BOSCH GSS 23A Professional Instruction Manual

: June 14, 2024
: Bosch

Table of Contents

GSS 23A Professional
Safety Instructions
Product Description and Specifications
Noise/Vibration Information
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance and Service
References
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Download This Manual (PDF format)

GSS 23A Professional

GSS 23 A Professional
Original instructions

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 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 apower 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.

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

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.
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 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.

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 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.

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.

On/off switch
Lock-on button for on/off switch
Complete dust box (Microfilter system)
Rear clamping bracket
Unlocking lever for rear clamping bracket
Sanding plate
Sanding sheet
Release button for front clamping bracket
Front clamping bracket
Extraction outlet
Filter element (Microfilter system)
Dust extraction hose a)
Punch
Screws for sanding plate
a) 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 23 A
Article number		3 601 K70 4..
Rated power input	W	190
No-load speed	min-1	12,000
No-load orbital stroke rate	min-1	24,000
Orbit diameter	mm	2
Sanding sheet dimensions
– Clamping tension	mm	93 x 230
Sanding plate dimensions	mm	92 x 182

Weight according to
EPTA-Procedure 01:2014| kg| 1.7
Protection class| | Icon / II

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 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 62841-2-4: ah = 5.5 m/s2, K = 1.5 m/s 2 ,
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 accessories 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 accessories, keeping their hands warm, and organising workflows correctly.

Assembly

Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.
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 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 box (see figures A1–A4)
Place the dust box (3) onto the extraction outlet (10) until it clicks into place.
To empty the dust box (3), pull the dust box downwards.
Before opening the dust box (3), 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 (3) by the recessed grip, fold the filter element (11) upwards out of the way and empty the dust box. Use a soft brush to clean the flaps of the filter element (11).
External dust extraction (see figure B)
Fit a dust extraction hose (12) onto the extraction outlet (10).
Connect the dust extraction hose (12) 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.
In Germany, wood dust extraction requires extraction devices which have been tested on the basis of TRGS 553; self-generated dust extraction must not be used in the commercial sector. Commercial operators must clarify the specific requirements for other materials with the responsible trade association.
Changing the sanding sheet
Remove dirt and dust from the sanding plate (6), 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 C–E)

Press and hold down the release button (8).
Guide the sanding sheet (7) underneath the open front clamping bracket (9) to the stop and let go of the release button (8) again. Make sure that the sanding sheet is clamped in the centre.
Press and hold the unlocking lever (5).
Position the sanding sheet (7) so that it fits tightly around the sanding plate. Guide the other end of the sanding sheet (7) underneath the open rear clamping bracket (4).
Hold on to the sanding sheet so that it is tensioned, then let go of the unlocking lever (5) again to lock in the sanding sheet.

Unperforated sanding sheets, e.g. from rolls or bulk stock sold by the metre, can be perforated using the punch (13) 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 F).
To remove the sanding sheet (7), press the unlocking lever (5) and pull the sanding sheet out of the rear bracket. Press the release button (8) and completely remove the sanding sheet.
Selecting a sanding sheet
Different sanding sheets are available, depending on the material you are working with and the required surface removal rate:

| Grit
---|---
| 40–240
For processing all wood and wood-based materials
For pre-sanding, e.g. of rough and uneven beams and boards| Coarse| 40, 60
For surface sanding and levelling of slight irregularities| Medium| 80, 100, 120
For finish-sanding and fine sanding of hardwoods| Fine| 180, 240
| 40–320
For processing paint and lacquer layers or primers such as fillers and bodyfillers
For sanding down paint| Coarse| 40, 60
For sanding undercoats| Medium| 80, 100, 120
For final sanding of primers prior to painting| Fine| 180, 240, 320

Changing the sanding plate (see figure G)
If necessary, the sanding plate (6) can be replaced.
Unscrew the four screws (14) completely and remove the sanding plate (6). Fit the new sanding plate (6) and retighten the screws.

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.

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 and hold the on/off switch (1).
To lock the on/off switch (1) press and hold it while also pushing the lock-on button (2).
To switch off the power tool, release the on/off switch (1).
If the on/off switch (1) is locked, press the switch first and then release it.
Practical 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.

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 increase 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.

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 centre that is authorised to repair Bosch power tools.
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 arts. 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
Disposal
The power tool, accessories and packaging should be recycled 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 environmentally 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. 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 23 A| 3 601 K70 400| 2006/42/EC
2014/30/EU
2011/65/EU| EN 62841-1:2015
EN 62841-2-4:2014
EN IEC 55014-1:2021
EN IEC 55014-2:2021
EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A1:2021
EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019+A2:2021
EN IEC 63000:2018
---|---|---|---
| * Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH (PT/ECS)
70538 Stuttgart
GERMANY
Henk Becker
Chairman of
Executive Management| Helmut Heinzelmann
Head of Product Certification
|
Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, GERMANY Stuttgart, 05.05.2023