Craftsman 4 Belt Owners Manual

							Model No.
315.117921
972000-492
    11-00
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
Owners Manual
4 in. DUSTLESS
BELT SANDER
Double Insulated
CAUTION: Read and follow
all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of
this product.
Save this manual for
future reference
®
SAFETY
FEATURES
ADJUSTMENTS
OPERATION
PARTS LIST MAINTENANCE
R 
						

							2
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table Of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2

Warranty and Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 2

Rules For Safe Operation ........................................................................................................................... 3-5

Product Specifications, Unpacking, and Accessories .................................................................................... 5

Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Adjustments ................................................................................................................................................. 7-9

Operation ................................................................................................................................................. 10-11

Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................ 12-15

Exploded View and Repair Parts List ...................................................................................................... 16-17

Parts Ordering / Service ............................................................................................................................... 18
WARRANTY
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN BELT SANDER
If this        Sander fails to give complete satisfaction within one year from the date of purchase, RE-
TURN IT TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE IN THE UNITED STATES, and Sears will repair it, free of charge.
If this Craftsman Sander is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Your belt sander has many features for making
sanding operations more pleasant and enjoyable.
Safety, performance and dependability have been
given top priority in the design of this sander making it
easy to maintain and operate.CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire
owners manual before using your new belt
sander. Pay close attention to the Rules For Safe
Operation, Warnings and Cautions. If you use
your belt sander properly and only for what it is
intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable
service.
GENERAL
Your Craftsman Belt Sander is suitable for coarse, medium and fine sanding of wood, metals, plastics, and other
materials. It is ideal when used for smoothing rough boards, chamfering, rounding edges and many other
general sanding applications. It is also an excellent tool for removing paint, varnishes, and stains. Its balanced
design makes it easy to use.
INTRODUCTION
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means attention!!! Your
safety is involved.
The operation of any belt sander 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 Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses
with side shields, available at Sears Retail Stores.
WARNING:
GLASSES SAFETY
WEAR
YOUR
FORESIGHT IS BETTER
THAN NO SIGHT 
						

							3
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
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 safety warnings do
not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for
proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL      MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:
Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
  NOTE:Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
SAFETY
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read owners
manual carefully. Learn its applications and
limitations as well as the specific potential
hazards related to this tool.

GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK BY
PREVENTING BODY CONTACT WITH
GROUNDED SURFACES. For example; pipes,
radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures.

KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING
ORDER.

KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas
and benches invite accidents.
WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this tool
until you have read thoroughly and understand
completely all instructions, safety rules, etc.
contained in this manual. Failure to comply can
result in accidents involving fire, electric shock,
or serious personal injury. Save owners manual
and review frequently for continuing safe
operation, and instructing others who may use
this tool.
DOUBLE INSULATION
Double insulation is a concept in safety, in electric
power tools which eliminates the need for the usual
three-wire grounded power cord. All exposed metal
parts are isolated from internal metal motor
components with protecting insulation. Double
insulated tools do not need to be grounded.
IMPORTANT
Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires
extreme care and knowledge of the system and
should be performed only by a qualified service
technician. For service we suggest you return the tool
to your nearest Sears Store for repair. Always use
original factory replacement parts when servicing.

AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Dont
use power tools in damp or wet locations or
expose to rain. Keep work area well lit.

KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All
visitors should wear safety glasses and be kept a
safe distance from work area. Do not let visitors
contact tool or extension cord.

STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, tools
should be stored in a dry and high or locked-up
place – out of the reach of children.

DONT FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

USE RIGHT TOOL. Dont force small tool or
attachment to do the job of a heavy duty tool.
Dont use tool for purpose not intended – for
example – A circular saw should never be used
for cutting tree limbs or logs.

WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry that can get caught in tools
moving parts and cause personal injury. Rubber
gloves and nonskid footwear are recommended
SAFETY 
						

							4
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)
when working outdoors. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair and keep it from
being drawn into nearby air vents.

ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. Everyday
eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses;
they are not safety glasses.

PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust
mask if the operation is dusty.

PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing
protection during extended periods of operation.

DONT ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by cord
or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep
cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold
work. Its safer than using your hand and it frees
both hands to operate tool.

DONT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. Do not use while standing
on a ladder or unstable support. Secure tools
when working at elevated positions.

MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools
sharp and clean for best and safest performance.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories.

DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use, before
servicing, or when changing or adjusting sanding
belt, attachments, blades, bits, cutters, etc., all
tools should be disconnected from power supply.

REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND
WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to see that
keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from
tool before turning it on.

AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Dont carry
plugged-in tool with finger on switch. Be sure
switch is off when plugging in.

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. A wire gage size
(A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recommended for an
extension cord 100 feet or less in length. A cord
exceeding 100 feet is not recommended. If in
doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller
the gage number, the heavier the cord.

OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS. When
tool is used outdoors, use only extension cords
suitable for use outdoors. Outdoor approvedcords are marked with the suffix W-A, for ex-
ample - SJTW-A or SJOW-A.

NEVER USE THIS OR ANY POWER SANDER
FOR WET SANDING. Failure to comply can
result in electrical shock causing serious injury or
worse.

KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM SANDING AREA.

NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMO-
SPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor could
ignite fumes.

INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY and if
damaged, have repaired at your nearest Sears
Repair Center. Stay constantly aware of cord
location and keep it well away from the sanding
area.

INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODI-
CALLY and replace if damaged.

KEEP HANDLES DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE
FROM OIL AND GREASE. Always use a clean
cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids,
gasoline, petroleum-based products, or any
strong solvents to clean your tool.

STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL.
Watch what you are doing and use common
sense. Do not operate tool when you are tired.
Do not rush.

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
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 re-
placed by an authorized service center.

DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT
TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have defective switches
replaced by an authorized service center.

INSPECT FOR and remove all nails from lumber
before sanding.

DO NOT operate this tool while under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication.

DO NOT USE THIS SANDER FOR OVERHEAD
SANDING. Overhead sanding could result in
dropping sander or loss of control. These situa-
tions could result in an accident resulting in
possible serious injury. 
						

							5
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)

POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of
electric shock, this tool has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in
a polarized 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.

WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL
CRAFTSMAN REPLACEMENT PARTS.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them
frequently and use them to instruct others who
may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool,
loan them these instructions also.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Input 7.5 Amperes
Horsepower 1-1/4
Rating 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC
No Load Speed  1300 surface ft./min.Belt Size 4 in. x 21 in.
Sanding Surface 19 square in.
Overall Length 12 in.
Net Weight 10 lbs.
Your belt sander has been shipped completely
assembled except for the sanding belt and dust bag.
Inspect it carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage has occurred during shipping. If any parts are
damaged or missing, contact your nearest Sears
Retail Store to obtain replacement parts before
attempting to operate sander. Loose parts in carton
will be sanding belt(s), dust bag and this owners
manual.
WARNING: If any parts are missing, do not
operate this tool until the missing parts are
replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible
serious personal injury.
UNPACKING
The following recommended accessories are currently available at Sears Retail Stores.

4 in. x 21 in. Aluminum Oxide Plyweld Belts

4 in. x 21 in. Sears Best Zirconium Plyweld Belts

Dustless Sanding Attachment Item No. 
9 11766
WARNING: The use of attachments or accessories not listed might be hazardous.
ACCESSORIES
WARNING: Some dust created by power
sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities contains chemicals
known 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 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 filter out microscopic particles. 
						

							6
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR BELT SANDER
See Figure 1.
Before attempting to use any tool, familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety requirements.
Features include easily operated lock-on button, and
a dust bag for dustless sanding.
SWITCH
To turn your sander ON, depress the switch trigger.
Release switch trigger to turn your sander OFF.
LOCK- ON BUTTON
The switch of your sander is equipped with a lock-on
feature which is convenient when operating for
extended periods of time. To lock-on, depress thetrigger, push in the lock button located on the side of
the handle, then while holding the lock button pushed
in, release the trigger. To release the lock, depress
the trigger and release.
DUST BAG
A dust bag is included with your sander to allow
dustless sanding. Its use will help keep the work area
clean.
POWER CORD
An extra long, 10 ft. power cord that stays soft and
flexible in cold weather has been provided on your
sander. The plug design is shaped so that it wont
snag on your work during use. A molded cord clip on
the plug makes cord storage easier.
Fig. 1
WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with your sander to make you careless. Remember that a careless
fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.DUST BAGTRACKING
SCREW
10 ft.
POWER CORD TENSION
RELEASE LEVERFRONT
HANDLE
SANDING
BELT DRIVE
ROLLER ASSEMBLY
FRONT
IDLER ROLLER
REAR
HANDLE LOCK-ON
BUTTON
SWITCH
TRIGGER
MOLDED
CORD CLIP 
						

							7
ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Your sander should never be
connected to a power supply when you are
assembling parts, changing belts, making adjust-
ments, cleaning, or when not in use. Disconnect-
ing your sander will prevent accidental starting
that could cause serious personal injury.
DUST BAG
See Figure 2.
Fig. 2 DUST BAGDUST BAG RETAINER
The dust bag provides a dust collection system for
your sander. It should be installed over the dust
exhaust hole located on the blower cover of your
sander.  For more efficient operation, empty dust bag
when half full.
Do not connect sander to power supply before
installing dust bag.
TO INSTALL DUST BAG

Unplug your sander.
WARNING: Failure to unplug your sander could
result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

Fit opening in dust bag retainer over exhaust hole
on blower cover.

Slide dust bag retainer in the direction of the arrow
as shown in figure 2.

Dust bag is secure when it fits snugly on blower
cover.
TO EMPTY DUST BAG
Remove dust bag from blower cover on sander, open
zipper and shake out dust.
WARNING: To prevent the possibility of sawdust
or foreign objects being thrown into your face and
eyes, never attempt to use your sander without
dust bag properly installed. Sawdust or foreign
objects being thrown into your face and eyes
could result in possible serious injury.
SANDING BELT SELECTION
Selecting the correct size and type of sanding belt is
an important step in achieving a high quality sanded
finish. Standard 4 in. x 21 in. sanding belts made of
aluminum oxide, silicone carbide, and other synthetic
abrasives are best for power sanding. In general,
coarse grit will remove the most material and fine grit
will produce the smoothest finish in all sanding
operations. The condition of the surface to be sanded
will determine which grit belt will do the job. If the
surface is rough, start with a coarse grit belt sanding
until surface is uniform. Medium grit belt may then be
used to remove scratches left by the coarser belt and
fine grit belt used for finishing of the surface. Always
continue sanding with each grit belt until the surface is
uniform. BLOWER
COVER
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
Your belt sander has a precision built electric motor. It
should be connected to apower supply that is 120
volts, 60 Hz, AC only (normal household current).
Do not operate this tool on direct current (DC). A
substantial voltage drop will cause a loss of power and
the motor will overheat. If your sander does not
operate when plugged into an outlet, double-check the
power supply.
FEATURES
ADJUSTMENTS 
						

							8
ADJUSTMENTS
INSTALLING/REMOVING SANDING BELT

Unplug your sander.
WARNING: Failure to unplug your sander could
result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

Position sander as shown in figure 3.
WARNING: Keep hands and fingers clear of
front idler roller and spring mechanism at all
times. Failure to do so could result in them
getting pinched, causing possible serious injury.
Fig. 3Fig. 4
TENSION
RELEASE LEVERNote: The arrow inside sanding belt indicates the
belts direction of rotation, while the direction of
rotation of the drive roller indicates the sanders
direction of rotation.
CAUTION: Sanding belts, with an arrow inside
of belt, installed backwards can create a
hazardous condition.
Note: If there is no arrow inside of sanding belt, then
sanding belt cannot be installed backwards. 
See
Figure 5.
Belt tension must be released in order to install and
remove sanding belt:

Release belt tension by lifting tension release lever
straight up as shown in figure 3. When sufficient
force is exerted, the spring will be compressed
allowing the roller to lock in a rear position. This
frees the sanding belt so it can be removed.

Install a new sanding belt making sure arrow inside
of belt is pointing in the direction of rotation, which
is clockwise when looking into open side of sander.
See Figure 4.
LIFT TENSION RELEASE
LEVER TO REMOVE
SANDING BELT LOWER TENSION RELEASE
LEVER TO SECURE SANDING BELT
SANDING BELTS WITH DIRECTION OF ROTATION
ARROWS MUST BE INSTALLED CORRECTLY
SANDING BELTS WITHOUT DIRECTION OF ROTATION
ARROWS CAN BE USED IN EITHER DIRECTION
Fig. 5
SANDING BELT

Roughly align the belt to its correct position.

Lower tension release lever to release tension on
roller and secure sanding belt. 
						

							9
ADJUSTMENTS
TO ADJUST SANDING BELT TRACKING
WARNING: Before connecting your sander to
power supply, always check to be sure it is not in
lock-on position (depress and release switch
trigger). Failure to do so could result in accidental
starting of your sander resulting in possible
serious injury. Also, do not lock the trigger on
jobs where your sander may need to be stopped
suddenly.

Connect your sander to power supply.

With sander positioned as shown in figure 6, pull
switch trigger and release immediately.
WARNING: If sanding belt begins to wear
excessively on the inner edge, readjust tracking
screw. It is adjusted too far inward and the
sanding belt is rubbing against internal parts.

When you are sure the belt will not rub against
internal parts, start your sander and fine adjust
the tracking screw until the belt stabilizes. 
See
Figure 7.
Note: This position is for adjustments only. Sanding
belt should not be in contact with workpiece or any
foreign objects when making belt tracking adjust-
ments.

Observe tracking of sanding belt. If the sanding
belt runs inward, slowly turn the tracking screw
clockwise. If the sanding belt runs outward, slowly
turn the tracking screw counterclockwise. This
should be done until you are sure belt will not run
off sander, or come in contact with internal parts.
Note: After installing a new sanding belt, it may
become necessary to change the adjustment several
times until the belt becomes pliable.Fig. 6 SANDING BELT
TRACKING SCREW
When correctly adjusted, the outer edge of the belt
will be even with the outer edge of the base of your
sander. Belt life will be greatly increased if a few
seconds are spent adjusting the belt tracking.
WARNING: Keep hands and fingers away from
moving sanding belt. Any part of body coming in
contact with moving sanding belt could result in
serious injury. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry when operating sander. They could get
caught in moving parts and foreign objects could
get thrown away from sander causing injury.
Important: Replace torn sanding belts immediately. TURN TRACKING SCREW
TO ADJUST SANDING BELT
Fig. 7 
						

							10
OPERATION
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or
safety glasses with side shields when operating
your sander. Failure to do so could result in
objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in
possible serious injury. If the sanding operation is
dusty, also wear a face or dust mask.
APPLICATIONS
(Use only for the purposes listed below)

Coarse, medium and fine sanding of wood,
metals, plastics and other materials.

Smoothing rough boards, chamfering, rounding
edges and many other general sanding applica-
tions.

Removing rust, paint, varnishes, and stains.
PREPARING FOR OPERATION
For ease of operation and maintaining proper control
your sander has a front handle and a rear handle.
These handles allow two-hand operation which aid in
maintaining control, keeping sanding area level with
workpiece, and keeping hands clear of sanding belt.
When operating your sander always hold the front
handle with your left hand and the rear handle with
your right hand as shown in figure 8.
Fig. 8Fig. 9
WARNING: Keep hands and fingers clear of
moving sanding belt, front idler roller, and drive
roller assembly. Failure to do so will result in the
sanding of your hands or fingers. 
See Figure 9.
KEEP HANDS AND FINGERS AWAY
FROM THESE AREAS AT ALL TIMES
FRONT HANDLEREAR HANDLE
WARNING: Do not let your fingers rest over the
front or right edge of the sander. If the sanding
belt were to run off, or if it were not properly
adjusted, your fingers could come in contact with
the moving sanding belt resulting in possible
serious injury. 
See Figure 9.
Always operate your sander as shown in Figure 8.