BOSCH GSS 18V-13 Orbital Sander Instruction Manual

: October 30, 2023
: Bosch

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions
Product Description and Specifications
- Technical Data
Rechargeable Battery
Assembly
Operation
- Application Overview
Maintenance and Service
- Maintenance and Cleaning
Disposal
Parts And Accessories Installation
EU Declaration of Conformity
References
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BOSCH GSS 18V-13 Orbital Sander

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 (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 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 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 a 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 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 extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce 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 injury 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 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 remove 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 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.
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 behaviour 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 workpiece 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.
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, vapours 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 vapours may irritate the respiratory system. u 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 in the manufacturer’s products. 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, filler and coated surfaces.

Product Features

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

On/off switch
Complete dust bag
Rechargeable battery release button
Rechargeable battery)
Orbital stroke rate preselection thumbwheel
Button for rechargeable battery charge indicator
Battery charge indicator
Pivoting feet
Recess for pivoting feet
Square base plate with clamp fastening
Square foam pad with hook-and-loop fastening
Screws for base plate (x4)
Rectangular base plate with hook-and-loop fastening
Rectangular foam pad
Triangular base plate with hook-and-loop fastening
Triangular foam pad
Handle (insulated gripping surface)
Sanding sheet with hook-and-loop fastening
Front clamping bracket
Sanding sheet clamps (x2)
Rear clamping bracket
Extraction outlet
Dust bag
Adapter for dust bag
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.

Technical Data

Orbital sander		GSS 18V-13
Article number		3 601 JL0 1..
Rated voltage	V=	18
No-load speed)	min–1	6000–10,000
No-load orbital stroke rate)	min–1	12,000–20,000
Orbit diameter	mm	1.6
Sanding plate dimensions
– Square	mm	100 x 110
– Rectangular	mm	80 x 130
– Triangular (sanding sheet length from corner to corner)	mm	100 x 150
Weight according to EPTA- Procedure 01:2014B)	kg	1.5 kg (1.5 Ah)–2.6 kg

A) Measured at 20–25 °C with rechargeable battery GBA 18V 4.0Ah.
B) Depends on battery in use
C) 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 70.0 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 = 3.4 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 organising workflows correctly.

Rechargeable Battery

Charging 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 : Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are supplied partially charged according to international transport regulations. To ensure full rechargeable battery capacity, fully charge the rechargeable battery before using your tool for the first time.

Inserting the Battery
Push the charged battery into the battery holder until it clicks into place

Removing the Battery
To remove the rechargeable battery, press the battery release button and pull the battery out. Do not use force to do this.
The rechargeable battery has two locking levels to prevent the battery from falling out if the battery release button is pressed unintentionally. The rechargeable battery is held in place by a spring when fitted in the power tool.

Battery charge indicator
The green LEDs on the battery charge indicator indicate the state of charge of the battery. For safety reasons, it is only possible to check the state of charge when the power tool is not in operation.
Press the button for the battery charge indicator or to show the state of charge. This is also possible when the battery is removed. If no LED lights up after pressing the button for the battery charge indicator, then the battery is defective and must be replaced.

Battery model GBA 18V…

LED	Capacity
3× continuous green light	60–100 %
2× continuous green light	30–60 %
1× continuous green light	5–30 %
1× flashing green light	0–5 %

Battery model ProCORE18V…

LED	Capacity
5 × continuous green light	80–100 %
4 × continuous green light	60–80 %
3 × continuous green light	40–60 %
2 × continuous green light	20–40 %
1 × continuous green light	5–20 %
1 × flashing green light	0–5 %

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.

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 removed for transport and storage. There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.

Changing/fitting base plate and foam pad (see figures A1− A2)
Unscrew the 4 screws (12) completely.
Pull the base plate away from the four pivoting feet (8).
Place the replacement pad on the four pivoting feet (8) and push the pivoting feet into the recess (9).
Position the foam pad.
Secure both parts of the pad (base plate and foam pad) in place with the screws (12).
Do not remove any hard components when changing the foam pad.

Changing the sanding sheet
Remove dirt and dust from the sanding plate , 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 with hook-and-loop backing (see figure B)
If the sanding plate is fitted with a hook-and-loop fastening, sanding sheets with a hook-and-loop backing can be secured quickly and easily.
Tap the hook-and-loop fastening of the sanding plate before fitting the sanding sheet (18) to facilitate maximum adhesion.
Position the sanding sheet (18) so that it is flush with one side of the sanding plate , then place the sanding sheet on the sanding plate and press it on firmly.
To remove the sanding sheet (18), take hold of it by a corner and pull it away from the sanding plate .

Sanding sheets without hook-and-loop backing (see figures C–E)

❶ Unlock both sanding-sheet clamps (20) and swivel them downwards.
❷ Insert the sanding sheet (18) under the rear clamping bracket (21). Ensure that the sanding sheet (18) is not too short and that it is correctly clamped. Swivel the sanding-sheet clamp (20) back into the starting position and lock it in place.
❸ Position the sanding paper so that it fits tightly around the sanding plate . Clamp the front part of the sanding sheet under the front clamping bracket (19). Ensure that the sanding sheet (18) is not too short and that it is correctly clamped. Swivel the sanding-sheet clamp (20) 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 (26) 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 J).

To remove the sanding sheet (18), unlock both sanding sheet clamps (20) and pull the sanding sheet out of its bracket.

Dust/Chip Extraction

The dust from materials such as lead paint, certain types of wood and minerals 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 containing 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 bag (see figures F–H)
Place and move the complete dust bag (2) onto the extraction outlet (22) until it lines up precisely with the power tool.
To empty the dust bag(23), pull the complete dust bag (2) away from the extraction outlet (22). Unscrew the adapter (24) from the dust bag (23) and empty the dust bag.
Note: Empty the dust bag (23) in good time to ensure optimum dust extraction.
When working vertical surfaces, hold the power tool in such a manner that the dust bag (2) faces downward.

External dust extraction (see figure I)
Fit a dust extraction hose (25) onto the extraction outlet (22).
Connect the dust extraction hose (25) to an extractor. You will find an overview of connecting to various dust extractors at the end of these operating instructions.
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.
When working on vertical surfaces, hold the power tool with the dust extraction hose facing downwards.

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, press the on/off switch (1).
To switch off the power tool, press the on/off switch (1) again

Preselecting the orbital stroke rate
You can even preselect the orbital stroke rate during operation using the necessary orbital stroke rate preselection thumbwheel (5).

1–2 Low orbital stroke rate
3–4 Medium orbital stroke rate
5–6 High orbital stroke rate

The required orbital stroke rate is dependent on the material and the work conditions and can be determined using practical tests.
The Constant Electronic keeps the orbital stroke rate at no load and under load virtually consistent, guaranteeing uniform performance. After working at a low orbital stoke rate for an extended period, you should operate the power tool at the maximum orbital stroke rate for approximately three minutes without load to cool it down.

Temperature-dependent overload protection
In normal conditions of use, the power tool cannot be overloaded. 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.

Application Overview

Range of applications| Application| Abrasive| Speed setting
---|---|---|---
Sanding plate
80 x 130 mm|

Sanding surfaces and corner spaces
Sanding rebates in windows and doors
Sanding old paint and varnish
Sanding wood
Sanding solid wood edges and veneer edges

Sanding surfaces and corner spaces
Sanding rebates in windows and doors
Sanding old paint and varnish
Sanding wood

Sanding slats
Sanding rebates and profiles
Removal from surfaces with angles, corners
and edges
Sanding old paint and varnish
Sanding wood

| Coarse sanding| P40–P180| 4–6
Fine sanding| P220–P400| 1–3

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 removed 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 and the sanding finish are primarily determined by the choice of sanding sheet and the contact pressure. Only immaculate sanding sheets achieve good sanding performance and make the power tool last longer. 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.
Be sure to apply consistent contact pressure in order to increase the lifetime of the sanding sheets. To sand corners, edges and hard-to-reach areas accurately, you can also work with the tips alone or with an edge of the sanding plate.
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.

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 removed 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 recommended lithium-ion batteries are subject to legislation on the transport of dangerous goods. The user can transport the batteries by road without further requirements.
When shipping by third parties (e.g.: by air transport or forwarding agency), special requirements on packaging and labelling 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 undamaged. 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 detailed 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/rechargeable batteries into household waste!

Only for EU countries:
According to the Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment and its transposition into national law, power tools that are no longer usable, and, according to the Directive 2006/66/EC, defective or drained batteries must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct 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) and the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/890) (as amended), products that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Battery packs/batteries:
Li-ion :
Please observe the notes in the section on transport (see “Transport”

Parts And Accessories Installation

EU Declaration of Conformity

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: *

2006/42/EC
2014/30/EU
2011/65/EU

EN 62841-1:2015
EN 62841-2-4:2014
EN 55014-1:2017+A11:2020
EN 55014-2:2015
EN IEC 63000:2018

Henk Becker
Chairman of
Executive Management

Helmut Heinzelmann
Head of Product Certification

Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, GERMANY Stuttgart, 30.04.2021

We declare under our sole responsibility that the stated products comply with all applicable provisions of the regulations listed below and are in conformity with the following standards.
Technical file at: Robert Bosch Ltd. (PT/SOP-GB), Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom

The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012
EN 62841-1:2015
EN 62841-2-4:2014
EN 55014-1:2017+A11:2020
EN 55014-2:2015
EN IEC 63000:2018

Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, Germany represented (in terms of the above regulations) by Robert Bosch Limited, Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom

Vonjy Rajakoba
Managing Director – Bosch UK

Martin Sibley
Head of Sales Operations and Aftersales

Robert Bosch Ltd. Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom, as authorised representative acting on behalf of Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, Germany