Oscillating spindle sander
Model 38160
asseMbly and Operating instructiOns
read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
saVe this Manual.
Copyright© 1998 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.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may
differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
revised Manual 10c
8. USE RIGHT TOOL. Don’t force tool or
attachment to do a job for which it was
not designed.
13. DON’T OVERREACH. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.
14. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep
tools sharp and clean for best and safest
performance. Follow instructions for
recOMMended MiniMuM Wire
gauge FOr eXtensiOn cOrds
(120 VOlt)
lubricating and changing accessories.
eXtensiOn cOrd
naMeplate
aMperes
(at full load)
15. DISCONNECT TOOLS before servicing;
when changing accessories, such as
blades, bits, cutters, and the like.
length
25’
50’ 100’ 150’
0 – 6
18
18
16
14
16
16
16
12
16
14
14
14
12
12
6.1 – 10
16. REDUCE THE RISK OF
UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Make
sure switch is in off position before
plugging in.
10.1 – 12
12.1 – 16
table a
do not use.
17. USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.
Consult the owner’s manual for
9. USE PROPER EXTENSION CORD.
Make sure your extension cord is in good
condition. 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. Table A 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.
recommended accessories. The use of
improper accessories may cause risk of
injury to persons.
18. NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious
injury could occur if the tool is tipped
or if the cutting tool is unintentionally
contacted.
19. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before
further use of the tool, a guard or other
part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended
10. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear
loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings,
bracelets, or other jewelry which may get
caught in moving parts. Nonslip footwear
is recommended. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair.
function – check for alignment of moving
parts, binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, mounting, and any other
conditions that may affect its operation.
A guard or other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced.
11. ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES. Also
use face or dust mask if cutting operation
is dusty. Everyday eyeglasses only have
impact resistant lenses, they are NOT
safety glasses.
20. DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into
a blade or cutter against the direction of
rotation of the blade or cutter only.
21. NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING
UNATTENDED. TURN POWER OFF.
Don’t leave tool until it comes to a
complete stop.
12. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise
to hold work when practical. It’s safer
than using your hand and it frees both
hands to operate tool.
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SKU 38160
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Page 3
3-pole receptacles that accept the tool’s
plug.
grOunding instructiOns
tO preVent
electric shOck
and death FrOM incOrrect
grOunding Wire
6. Repair or replace damaged or worn cord
immediately.
cOnnectiOn
read and FOllOW these
instructiOns:
grounding
pin
110-120 V~ grounded tools: tools
with three prong plugs
1. In the event of a malfunction or
breakdown, grounding provides a path
of least resistance for electric current
to reduce the risk of electric shock.
This tool is equipped with an electric
cord having an equipment-grounding
conductor and a grounding plug. The
plug must be plugged into a matching
outlet that is properly installed and
grounded in accordance with all local
codes and ordinances.
125 V~ 3-prong plug and Outlet
(for up to 125 V~ and up to 15 a)
7. This tool is intended for use on a circuit
that has an outlet that looks like the one
illustrated above in 125 V~ 3-prong
plug and Outlet. The tool has a
grounding plug that looks like the plug
illustrated above in 125 V~ 3-prong
plug and Outlet.
8. The outlet must be properly installed and
grounded in accordance with all codes
and ordinances.
2. Do not modify the plug provided – if it will
not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician.
9. Do not use an adapter to connect this
tool to a different outlet.
3. Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor can result in a risk
of electric shock. The conductor with
insulation having an outer surface that
is green with or without yellow stripes is
the equipment-grounding conductor. If
repair or replacement of the electric cord
or plug is necessary, do not connect the
equipment-grounding conductor to a live
terminal.
110-120 V~ double insulated tools:
tools with two prong plugs
4. Check with a qualified electrician or
service personnel if the grounding
instructions are not completely
Outlets for 2-prong plug
understood, or if in doubt as to whether
the tool is properly grounded.
1. To reduce the risk of electric shock,
double insulated equipment has a
5. Use only 3-wire extension cords that
have 3-prong grounding plugs and
polarized plug (one blade is wider than
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Page 4
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SKU 38160
the other). This plug will fit in a polarized 8. Only use safety equipment that has been
outlet only one way. If the plug does not
fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug.
If it still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install the proper outlet. Do
not change the plug in any way.
approved by an appropriate standards
agency. Unapproved safety equipment
may not provide adequate protection.
Eye protection must be ANSI-approved
and breathing protection must be
NIOSH-approved for the specific hazards
in the work area.
2. Double insulated tools may be used in
either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the
preceding illustration. (see Outlets for
2-prong plug.)
9. 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.
sander safety Warnings
For your Own safety read instruction
Manual before Operating sander
1. Wear eye protection.
10. Industrial applications must follow OSHA
guidelines.
2. Support workpiece with miter gauge,
backstop, or worktable.
11. Maintain labels and nameplates on
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing,
contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
3. The backstop is a fence near the surface
that helps the operator maintain control
of the workpiece and prevents the
workpiece from being pulled into the
machine. For safety, it must be adjusted
very close to the sanding surface.
12. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to
begin work before turning on the tool.
4. The worktable is the surface mounted
close to the sanding surface that the
operator rests the workpiece against
to prevent it from being pulled by the
sanding surface. For safety, it must
be adjusted very close to the sanding
surface.
13. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic fields in close proximity
to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker
failure.
5. dO nOt Operate With any
guard disabled, daMaged, Or
reMOVed. Moving guards must
move freely and close instantly.
14. 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
6. The use of accessories or attachments
not recommended by the manufacturer
may result in a risk of injury to persons.
7. When servicing use only identical
replacement parts.
• Crystalline silica from bricks and
cement or other masonry products
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically
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SKU 38160
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 5
treated lumber
unpacking
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. (California Health
& Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
When unpacking, make sure that the
item is intact and undamaged. If any parts
are missing or broken, please call Harbor
Freight Tools at 1-800-444-3353 as soon as
possible.
15. WARNING: Handling the cord on this
product will expose you to lead, a
chemical known to the State of California
to cause cancer, and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling. (California Health &
Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
16. 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
Electrical Input
120 V~ / 60 Hz / 11 A
Motor No Load Speed 1787 RPM
Oscillations per
Minute
58 OPM
7/8”
Oscillation Travel
Sanding Belt Capacity 3/4” - 2”
Sanding Belt Height
Sanding Thickness
Dust Collection Port
Table Tilt Angle
4-1/2”
3/16 - 11/16”
2”
0 - 45°
rev 00c; 10c
Page 6
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SKU 38160
to change/install sand belts
(see parts diagram and parts list on pages 8 and 9)
place switch in “OFF” position, and unplug the sander before performing any of the steps below.
The Oscillating Sander has been shipped completely assembled with a 2” sand belt (#49) and regular core board
installed. Change sand belts as follows:
tO reMOVe sand belt
1. Grasp and hold sand belt (#49) on rotating axle (#46). Loosen nut (#51). If nut is too tight and rotating axle
spins inside sand belt, secure the rotating axle with a wrench and loosen nut.
2. Remove nut, big washer (#50), and sand belt. Unscrew rotating axle clockwise and remove core board (#36) -
also see instructions below describing how to remove core board.
3. Remove big washer (#50) and clean sawdust accumulation.
tO install sand belt
1. Replace big washer (#50). Fin side of washer should always be installed down. The fins help push sawdust
through the dust exhaust port opening, preventing buildup of sawdust. Sawdust buildup in this area may cause
the oscillating motion to stop. The big washer must be used with all sanding sleeves.
2. Select and install the desired rotating axle.
3. Install appropriate sand belt on the rotating axle. (Note: If sanding sleeve becomes difficult to install or remove,
apply talcum powder on the inside of the sand belt before installing on axle).
4. Install big washer (#50) and nut.
5. Grasp and hold sand belt and tighten nut. Do not overtighten.
replacing core boards
The Oscillating Sander comes with two core boards. The core board with the circular opening is for sanding when the working
table (#34) is level. The core board with the oblong opening is to be used when the working table is set at an angle.
to remove core boards
Push firmly from underneath the working table until core board is removed.
to insert core boards
1. Align the notch in the core board with the spring dowel (#35) located on the inner rim of the core board insert area.
2. Push down firmly until the core board is fully inserted and flush with the surface of the working table.
SKU 38160
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 7
preparing For Operation
note:
√
√
this sander is designed for use on plastic and wood surfaces only. do not use this sander for sanding
metals. sanding metals will cause sparks that will ignite wood and dust particles on sander, in the dust
collector, or in workshop.
it is recommended that this tool not be used for extended work on any fiberglass or abrasive materials.
it has been found that those materials are subject to accelerated wear and possible premature failure,
as the fiberglass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commutator, etc. During
any sanding of these materials, it is important the tool be cleaned frequently by blowing with an air
jet.
√
√
do not use sander without a sand belt. doing so will damage the rotating axle.
Make sure nut on the top of the rotating axle is tightened securely - but not overtightened.
sand belt selectiOn
Selecting the correct size diameter, type of grit and sanding sleeve is an extremely important step in achieving a
high quality finish:
√
√
Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and other synthetic abrasives are best for power sanding.
Natural abrasives, such as flint and garnet are too soft for use in power sanding.
Select and install the desired sand belt for the particular application. Sand belts from 3/4”- 2” can be used with this
sander. Choose one that is close in size to the material you are sanding.
grit selectiOn
The condition of the surface to be sanded will determine which grit will do the proper job. In general, coarse grit will
remove the most material. Finer grit will produce the best finish in all sanding operations. If the surface is rough,
start with a coarse grit and sand until the surface is uniform. Medium grit may then be used to remove scratches
left by the coarser grit and finer grit used for finishing of the surface. Always continue sanding with each grit until
the surface is uniform.
Warning! Do not use water with this sander. It is for dry
sanding only. Wet sanding will damage the machine,
and may present a shock hazard. Use only in dry
locations.
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Page 8
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SKU 38160
Operation
Exercise caution! Never force the material into the sander. You will become familiar with the sander’s features from
practice and use. If possible, practice sanding with a scrap piece of wood.
adJusting table angle
1. If working table is to be used at an angle, make sure to install the angle core board (with the oblong-shaped
opening) before sanding.
2. Loosen dial knob (#32) and adjust working table to the desired angle using the numbers on the rotating plate
(#31) as a guide.
3. Tighten dial knob securely so that the working table will not move during operation.
sanding
1. Turn sander on.
2. Let the motor build to its full speed, then gradually feed material against sanding sleeve. Do not let the material
contact sanding sleeve before turning on sander and allowing it to develop full speed.
Feed directiOn
When sanding, the sanding sleeve rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, feed the material against the sanding
sleeve from right to left. When fed from right to left, the rotation of the sanding sleeve sands against the material.
If fed in the opposite direction, the rotation forces of the spinning sanding sleeve will tend to throw or bounce the
material away from the sanding sleeve. This could cause loss of control of the material.
dust cOllectiOn capability
Astandard 2-1/4” dust collect cover (#40) has been provided to make dustless sanding possible. The dust collection
port is located under the working top on the rear side of the sander. The pickup adapter end of a vacuum hose (not
included) will fit inside the dust collect cover.
Even with a dust collection system, it is necessary to periodically clean sanding dust from the core board and big
washer areas. Sanding dust buildup in this area may cause the core board surface to rise above the working table
surface.
Maintenance
cleaning: Regularly clean the work surface with dry brush or clean cloth. Clean sawdust accumulations from core
board, big washers and rotating axle after each use.
lubricatiOn: No lubrication is required. All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient amount of
high grade lubricant for the life of the machine under normal operating conditions.
pOWer cOrd: Inspect the power cord periodically, and if damaged, have it repaired by an authorized technician.
replaceMent parts: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts will void the
warranty.
SKU 38160
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 9
parts list
no.
name
Quantity
no.
name
Quan-
tity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
stand
switch
Vertical Motor
key of Motor
clamp nail
Worm
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
11
2
4
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
hexagon-headed bolt M8x20
stand 1 of working table
rotating plate
parts of dial knob
crossed disc nail M5 x 8
Working table
spring dowel 3 x 8
core board
hexagonn socket head cap
screw M6 x 20
6
1
1
2
7
1
1
2
spring ring for hole 55
bearing 80106
spring ring for axle 32
cross head disc nail M5 x 55
screw Washer 5 holee 55
rocker arm
nut M5
hexagon socket head cap
screw M4 x 30
left core axle of Worm Wheel
Worm Wheel
stand of Worm Wheel
screw M8 x 65
right core axle of Worm Wheel
guide pole
shuttle axle cover
shuttle axle
spring dowel 4 x 30
bearing 61804
hexagon socket head cap
screw Mg x 16
spring Washer 8
Frame to Fix Motor
screw Washer
9
10
11
12
13
14
2
1
7
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
4
4
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
dust cover
hexagon-headed bolt M8 x 25
dust collect cover
pointer
stand ii of Working table
stand board
dial
key 5 x 50
rotating axle of sand belt
big Washer i
rubber cylinder
sand belt
big Washer ii
left nut M8
board of switch
nut M8
Washer nut M8
rubber Washer
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
5
7
1
14
26
27
28
Page 10
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SKU 38160
assembly diagram
SKU 38160
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 11
liMited 1 year / 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 for a period of ninety
days from date of purchase that the engine/motor, the belts (if so equipped), and the blades
(if so equipped) are free of defects in materials and workmanship. Harbor Freight Tools also
warrants to the original purchaser, for a period of one year from date of purchase, that all other
parts and components of the product are free from defects in materials and workmanship (90
days if used by a professional contractor or if used as rental equipment). This warranty does
not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents,
repairs or alterations outside our facilities, 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 verifies 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 specific 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
reV 10c
Page 12
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SKU 38160
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