BOSCH GSS 23 A Professional Orbital Sander Instruction Manual

: October 30, 2023
: Bosch

Table of Contents

Figure Instructions
Safety Notes
Product Description and Specifications
Intended Use
Product Features
Technical Data
Noise/Vibration Information
Declaration of Conformity
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance and Service
Disposal
Documents / Resources

**BOSCH GSS 23 A Professional Orbital Sander Instruction Manual

**

Figure Instructions

Safety Notes

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

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

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mainsoperated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) 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 surfaces, 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 and 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 suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected 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 dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
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 energising 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 injury.
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, clothing and gloves 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 extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

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 designed.
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 the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
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. 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 account the working conditions and the work to be performed.
Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation

Service

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

Use the machine only for dry sanding. Penetration of water into the machine increases the risk of an electric shock.
Caution, fire hazard! Avoid overheating the object being sanded as well as the sander. Always empty the dust collector before taking breaks. In unfavourable conditions, e. g., when sparks emit from sanding metals, sanding debris in the dust bag, micro filter or paper sack (or in the filter sack or filter of the vacuum cleaner) can self-ignite. Particularly when mixed with remainders of varnish, polyurethane or other chemical materials and when the sanding debris is hot after long periods of working.
Secure the workpiece. A workpiece clamped with clamping devices or in a vice is held more secure than by hand.

Products sold in GB only: Your product is fitted with a 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 authorised 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.
Products sold in AUS and NZ only: Use a residual current device (RCD) with a rated residual current of 30 mA or less.

Product Description and Specifications

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

While reading the operating instructions, unfold the graphics page for the machine and leave it open.

Intended Use

The machine is intended for dry sanding of wood, plastic, filler and coated surfaces.

Product Features

The numbering of the product features refers to the illustration of the machine on the graphics page.

On/Off switch
Lock-on button for On/Off switch
Dust box, complete (Microfilter System)
Rear clamping bracket
Release lever for rear clamping bracket
Sanding plate
Sanding sheet
Release button for front clamping bracket
Front clamping bracket
Extraction outlet
Filter element (Microfilter System)
Vacuum hose*
Perforating tool
Screws for sanding plate

*Accessories shown or described are not part of the standard delivery scope of the product. A complete overview of accessories can be found in our accessories program.

Technical Data

Orbital sander	GSS 23 A
Article number
Rated power input	W
No-load speed	min-1
No-load orbital stroke rate	min-1
Orbit diameter	mm
Sanding sheet dimensions — Attachment via clamping	mm
Sanding plate dimensions	mm
Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2003	kg
Protection class

The values given are valid for a nominal voltage [U] of 230 V. For different voltages and models for specific countries, these values can vary.

Noise/Vibration Information

Sound emission values determined according to EN 60745-2-4.

Typically the A-weighted noise levels of the product are:
Sound pressure level 80 dB(A); Sound power level 91 dB(A).
Uncertainty K =3 dB.

Wear hearing protection!

Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 60745-2-4: ah=5.5 m/s2 , K=1.5 m/s2.

The vibration level given in this information sheet has been measured in accordance with a standardised test given in EN 60745 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure.

The declared vibration emission level represents the main applications of the tool. However if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or insertion tools or is poorly maintained, the vibration emission may differ. This may significantly increase the exposure level over the total working period.

An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually doing the job. This may significantly reduce the exposure level over the total working period.

Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration such as: maintain the tool and the accessories, keep the hands warm, organisation of work patterns.

Declaration of Conformity

We declare under our sole responsibility that the product described under “Technical Data” is in conformity with all relevant provisions of the directives 2011/65/EU, until 19 April 2016: 2004/108/EC, from 20 April 2016 on: 2014/30/EU, 2006/42/EC including their amendments and complies with the following standards: EN 60745-1, EN 60745-2-4.

Technical file (2006/42/EC) at:
Robert Bosch GmbH, PT/ETM9,
70764 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, GERMANY

Henk Becker
Executive Vice President
Engineering
Helmut Heinzelmann
Head of Product Certification
PT/ETM9

Signatures

Robert Bosch GmbH, Power Tools Division
70764 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, GERMANY
Leinfelden, 01.02.2015

Assembly

Before any work on the machine itself, pull the mains plug.

Dust/Chip Extraction

Dusts from materials such as lead-containing coatings, some wood types, minerals and metal can be harmful to one’s health. Touching or breathing-in the dusts can cause allergic reactions and/or lead to respiratory infections of the user or bystanders.
Certain dusts, such as oak or beech dust, are considered as carcinogenic, especially in connection with wood-treatment additives (chromate, wood preservative). Materials containing asbestos may only be worked by specialists.
- As far as possible, use a dust extraction system suitable for the material.
- Provide for good ventilation of the working place.
- It is recommended to wear a P2 filter-class respirator.
  Observe the relevant regulations in your country for the materials to be worked.
Prevent dust accumulation at the workplace. Dusts can easily ignite.

Integrated Dust Extraction with Dust Box
(see Fig. A1 – A4)

Attach the dust box 3 onto the extraction outlet 10 until it latches.

To empty the dust box 3, pull off the dust box downward.
Before opening the dust box 3, it is recommended to loosen the dust from the filter element by gently striking it against a firm support (as shown in the figure).
Grasp the dust box 3 by the recessed grip, fold the filter element 11 upward and empty the dust box. Clean the thin plates of the filter element 11 with a soft brush.

External Dust Extraction (see figure B)

Mount a vacuum hose 12 onto the extraction outlet 10. Connect the vacuum hose 12 with a vacuum cleaner. An overview for the connection of various vacuum cleaners can be found at the end of these instructions.

The vacuum cleaner must be suitable for the material being worked.

When vacuuming dry dust that is especially detrimental to health or carcinogenic, use a special vacuum cleaner.

Replacing the Sanding Sheet

To ensure optimum dust extraction, pay attention that the punched holes in the sanding sheet match with the holes in the sanding plate.

Sanding Sheets without Velcro Backing
(see figures C – E)

Press the release button 8 and keep it depressed.
Guide the sanding sheet 7 to the stop under the opened front clamping bracket 9 and let go of the release button 8 again. Pay attention that the sanding sheet is clamped centrally.
Press the release lever 5 and keep it depressed.
Place the sanding sheet 7 firmly around the sanding plate. Guide the other end of the sanding sheet 7 under the opened rear clamping bracket 4.
Hold the sanding sheet and let go of the release lever 5 to lock the sanding sheet.

Sanding sheets without holes, e. g. from rolls or by the metre, can be punctured with the perforating tool 13. For this, push the power tool with the sanding sheet mounted onto the perforating tool (see figure F).

To remove the sanding sheet 7, press the release lever 5 and pull the sanding sheet out of the rear clamping bracket. Push the release button 8 and remove the sanding sheet completely.

Selecting the Sanding Sheet

Depending on the material to be worked and the required rate of material removal, different sanding sheets are available:

red: Wood

For the working of all wooden materials	40 – 240
For coarse-sanding, e. g. of rough, unplaned beams and boards	coarse
For face sanding and planing small irregularities	medium

120
For finish and fine sanding of hard woods| fine| 180, 240

white: Paint

For the working of paint/enamel
coats or primers and fillers| 40 – 320
---|---
For sanding off paint| coarse| 40, 60
For sanding primer| medium| 80, 100,
120
For final sanding of primers before coating| fine| 180, 240,
320

Replacing the Sanding Plate (see figure G)

The sanding plate 6 can be replaced, if required.

Unscrew the 4 screws 14 completely and remove the sanding plate 6. Attach the new sanding plate 6 and tighten the screws again.

Operation

Starting Operation

Observe correct mains voltage! The voltage of the power source must agree with the voltage specified on the nameplate of the machine. Power tools marked with 230 V can also be operated with 220 V.

Switching On and Off

To start the machine, press the On/Off switch 1 and keep it pressed.

To lock the pressed On/Off switch 1, press the lock-on button 2.

To switch off the machine, release the On/Off switch 1 or when it is locked with the lock-on button 2, briefly press the On/Off switch 1 and then release it.

To save energy, only switch the power tool on when using it.

Working Advice

Wait until the machine has come to a standstill before placing it down.
Before any work on the machine itself, pull the mains plug.

The removal capacity during sanding is mainly determined by the selection of the sanding sheet.

Only flawless sanding sheets achieve good sanding capacity and extend the service life of the machine.

Pay attention to apply uniform sanding pressure; this increases the working life of the sanding sheets.

Intensifiying the sanding pressure does not lead to an increase of the sanding capacity, but to increased wear of the machine and the sanding sheet.

A sanding sheet that has been used for metal should not be used for other materials.

Use only original Bosch sanding accessories.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning

Before any work on the machine itself, pull the mains plug.
For safe and proper working, always keep the machine and ventilation slots clean.

If the replacement of the supply cord is necessary, this has to be done by Bosch or an authorized Bosch service agent in order to avoid a safety hazard.

After-sales Service and Application Service

In all correspondence and spare parts order, please always include the 10-digit article number given on the type plate of the machine.

Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. Exploded views and information on spare parts can also be found under:
www.bosch-pt.com

Bosch’s application service team will gladly answer questions concerning our products and their accessories.

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

Ireland

Origo Ltd.
Unit 23 Magna Drive
Magna Business Park
City West
Dublin 24
Tel. Service: (01) 4666700
Fax: (01) 4666888

Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands

Robert Bosch Australia Pty. Ltd.
Power Tools
Locked Bag 66
Clayton South VIC 3169
Customer Contact Center
Inside Australia:
Phone: (01300) 307044
Fax: (01300) 307045
Inside New Zealand:
Phone: (0800) 543353
Fax: (0800) 428570
Outside AU and NZ:
Phone: +61 3 95415555
www.bosch.com.au

Republic of South Africa Customer service
Hotline: (011) 6519600

Gauteng – BSC Service Centre

35 Roper Street, New Centre
Johannesburg
Tel.: (011) 4939375
Fax: (011) 4930126
E-Mail: bsctools@icon.co.za

KZN – BSC Service Centre

Unit E, Almar Centre
143 Crompton Street
Pinetown
Tel.: (031) 7012120
Fax: (031) 7012446
E-Mail: bsc.dur@za.bosch.com

Western Cape – BSC Service Centre

Democracy Way, Prosperity Park
Milnerton
Tel.: (021) 5512577
Fax: (021) 5513223
E-Mail: bsc@zsd.co.za

Bosch Headquarters

Midrand, Gauteng
Tel.: (011) 6519600
Fax: (011) 6519880
E-Mail: rbsa-hq.pts@za.bosch.com

Disposal

The machine, accessories and packaging should be sorted for environmental- friendly recycling.

Only for EC countries:

According to the European Directive 2012/19/EU for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its implementation into national right, power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.

Subject to change without notice.

Documents / Resources

| BOSCH GSS 23 A Professional Orbital Sander [pdf] Instruction Manual
GSS 23 A, GSS 23 A Professional Orbital Sander, Professional Orbital Sander, Orbital Sander
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