BOSCH GSS 18V-10 Cordless Orbital Sander Instruction Manual

: October 30, 2023
: Bosch

Table of Contents

BOSCH GSS 18V-10 Cordless Orbital Sander
Product Information
Technical Specifications
Product Usage Instructions
Safety instructions
Product Description and Specifications
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance and Service
EU Declaration of Conformity
References
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BOSCH GSS 18V-10 Cordless Orbital Sander

Product Information

The GSS 18V-10 Professional is a cordless orbital sander manufactured by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH. The product is designed to provide a smooth sanding experience with high efficiency and performance. The product comes with a microfilter system, which keeps the working environment clean. The product also comes with various accessories like a filter element, an absaugadapter, an absaugschlauch, and a lochwerkzeug. The product is compatible with various Bosch batteries like GBA 18V, ProCORE18V, GAL 18, GAX 18, and GAL 36.

Technical Specifications

Nominal Voltage: 18V
Idle Speed: 11,000 min-1
Idle Orbital Stroke Rate: 22,000 min-1
Sanding Surface: 114.7 cm2
Orbital Diameter: 1.6 mm
Dimensions (W x L x H): 199.5 x 113 x 141 mm
Weight: 1.4/1.7 kg (EPTA-Procedure 01:2014B)
Recommended Ambient Temperature for Charging: 0…+35 °C

Product Usage Instructions

Please follow the below instructions for safe and efficient usage of the GSS 18V-10 Professional:

Safety Instructions:

Keep your working area clean and well-lit.
Ensure the power tool’s connection plug is correctly inserted into the power source.
Use a residual current device if required to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Do not expose the power tool to rain or wet conditions. Keep the power tool dry at all times.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces like pipes, radiators, stoves, and refrigerators.
Do not use the power tool near flammable liquids or gases.
Wear appropriate protective gear like gloves, eye protection, and ear protection.

Usage and Handling of Power Tool:

Do not touch the sanding pad or the workpiece immediately after use as it may be hot.
Do not apply excessive force on the sander while working.
Use the product only for its intended purpose.
Do not use the power tool in explosive environments.

Usage and Handling of Battery:

Use only Bosch batteries that are compatible with the product.
Do not short-circuit the battery contacts as it may cause burns or fire.

Service:

Only qualified personnel should repair the power tool with original spare parts to ensure safety.
Wait for the power tool to stop before putting it down after use.

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 in- structions 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) 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 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 jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry 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.

Battery tool use and care

Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.
Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

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.
Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

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 collector 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 combust under certain conditions, for example if flying sparks are created when sanding metals. 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.
Clean the air vents on your power tool regularly. The motor’s fan will draw the dust inside the housing and excessive accumulation of powdered metal may cause electrical hazards.
Secure the workpiece. A workpiece clamped with clamping devices or in a vice is held more secure than by hand.
Always wait until the power tool has come to a complete stop before placing it down.
In case of damage and improper use of the battery, vapors may be emitted. The battery can set alight or explode. Ensure the area is well ventilated and seek medical
attention should you experience any adverse effects. The vapors may irritate the respiratory system.
Do not open the battery. There is a risk of short-circuiting.
The battery can be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force applied externally. An internal short circuit may occur, causing the battery to burn, smoke, explode or overheat.
Only use the battery with products from the manufacturer. This is the only way in which you can protect the battery against dangerous overload.
Protect the battery against heat, e.g. against continuous intense sunlight, fire, dirt, water and moisture. There is a risk of explosion and short-circuiting.

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 operating manual.

Intended Use
The power tool is intended for dry sanding of wood, plastic, metal, filler and varnished surfaces.

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

Complete dust box (Microfilter system)
Rear clamping bracket
Sanding plate
Sanding-sheet clamps (x 2)
Square base plate
Sanding sheet
Front clamping bracket
On/off switch
Button for charge indicator
Battery charge indicator
Battery
Battery release button
Handle (insulated gripping surface)
Screws for base plate (x 4)
Extraction outlet
Filter element (Microfilter system)
Dust extraction adapter
Dust extraction hose
Punch

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

Measured at 20−25 °C with rechargeable battery GBA 18V 4.0Ah.
Depends on battery in use
Limited performance at temperatures <0 °C

Noise/Vibration Information
Noise emission values determined according to EN 62841-2-4.
Typically, the A-weighted sound pressure level of the power tool is 76 dB(A). Uncertainty K = 3 dB. The noise level when working can exceed the volume stated. Wear hearing protection!
Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 62841-2-4:
ah = 7.5 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 standardized measuring procedure and may be used to com-pare 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

Remove the battery from the power tool before carrying out work on the power tool (e.g. maintenance, changing tool, etc.). The battery should also be re-moved for transport and storage. There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.

Charge the battery

Use only the chargers listed in the technical data. Only these chargers are matched to the lithium-ion battery of your power tool.

Note: The battery is supplied partially charged. To ensure full battery capacity, fully charge the battery in the charger before using your power tool for the first time.
The lithium-ion battery can be charged at any time without reducing its service life. Interrupting the charging process does not damage the battery.
The lithium-ion battery is protected against deep discharge by the “Electronic Cell Protection (ECP)”. When the battery is discharged, the power tool is switched off by means of a protective circuit: The application tool no longer rotates.

Do not continue to press the On/Off switch after the power tool has automatically switched off. The battery can be damaged.

To remove the battery (11), press the release button (12) and pull the battery sideways out of the power tool. Do not use force to do this.
Follow the instructions on correct disposal.

Fitting the base plate (see figure A)
Unscrew the four screws (14) completely. Fit a suitable base plate and retighten the screws.

Changing the sanding plate (see figure A)
If necessary, the sanding plate (3) can be replaced. Unscrew the four screws (14) completely and remove the sanding plate (3). Fit the new sanding plate (3) and retighten the screws.

Changing the sanding sheet
Remove dirt and dust from the sanding plate (3), e.g. with a brush, before attaching a new sanding sheet.
To ensure optimum dust extraction, make sure that the punched holes in the sanding sheet are aligned with the drilled holes in the sanding plate.

Sanding sheets without hook-and-loop backing (see figures B–D)

Unlock both sanding-sheet clamps (4) and swivel them downwards.
Insert the sanding sheet (6) under the rear clamping bracket (2). Ensure that the sanding sheet (6) is not too short and that it is correctly clamped. Swivel the sanding-sheet clamp (4) back into the starting position and lock it in place.
Position the sanding paper so that it fits tightly around the sanding plate (3). Clamp the front part of the sanding sheet under the front clamping bracket (7). Ensure that the sanding sheet (6) is not too short and that it is correctly clamped. Swivel the sanding-sheet clamp (4) back into the starting position and lock it in place.

Unperforated sanding sheets, e.g. from rolls or bulk stock sold by the metre, can be perforated using the punch (19) for the purpose of dust extraction. To do this, fit the sanding sheet on the power tool and push the tool down onto the punch (see figure G).

To remove the sanding sheet (6), unlock both sanding-sheet clamps (4) and pull the sanding sheet out of its bracket.

Selecting a sanding sheet
Different sanding sheets are available, depending on the material you are working with and the required surface removal rate:

BOSCH-GSS-18V-10-Cordless-Orbital-13

For any finishing work, such as polishing (metal and stone in particular), use fleece/polishing felt.
Different types of fleece and polishing felts should be used depending on the surface finish required on the workpiece.

Dust/Chip Extraction
The dust from materials such as lead paint, some types of wood, minerals and metal can be harmful to human 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, such as oak or beech dust, are classified as carcinogenic, especially in conjunction with wood treatment additives (chromate, wood preservative). Materials contain-ing asbestos may only be machined by specialists.

Use a dust extraction system that is suitable for the material wherever possible.
Provide good ventilation at the workplace.
It is advisable to wear a P2 filter class breathing mask. The regulations on the material being machined that apply in the country of use must be observed.
Avoid dust accumulation at the workplace. Dust can easily ignite.

Self-generated dust extraction with dust box (see figures E1–E4)
Place the dust box (1) onto the extraction outlet (15) until it clicks into place.
To empty the dust box (1), pull the dust box downwards. Before opening the dust box (1), knock the dust box against a firm surface as shown in the figure to loosen the dust from the filter element.
Take hold of the dust box (1) by the recessed grip, fold the filter element (16) upwards out of the way and empty the dust box. Use a soft brush to clean the flaps of the filter element (16).

External dust extraction (see figure F)
Attach the dust extraction adapter (17) to the extraction outlet (15). Make sure that the locking levers of the extraction adapter lock into place. A dust extraction hose with a diameter of 19 mm can be connected to the dust extraction adapter (17).
You will find an overview of connecting to various dust ex-tractors at the end of these operating instructions.
To remove the dust extraction adapter (17), press the rear locking levers together and take off the extraction adapter. 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.

Operation

Starting Operation
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, tilt the on/off switch (8) to-ward the right to the “I” position.
To switch off the power tool, tilt the on/off switch (8) to-ward the left to the “O” position.

Battery charge indicator
The three green LEDs of the battery charge indicator (10) show the charging status of the battery (11). For safety reasons, it is only possible to check the charging status when the power tool is at a standstill.
Press the button (9) to display the charging status. This is also possible when the battery (11) is removed.

If no LED lights up after pressing the button (9), then the battery is defective and must be replaced.

Temperature-dependent overload protection
In normal conditions of use, the power tool cannot be over-loaded. If the power tool is overloaded or the permitted battery temperature is exceeded, the electronics of the power tool will switch off until the temperature returns to within the optimum operating temperature range.

Practical advice

Remove the battery from the power tool before carrying out work on the power tool (e.g. maintenance, changing tool, etc.). The battery should also be re-moved for transport and storage. There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.
Always wait until the power tool has come to a complete stop before placing it down.

The material removal rate when sanding is primarily determined by the choice of sanding sheet.
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.
Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery Protect the battery against moisture and water.
Only store the battery within a temperature range of −20 to 50 °C. Do not leave the battery in your car in the summer, for example.
Occasionally clean the ventilation slots on the battery using a soft brush that is clean and dry.
A significantly reduced operating time after charging indicates that the battery has deteriorated and must be replaced. Follow the instructions on correct disposal.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning

Remove the battery from the power tool before carrying out work on the power tool (e.g. maintenance, changing tool, etc.). The battery should also be re-moved for transport and storage. There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, always keep the power tool and the ventilation slots clean.

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.

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
You can find further service addresses at: www.bosch- pt.com/serviceaddresses

Transport
The contained lithium-ion batteries are subject to the Dangerous Goods Legislation requirements. The batteries are suitable for road-transport by the user without further restrictions.
When shipping by third parties (e.g.: by air transport or for-warding agency), special requirements on packaging and la-belling must be observed. For preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required.
Dispatch battery packs only when the housing is undam-aged. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging. Please also observe the possibility of more de-tailed national regulations.

Disposal
Power tools, rechargeable batteries, accessories and packaging should be sorted for environmental-friendly recycling. Do not dispose of power tools and batteries/re-chargeable batteries into household waste!

Only for EU countries:
According to the Directive 2012/19/EU, power tools that are no longer usable, and according to the Directive 2006/66/EC, defective or used battery packs/batteries, must be collected separately and disposed of in an environ- mentally correct manner.

BOSCH-GSS-18V-10-Cordless-Orbital-15 BOSCH-GSS-
18V-10-Cordless-Orbital-16 BOSCH-GSS-18V-10-Cordless-
Orbital-17

EU Declaration of Conformity

Orbital sander Article number
We declare under our sole responsibility that the stated products comply with all applicable provisions of the directives and regulations listed below and are in conformity with the following standards.
Technical file at: *
GSS 18V-10
3 601 JD0 2..
2006/42/EC EN 62841-1:2015
2014/30/EU EN 62841-2-4:2014
2011/65/EU EN 55014-1:2017+A11:2020
EN 55014-2:2015
EN IEC 63000:2018

* Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH
(PT/ECS)
70538 Stuttgart
GERMANY

Henk Becker Helmut Heinzelmann
Chairman of Head of Product Certification
Executive Management
Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, GERMANY Stuttgart, 09.10.2020