especially when sanding resin coated surfaces such as
polyurethane, varnish, shellac, etc. The accumulation of fi ne sanding dust particles may self
ignite and cause fi re.

• Do not operate this tool for long periods of time. Vibration caused by the operating action
of this tool may cause permanent injury to fi ngers, hands, and arms. Use gloves to provide
extra cushion, take frequent rest periods, and limit daily time of use.

struction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer , birth defects or other reproduc­tive harm.

Some examples of these chemicals are:

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 fi lter out microscopic particles.

other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed ar eas with soap and water.
Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin may promote absorption of harmful
chemicals.

manent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appro­priate for the dust exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.

use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

SYMBOLS

The label on your tool may include the following symbols:

V ...........volts A ...................amps

Hz .........hertz W ..................watts

min .......minutes

./min .....revolutions per minute

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other con-

• lead from lead-based paints,

• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and

• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).

Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and

Use of this tool can generate and/or disburse dust, which may cause serious and per-

Wear appropriate hearing pr otection during use. Under some conditions and duration of

or a.c. ..alternating current

.. direct current

.......class II tool ...........pr otective earth

n

o..................no load speed

ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR P AINT REMOV AL

vapors of paint may contain lead, which is poisonous. Exposure to even low levels of lead can
cause irreversible brain and nervous system damage. Young and unborn children are particularly
vulnerable.
Before beginning any paint removal process you should determine whether the paint you are
removing contains lead. This can be done by your local health department or by a professional who
uses a paint analyzer to check for lead.

Lead-based paint should only be removed by a professional.

Persons removing paint should follow these guidelines:

1. Keep the work area well ventilated. Open the windows and put an exhaust fan in one of

2. Remove or cover any carpets, rugs, furniture, clothing, cooking utensils, and air ducts.

3. Place drop cloths in the work area to catch any paint chips or peelings. Wear protective

4. Work in one room at a time. Furnishings should be removed or placed in the center of the

5. Children, pregnant (or potentially pregnant) women and nursing mothers should not

6. Wear a dust respirator or a dual filter (dust and fume) respirator mask which has been

7. Keep food and drink out of the work area. Wash hands, arms, and face and rinse mouth

8. Clean up all removed paint and dust by wet mopping the floors. Use a wet cloth to clean all

9. At the end of each work session, put the paint chips and debris in a double plastic bag,

10. Remove protective clothing and work shoes in the work area to avoid carrying dust into

MOTOR

Do not operate tools rated A.C. only on D.C. current. To do so may seriously damage the tool.

Extreme care should be taken when removing paint. The peelings, residue, and

them. Be sure the fan is moving air from inside to outside.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of exposure.

clothing such as extra work shirts, overalls and hats.

reduce the risk of exposure.
room and covered. Work areas should be sealed off from the rest of the dwelling by sealing

doorways with drop cloths.
be present in the work area until the work is done and all cleanup is complete. Such

preventive safety measures reduce the risk of injury.

approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National
Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH), or the United States Bureau of Mines. These

masks and replaceable filters are readily available at major hardware stores. Be sure the mask
fits. Beards and facial hair may keep the masks from sealing properly. Change filters often.
DISPOSABLE PAPER MASKS ARE NOT ADEQUATE.

before eating or drinking. Do not smoke or chew gum or tobacco in the work area.
walls, sills and any other surfaces where paint or dust is clinging. DO NOT SWEEP, DRY DUST

OR VACUUM. Use a high phosphate detergent or trisodium (TSP) to wash and mop ar eas.

close it with tape or twist ties and dispose properly.

reduce the risk of exposure.
the rest of the dwelling. Wash work clothes separately. Wipe shoes off with a wet rag, then

wash that rag with the work clothes. Wash hair and body thoroughly with soap and water.

Such preventive safety measures

Such preventive safety measures

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Do not operate your tool on a current on which the voltage is not within correct limits.

OPERATION

ATTACHING ABRASIVE PAPER

installing attachments or accessories. Be sure the switch is in the "OFF" position.

Your sander is designed to use 1/4 sized sanding sheets. Y ou can size this paper b y

a. cutting full sized (9" x 11") sandpaper into 1/4 sheets of 4-1/2" x 5-1/2".
b. cutting 1/2 sheet sandpaper into two 4-1/2" x 5 1/2" sheets. Pre-cut 4-1/2" x 5-1/2" sandpaper is

available at extra cost.

For normal operations, to attach the abrasive paper to your unit:

1. Soften the stiff sandpaper by pulling it over the 90° edge of a table or other straight edge (Fig. 1).
Concentrate on softening the edges that will be clamped.

2. Release the front and rear clamps by pulling up on the clamp levers (A) Fig. 2, and disengaging
them from the tabs on the base plate.

3. Insert one long edge of the abrasive paper (C) Fig. 4 under the front paper clamp until it contacts
the paper-limiting ribs. Close the front paper clamp (B) Fig. 3 and hook it into the lock position
behind the tab on the base plate.

4. Stretch the paper over the sanding pad and insert it under the opposite clamp in the same way.

5. If you are using the dust e xtraction f eature, perfor ate the sandpaper with the provided paper punch
(Fig. 5).

SWITCH

To turn the unit on, depress the "ON" side of the dust protected switch Fig. 6. To turn the tool off,
depress the "OFF" side of the switch.

PAPER PUNCH

installing attachments or accessories. Be sure the switch is in the "OFF" position.

A paper punch (Fig. 5) is provided with y our sander to let you perfor ate regular sandpaper to make dust
collection possible.

To perforate your sandpaper, install the sandpaper on the tool as instructed in this manual. With the
sander turned off and unplugged, place the paper punch on the paper so that the tabs at the edges of
the punch are against any two adjacent sides (A) Fig. 5 of the sanding pad. Press the punch against
the pad so that the 8 points penetrate the paper. Press the punch into the pad as far as it will go.
Remove the paper punch. You can use an alternate method of perforating the paper by fastening the
punch to a suitable work surface with #8 flathead screws. Two holes are provided in the punch for this
purpose. Press the sander (with the paper attached) on the punch.

Turn off and unplug the tool before making any adjustments or removing or

Turn off and unplug the tool before making any adjustments or removing or

DUST COLLECTION

is in place.

To use the dust collection system, install the dust container assembly (A) Fig. 7 on the dust port as
far as it will go. To use your shop vac with the dust collection system, remove the dust container (B)
by twisting it and pulling it away from the adapter. Attach your shop vac directly to the adapter port
(Fig. 8).

To empty the dust container, remove it and empty it into a trash receptacle.

To operate your sander, grasp it as shown in Fig. 9 and turn it on. Move it in long, sweeping strokes
along the surface, letting it do the work. Pushing down on the tool while sanding actually slows the
removal rate and produces an inferior quality surf ace. Be sure to check your work often. This sander is
capable of removing material rapidly, especially with coarse paper.

Your sander is designed to sand flush on three sides for sanding in corners. Its small size and light
weight make it ideal for overhead work.

On the final sanding steps, a better finish will result if you sand only with the grain.
To produce the best finish possible, start with coarse grit sandpaper and change gradually to finer

and finer paper. A final sanding with a piece of well-worn fine sandpaper will produce a professional
looking finish that in many cases will need no hand sanding. The rate at which the dust container will
fill up will vary with the type of workpiece and the coarseness of the sandpaper.
For best results, empty the container frequently and check the opening for debr is.

When sanding painted surfaces, you ma y find that the sandpaper loads up and clogs with paint. A heat
gun will work much better to remove paint before sanding. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

IN THE HEAT GUN INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

Never operate this tool with perforated paper unless the dust collection system

Fig. 1

B

A

Fig. 2

TROUBLESHOOTING

For assistance with your tool, visit our website at www.porter-cable.com for a list of service centers, or
call the Porter-Cable Customer Care Center at [phone].

MAINTENANCE

KEEP TOOL CLEAN

Periodically blow out all air passages with dry compressed air . All plastic parts should be cleaned with a
soft damp cloth. NEVER use solvents to clean plastic parts. They could possibly dissolve or otherwise
damage the material.

Wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses while using compressed air.

FAILURE TO START

Should your tool fail to start, check to make sure the prongs on the cord plug are making good contact
in the outlet. Also, check for blown fuses or open circuit breakers in the line.

LUBRICATION

This tool has been lubricated with a suffi cient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under
normal operating conditions. No further lubrication is necessary.

BRUSH REPLACEMENT

installing attachments or accessories. Be sure the switch is in the "OFF" position.

To replace the brushes, remove the three screws located in the top cap.
Remove the top cap. Observe the brush holders (A) in Fig. 10 and the wires leading from the brushes

to the motor field.
Pull the wires from the motor field. Lift and hold out of the way one of the brush spr ings. Remove the

old brush from the brush holder and discard the brush/wire assembly. Still holding the brush spring
out of the way, insert the new brush, release the spring against the back of the brush, and plug the
wire into the motor field. Repeat the procedure for the second brush.

Replace the top cap and tighten the three screws that hold it in place. (Always replace both
brushes.)

REPLACEMENT PAR TS

Use only identical replacement parts. For a parts list or to order parts, visit our website at servicenet.
porter-cable.com. You can also order parts from your nearest Porter-Cable Factory Service Center or
Porter-Cable Authorized Warranty Service Center. Or, you can call our Customer Care Center at (888)
848-5175.

SERVICE AND REPAIRS

All quality tools will eventually require servicing and/or replacement of parts. For information about Por ­ter-Cable, its factory service centers or authorized warranty service centers, visit our website at www.
porter-cable.com or call our Customer Care Center at [phone]. All repairs made by our service
centers are fully guaranteed against defective material and workmanship. We cannot guarantee r epairs
made or attempted by others.
Y ou can also write to us for information at POR TER-CABLE, 4825 Highway 45 North, Jackson, Tennes­see 38305 - Attention: Product Service. Be sure to include all of the information shown on the nameplate
of your tool (model number , type, serial number, etc.).

A complete line of accessories is available from your Porter-Cable Factory Service Center or a Porter­Cable Authorized Warranty Service Center. Please visit our Web Site www.porter-cable.com for a cata­log or for the name of your nearest supplier.

product, use of such accessories could be hazardous. For safest operation, only Porter-Cable recom­mended accessories should be used with this product.

T o register your tool for warranty service visit our website at
PORTER-CABLE LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY : Porter -Cable warrants its Pr ofessional Power Tools for a

period of one year from the date of original purchase. W e will repair or r eplace at our option, any part or parts
of the product and accessories covered under this warranty which, after examination, proves to be defective
in workmanship or material during the warranty period. For repair or replacement return the complete tool or
accessory, transportation prepaid, to your nearest P orter-Cable Factory Service Center or Porter-Cable
Authorized Warranty Service Center. Proof of purchase may be required. This warranty does not apply to
repair or replacement required due to misuse, abuse, normal wear and tear or repairs attempted or made by
other than our servicecCenters or authorized warranty service centers.

ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FIT­NESS FOR A PAR TICULAR PURPOSE, WILL LAST ONLY FOR ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE OF PUR­CHASE. T o obtain information on warranty performance please write to: PORTER-CABLE, 4825 Highway 45
North, Jackson, T ennessee 38305; Attention: Product Service. THE FOREGOING OBLIGATION IS PORTER­CABLE’S SOLE LIABILITY UNDER THIS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY AND UNDER NO CIRCUMST ANC­ES SHALL PORTER-CABLE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some
states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights and you may also have other legal rights which vary from state
to state.

If your warning labels become illegible or are missing, call [phone] for a free replacement.

Turn off and unplug the tool before making any adjustments or removing or

SERVICE

ACCESSORIES

Since accessories other than those offered by Porter-Cable have not been tested with this

WARRANTY

www.porter -cable.com

.

WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT

CONSERVER CES DIRECTIVES!

risques de choc électrique, d’incendie et/ou de blessure grave. Le terme « outil électrique » dans tous
les avertissements ci-après se rapporte à votre outil électrique à alimentation sur secteur (avec fi l) ou
par piles (sans fi l).

d'instruction.

Lire toutes les directives. Tout manquement aux directives suivantes pose des

Pour réduire le risque de dommages, l'utilisateur doit lire le manuel

Fig. 3

C

Fig. 4

A

A

Fig. 5 Fig. 6

A B

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

A

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

RÈGLES GÉNÉRALES SUR LA SÉCURITÉ

1) La sécurité de votre espace de travail

a) Veillez à ce que votre espace de travail reste propre et bien éclairé. Les espaces de

travail encombrés ou mal éclairés sont des invites aux accidents.

b) Ne faites pas fonctionner vos outils électriques dans des atmosphères explosives,

par exemple en présence de liquides, de gaz ou de poussières inflammables. Les

outils électriques créent des étincelles qui peuvent mettre le feu à ces poussières ou à ces
vapeurs.

c) Gardez les enfants et les observateurs à distance pendant que vous faites

fonctionner un outil électrique. Les distractions peuvent vous faire perdre le contrôle de

votre outil.

2) La sécurité électrique
a) La fiche de l'outil électrique doit être compatible avec la prise de courant. Ne

modifiez jamais la fiche de quelque façon que ce soit. N'utilisez jamais d'adaptateurs
de fiches avec des outils électriques mis à la terre. Le risque de choc électrique sera

réduit par l'utilisation de fiches non modifiées et de prises de courant compatibles.

b) Évitez tout contact corporel avec des surfaces mises à la terre ou à la masse, telles

que des conduits, des radiateurs, des cuisinières ou des réfrig érateurs. Il existe un

risque de choc électrique accru quand votre corps est relié à la terre.

c) N'exposez pas des outils électriques à la pluie ou à des environnements humides.

L'infiltration d'eau dans un appareil électrique augmentera le risque de choc électrique.

d) Ne maltraitez pas le cordon, et ne vous en servez jamais pour soulever l'outil

électrique ou le traîner ; ne tirez pas non plus sur le cordon afin de le débrancher.
Gardez le cordon à distance de la chaleur, de l'huile, de bords tranchants ou de
pièces mobiles. Les cordons endommagés ou emmêlés augmentent le risque de choc

électrique. Les cordons endommagés ou emmêlés augmentent les risques de choc
électrique. Remplacer ou faire réparer tout cordonendommagé. S’assurer que la rallonge
est en bon état. N’utiliser que des rallonges trifilaires munies de fiches tripolaires et des
prises tripolaires acceptant la fiche de l’outil.

e) Lorsque vous faites fonctionner un outil électrique en plein air, utilisez une rallonge

classifiée pour un usage en plein air. En utilisant une rallonge de classification plein air,

vous réduisez le risque de choc électrique. En cas d’utilisation d’une rallonge , s’assurer que
les valeurs nominales de la rallonge utilisée correspondent bien à celles de l’outil alimenté.
L’usage d’une rallonge de calibre insuffisant causera une chute de tension entraînant perte
de puissance et surchauffe. Le tableau ci-dessous illustre les calibres à utiliser selon la
longueur de rallonge et l’intensité nominale indiquée sur la plaque signalétique. En cas de
doutes, utiliser le calibre suivant. Plus le calibre est petit, plus la rallonge peut supporter de
courant.

Tension Longueur totale du cordon en mètres

120 V De 0 à 7 De 7 à 15 De 15 à 30 De 30 à 45
240 V De 0 à 7 De 7 à 15 De 15 à 39 De 30 à 45

Intensité (A)

Au Au Calibre moyen de fi l
moins plus
0 - 6 18 16 16 14
6 - 10 18 16 14 12
10 - 12 16 16 14 12
12 - 16 14 12 Non recommandé

3) La sécurité des personnes
a) Restez vigilant, agissez avec prudence et faites preuve de bon sens lorsque vous

utilisez un outil électrique. N'utilisez pas un tel outil quand vous êtes fatigué ou
sous l'emprise de l'alcool, de drogues ou de médicaments. Un moment d'inattention

pendant l'utilisation d'un outil électrique peut entraîner des blessures graves .

b) Utilisez des équipements de protection. Portez toujours des lunettes de sécurité.

Les équipements de protection tels que les masques antipoussières, les chaussures de
sécurité antidérapantes, les casques de chantier ou les dispositifs de protection de l'ouie
utilisés de manière appropriée réduiront les risques de blessures personnelles.

c) Évitez la mise en marche accidentelle de l'outil. Veillez à ce que l'interrupteur soit

dans la position de fermeture avant de brancher l'outil. C'est une invite aux accidents

de porter un outil électrique avec le doigt sur l'interrupteur ou de brancher un outil
électrique dont l'interrupteur est dans la position de marche.

Calibre minimal des cordons de rallonge

A