BOSCH 550 GTR Professional Drywall Sander Instruction Manual

550 GTR Professional Drywall Sander

Product Information

The GTR Professional is a drywall sander manufactured by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, based in Stuttgart, Germany. It is designed to provide a smooth finish to drywall surfaces and is equipped with a constant electronics mechanism for maintaining a consistent speed throughout use.

The GTR Professional comes with two compatible sanding discs, the 550 and the 55-225. It has a speed range of 340-910 rotations per minute and a sanding disc diameter of 215mm. The sander is also equipped with a dust extraction port for cleaner working conditions.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Ensure that your working area is clean and free of debris.
2. Before carrying out any maintenance or replacement work on the sander, unplug it from the power source.
3. When using the GTR Professional in damp conditions, it is recommended to use a residual current device for additional safety.
4. When replacing the sanding disc, switch off the power and follow the instructions below:
5. Choose the appropriate sanding disc for your task; the soft disc is recommended for standard use, while the medium disc is better suited for removing paint or plaster.
6. If using the soft sanding disc, a cushion pad must be used in conjunction with it.
7. To remove the cushion pad, lift it up and pull it away from the sanding disc.
8. Before attaching a new cushion pad or sanding disc, clean any dust or debris from the sanding disc using a brush.
9. Ensure that the teeth of the drive spindle align with the grooves on the sanding disc before fitting it in place.
10. When replacing the cushion pad, follow the instructions below:
11. Lift the cushion pad up and pull it away from the sanding disc.
12. Clean any dust or debris from the sanding disc using a brush before attaching a new cushion pad.
13. When replacing the sanding disc, switch on the power and test the sander to ensure that it is working correctly.

Safety Instructions

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below 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 (cord-less) power tool.

Work area safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• 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.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

• 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.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded sur-faces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• 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.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suit-able for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is un-avoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protec0.
• ted supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

• 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.
• 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 in-juries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to 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.
• 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 in-jury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust ex-traction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can re-duce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe in-jury within a fraction of a second.

Power tool use and care

• 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 for which it was de-signed.
• 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.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or re-move the battery pack, if detachable, 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.
• 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.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. 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.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into ac-count the working conditions and the work to be per-formed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Service

• 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.

Safety Warnings for Sander

• Only use the power tool for dry sanding. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Warning: Danger of fire! Avoid overheating the work-piece and the sander. Always empty the dust container before taking a break from work. Sanding dust in the dust bag, microfilter, paper bag (or in the filter bag or vacuum cleaner filter) can spontaneously ignite under unfavourable conditions. This risk is increased if the sanding dust is mixed with paint or polyurethane residue or with other chemical substances and if the workpiece is hot as a result of prolonged work.
• Always wait until the power tool has come to a complete stop before placing it down.
• Secure the workpiece. A workpiece clamped with clamping devices or in a vice is held more secure than by hand.
• Hold the power tool firmly with both hands and make sure you have a stable footing. The power tool can be more securely guided with both hands.
• Connect the power tool to a mains supply that is properly connected to earth. The socket and extension cable must have a fully functioning protective conductor.

Products sold in GB only:
Your product is fitted with an BS 1363/A approved electric plug with internal fuse (ASTA approved to BS 1362).

If the plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it should be cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its place by an au-thorised customer service agent. The replacement plug should have the same fuse rating as the original plug.
The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a possible shock hazard and should never be inserted into a mains socket elsewhere.

Product Description and Specifications

Read all the safety and general instructions. Failure to observe the safety and general instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this oper-ating manual.

Intended Use
The power tool is intended for dry sanding dry wall that has had filler applied, ceilings and walls in indoor and outdoor areas, and for removing coats of paint, adhesive residues and loose plaster.

Product Features
The numbering of the product features refers to the diagram of the power tool on the graphics page.

1. Suction power thumbwheel
2. Speed preselection thumbwheel
3. On/off switch
4. Handle (insulated gripping surface)
5. Extraction outlet
6. Handle section
7. Safety hook
8. Clamping lever
9. Extension tube
10. Sanding head
11. Brush segment locking mechanism
12. Suction power adjusting lever
13. Abrasive disc)
14. Intermediate pad
15. Screw for sanding pad
16. Sanding pad
17. Brush segment
18. Connection hose
19. Sanding pad holder
20. Eccentric screw
21. Extraction hose)
22. Adapter for dust extractor nozzle)
23. Dust extractor nozzle)
24. Hose/cable clip)
25. Hose clamp
26. Inner housing
27. Hose mount

Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.

Technical Data

Dry wall sander GTR 550 GTR 55-225

Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01:2014

• Standard scope of delivery

The specifications apply to a rated voltage [U] of 230 V. These specifications may vary at different voltages and in country-specific models.
Values can vary depending upon the product and are subject to application and environmental conditions. For further information www.bosch- professional.com/wac.

Noise/Vibration Information
Noise emission values determined according to EN 62841-2-4.
Typically, the A-weighted noise level of the power tool is: Sound pressure level 87 dB(A); sound power level 95 dB(A). Uncertainty K = 3 dB.

Wear hearing protection!
Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 62841-2-4: ah < 2.5 m/s2, K = 1.5 m/s2,
The vibration level and noise emission value given in these instructions have been measured in accordance with a standardised measuring procedure and may be used to compare power tools. They may also be used for a preliminary estimation of vibration and noise emissions.
The stated vibration level and noise emission value represent the main applications of the power tool. However, if the power tool is used for other applications, with different application tools or is poorly maintained, the vibration level and noise emission value may differ. This may significantly increase the vibration and noise emissions over the total working period.
To estimate vibration and noise emissions accurately, the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually being used should also be taken into account. This may significantly reduce vibration and noise emissions over the total working period.
Implement additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration, such as servicing the power tool and application tools, keeping their hands warm, and organizing workflows correctly.

Assembly

• Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.

Changing the Sanding Sheet (see figure A)
To remove the sanding sheet (13), lift it from the side and pull it off the intermediate pad (14).
Remove dirt and dust from the intermediate pad (14), e.g. with a paintbrush, before attaching a new sanding sheet.
The surface of the intermediate pad (14) is fitted with a hook-and-loop fastening, allowing sanding sheets with a hook-and-loop backing to be secured quickly and easily.
Press the sanding sheet (13) firmly onto the underside of the intermediate pad (14).
To ensure optimum dust extraction, make sure that the punched holes in the sanding sheet (13) are aligned with the punched holes in the intermediate pad (14) and the drilled holes in the sanding pad (16).
Note: An intermediate pad (14) is not required when working with the medium-hard sanding pad; the sanding sheet (13) is attached directly to the sanding pad (16). In all other cases, the change is performed as described here.

Selection of the Sanding Plate

• Soft sanding pad set A) (2 608 000 766
  • For universal use on flat and curved surfaces
  • The set consists of a soft sanding pad and an intermediate pad (2 608 000 765). The sanding pad may only be used with an intermediate pad.
• Medium-hard sanding pad (2 608 000 764)
  • High material removal rate, ideal for hard plaster and removing old wall paints
  • For use on flat surfaces
  • Optimal suction support makes work easier when using a dust extractor.

A) Standard scope of delivery

Changing the Intermediate Pad (see figure A)
An intermediate pad (14) must always be used when working with the soft sanding pad (part of standard items included).
To remove the intermediate pad (14), lift it from the side and pull it off the sanding pad (16).
Remove dirt and dust from the sanding pad (16), e.g. with a paintbrush, before attaching a new intermediate pad.
The surface of the sanding pad (16) is fitted with a hook-and-loop fastening, allowing intermediate pads to be se-cured quickly and easily.
Press the intermediate pad (14) firmly against the underside of the sanding pad (16).
To ensure optimum dust extraction, make sure that the punched holes in the intermediate pad (14) are aligned with the drilled holes in the sanding pad (16).

Changing the Sanding Pad (see figure B)
Note: Replace damaged sanding pads (16) immediately.
Pull off the sanding sheet (13) and the intermediate pad (14). Unscrew the screw (15) completely and remove the sanding pad (16). Attach the new sanding pad (16) and retighten the screw.
Note: When attaching the sanding pad, make sure that the teeth of the catch mate with the recesses in the sanding pad.
Note: Damaged sanding pads must only be replaced by an after-sales service center authorized to work with Bosch power tools.

Inserting/Removing the Extension Tube (see figures C–D)
Only use the extension tubes (9) if necessary. The effort required for the sanding is significantly lower when working without extension tubes.
Note: A maximum of two extension tubes may be inserted.

Undoing the Connection between Sanding Head/Handle Section/Extension Tube (see figure C):

• Open the clamping lever (8).
• Open the safety hook (7).
• Pull the previously connected parts apart.

Fastening the Connection between Sanding Head/Handle Section/Extension Tube (see figure D):

• Slide the sanding head (10), handle section (6) and/or extension tubes (9) into each other depending on the re-quired connection.
• Close the safety hook (7).
• Push the clamping lever (8) until it is at a right angle to the sanding head (10), handle section (6) or extension tube (9).
• Firmly tighten the eccentric screw (20).
• Close the clamping lever (8).

Always check that all the connection elements are secured with the safety hooks (7) and clamping levers (8) and are firmly attached.

Dust/chip extraction
Dust from materials can be harmful to health. Touching or breathing in this dust can trigger allergic reactions and/or cause respiratory illnesses in the user or in people in the near vicinity.
Certain dusts are classified as carcinogenic.

• Use a dust extraction system that is suitable for the material wherever possible.
• Provide good ventilation at the workplace.
• Always wear a P2 filter class breathing mask.

Connecting the dust extraction system (see figure E)
Select one of the two connection options depending on the dust extractor used:

• Attach the dust extraction hose (21) to the extraction outlet (5) on the handle section (6) and lock into place. Connect the dust extraction hose (21) to an extractor.
• Attach the adapter (22) to the extraction outlet (5) and lock into place. Insert the nozzle (23) of the dust ex-tractor into the adapter (22).

The dust extractor must be suitable for the material being worked.
When extracting dry dust that is especially detrimental to health or carcinogenic, use a special dust extractor.
For large surfaces, use the GAS 35 L/M AFC or
GAS 55 M AFC dust extractor since these models guarantee the continuous suction power required.
When working on vertical surfaces, hold the power tool with the dust extraction hose facing downwards.

Installing/Removing the Hose/Cable Clip (see figure F)
Place the hose/cable clip (24) over the extraction hose (21). Insert the power cable into the cable groove of the hose/cable clip.
To remove the hose/cable clip (24), pull it off the extraction hose (21) and remove the power cable from the hose/cable clip.

Operation
Starting Operation

• Pay attention to the mains voltage! The voltage of the power source must match the voltage specified on the rating plate of the power tool. Power tools marked with 230 V can also be operated with 220 V.
• Products that are only sold in AUS and NZ: Use a residual current device (RCD) with a nominal residual current of 30 mA or less.

Preselecting the Speed
You can preselect the required speed using the speed preselection thumbwheel (2), even during operation. The higher numbers indicate a high speed, while the smaller ones represent a low speed.
The Constant Electronic keeps the speed at no load and under load virtually consistent, guaranteeing uniform performance.
The electronic soft start limits the torque when the power tool is switched on and increases the service life of the motor.

Switching On/Off

• Make sure that you are able to press the On/Off switch without releasing the handle.

To switch on the power tool, slide the on/off switch (3) forward so that “I” appears on the switch.
To switch off the power tool, slide the on/off switch (3) backwards so that “0” appears on the switch.

Working Advice

• Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.
• Always wait until the power tool has come to a complete stop before placing it down.
• Do not put the power tool down on its side. This could permanently warp the sanding pad.
• This power tool is not suitable for bench-mounted use. It must not be clamped into a vice or fastened to a work-bench, for example.

Sanding Surfaces
Switch the power tool on, place the entire sanding surface against the surface of the workpiece and apply moderate pressure as you move the sander over the workpiece.
The material removal rate and sanding result are primarily determined by the choice of sanding sheet, the preselected speed setting and the contact pressure.
Only immaculate sanding sheets achieve good sanding performance and make the power tool last longer.
Be sure to apply consistent contact pressure in order to in-crease the lifetime of the sanding sheets.
Excessively increasing the contact pressure will not lead to increased sanding performance, rather it will cause more severe wear of the power tool and of the sanding sheet. Do not use a sanding sheet for other materials after it has been used to work on metal.
Use only original Bosch-sanding accessories.

Sanding Close to Edges (see figures G–H)
Thanks to the removable brush segment, you can reduce the lateral distance between the wall/ceiling and the sanding pad.

• Press and hold the locking mechanism (11) for the brush segment (17).
• Swivel the brush segment (17) forwards and remove it.
• To insert, hook the brush segment (17) onto the opposite side of the locking mechanism (11), and swivel it to-wards the sanding head (10) until it clicks into place.

Adjusting the Internal/External Airflow
Depending on the vacuum pressure, the perceived tool weight can be reduced.
You can switch between different air flow operating modes depending on the intended use. Turn the suction power ad-justing lever (12) to one of the 3 positions.

Adjusting suction power
You can adjust the suction power to achieve your preferred balance between sanding speed and suction power. This regulation is only possible when the internal airflow is activated (position ③ in the table above).

Adjust the suction power with the thumbwheel (1):

• 1−5: Low to high suction power, suitable for sanding ceilings
• 6: Highest suction power, suitable for sanding walls Start with a low suction power (position 1) and increase slowly, until there is a noticeable contact pressure.
  High suction power allows low-fatigue sanding of ceilings and walls. An excessively high suction power can cause the power tool to vibrate, which can make handling more difficult.

Errors – Causes and Corrective Measures
Cause          Corrective measure
The drywall sander does not run smoothly or jolts across the surface.

The suction effect is too strong.| Reduce the suction power or switch to external dust ex- traction, if necessary.
---|---
The bodyfiller material and/ or substrates are hard.| Reduce the suction power or switch to external dust ex- traction, if necessary.

The removal rate of the material to be machined is too high.

effect or switch to external dust ex- traction.
The bodyfiller material has a high proportion of filler or is very soft.| Switch on the external dust extraction, set the suction power thumbwheel to set-
| ting 6 and, in extreme cases, reduce the speed.
---|---
The grit of the abrasive is too coarse.| Use a sanding sheet with a finer grit.

The surface quality is not optimal.

The grit of the abrasive is too coarse.| Use a sanding sheet with a finer grit.
---|---
The drying times for the bodyfiller material have not been observed.| Refer to the technical information sheets and manufacturer’s recommendations.
The suction effect is too strong.| Reduce the suction power.
The bodyfiller material has a high proportion of filler or is very soft.| Use a sanding sheet with a finer grit.
The running power tool has been positioned on the surface (scoring).| Position the power tool be- fore switching it on.

Work on the surface and al-ways work with the removable brush segment.

There are sanding marks on the surface.

The hard sanding pad has been positioned at an angle on the surface.| Use a soft sanding pad with an intermediate pad.
---|---
In the case of very soft body- filler material, the sanding pad is too hard or the grit of the abrasive is too coarse.| Use a soft sanding pad with an intermediate pad.

Choose a finer abrasive grit.

The suction effect is insufficient.

The suction power on the dust extractor is too low.| Increase the suction power on the dust extractor.
---|---
The drywall sander’s speed is too high.| Reduce the speed.
The internal dust extraction on the drywall sander is too low.| Reduce the suction power or switch to external dust ex- traction.
The body filler material has a high proportion of filler or is very soft.| Switch on the external dust extraction, set the suction power thumbwheel to setting 6 and, in extreme cases, re- duce the speed.
The main filter on the dust extractor is blocked/ jammed.| Clean the filter element regularly:

• Option 1: Set the suction power regulation to the maximum suction power. Seal the nozzle, extraction hose or intake port on the dust extractor with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds until the automatic cleaning starts.

|

• Option 2: Clean the filter element mechanically (extraction).
• Option 3: Check the filter element for damage and blockages. Insert a new filter element regularly.

---|---
A fleece dust bag is being used.| Use a waste disposal dust bag.
The extraction hose is blocked or twisted.| Remove the blockage or un- twist the hose.
The dust extractor’s dust container is full.| Empty the dust extractor’s dust container.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.
• To ensure safe and efficient operation, always keep the power tool and the ventilation slots clean.

In order to avoid safety hazards, if the power supply cord needs to be replaced, this must be done by Bosch or by an after-sales service center that is authorized to repair Bosch power tools.

Changing the Connection Hose (see figure I)
To remove the connection hose (18), loosen the screw on the hose clamp (25) with a screwdriver and lift the hose clamp (25) off with the connection hose (18). Remove the hose clamp (25). Pull out the inner housing (26) of the hose mount (27) at the other end of the connection hose (18). Hold the inner housing (26) in place and unscrew the connection hose (18).
To insert a new connection hose (18), hold the inner housing (26) in place and screw in the new connection hose (18) all the way. Fit the hose clamp (25) on the other side of the connection hose (18). Position the screw head so that you can tighten the hose clamp (25) effortlessly on the sanding head (10) with a screwdriver with a torque of around 2 Nm.

After-Sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at:
www.bosch-pt.com

The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessories.
In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessories.
In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham Uxbridge
UB 9 5HJ

At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair. Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109
E-Mail: boschservicecentre@bosch.com

Disposal
The power tool, accessories and packaging should be re-cycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

Do not dispose of power tools along with household waste.

Only for EU countries:
According to the European Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its implementation into national law, power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environment-ally friendly manner.
If disposed incorrectly, waste electrical and electronic equipment may have harmful effects on the environment and human health, due to the potential presence of hazardous substances.

Only for United Kingdom:
According to The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/3113) (as amended), products that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

References

• Invented for life | Bosch Global
• Skånevik Ølen Kraftlag AS
• bosch-professional.com/wac
• Location selection | Bosch Power Tools
• Service worldwide
• Bosch Elektrowerkzeuge und Zubehör | Bosch Elektrowerkzeuge
• Bosch el-værktøj | Bosch el-værktøj
• Bosch-sähkötyökalut | Bosch-sähkötyökalut
• Ηλεκτρικά εργαλεία Bosch | Ηλεκτρικά εργαλεία Bosch
• Invented for life | Bosch Global
• Ana Sayfa | Bosch Türkiye
• herramientasbosch.net
• bosch-professional.com/wac/

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