3-INCH MULTIPURPOSE

BENCH GRINDER
Model 43533
Set up And Operating Instructions

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Read this material before using this product.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
Save this manual.
Copyright© 2000 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any
artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written
consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described
herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Manual Revised 10c
 3. Keep work area clean. Cluttered
Specifications
areas invite injuries.
Motor 120 V~, 60 Hz, 1.3 A
4. Keep children away. Children must
No Load RPM 0 to 10,000 RPM
Grinding Wheels 1- 3 x 3/4 inch Grinding Stone
never be allowed in the work area.
1- 3 x 3/4 inch Fiber Wheel Do not let them handle machines,
Arbor 10 mm tools, or extension cords.
Flex Shaft 31 inches long
Flex Shaft Collet 1/8 inch diameter 5. Store idle equipment. When not
Flex Shaft Bit 1/8 inch mounting stone in use, tools must be stored in a dry
Features Variable Speed Dial location to inhibit rust. Always lock
Flex shaft wrench set up tools and keep out of reach of
children.
Note: Performance of this tool may vary
depending on variations in local line 6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose
voltage. Extension cord usage may clothing or jewelry as they can be
also affect tool performance. caught in moving parts. Protective,
electrically nonconductive clothes and
Save This Manual nonskid footwear are recommended
when working. Wear restrictive hair
You will need the manual for the covering to contain long hair. Wear
safety warnings and precautions, assem- an ANSI approved dust mask or
bly instructions, operating and mainte- respirator.
nance procedures, parts list and diagram.
Keep your invoice with this manual. Write 7. Use eye protection. Always wear
the invoice number on the inside of the ANSI approved impact safety
front cover. Keep the manual and invoice goggles.
in a safe and dry place for future refer- 8. Do not overreach. Keep proper foot-
ence. ing and balance at all times. Do not
reach over or across electrical cables
Safety Warnings and or frames.
Precautions 9. Maintain tools with care. Inspect
grinding wheels for cracks, and tool
WARNING: When using tool, basic safety cords periodically and, if damaged,
precautions should always be fol- have them repaired by an authorized
lowed to reduce the risk of personal technician.
injury and damage to equipment.
10. Use the right tool for the job. Do
Read all instructions before using this not attempt to force a small tool or
product! attachment to do the work of a larger
1. Avoid working alone. If an accident industrial tool. There are certain ap-
happens, an assistant can bring help. plications for which this tool was
designed. Do not modify this tool and
2. Disconnect power. Unplug tool when do not use this tool for a purpose for
not in use, before servicing and when which it was not intended.
changing accessories such as grind-
ing wheels. Never walk away and 11. Stay alert. Watch what you are do-
leave the tool running. ing, use common sense. Do not oper-
ate any tool when you are tired.
REV 08j, 09e, 10a
SKU 43533 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 2
12. Check for damaged parts. Before chromium arsenate (CCA) which
using any tool, any part that appears can be toxic. When cutting these
damaged should be carefully checked materials extra care should be taken
to determine that it will operate prop- to avoid inhalation and minimize skin
erly and perform its intended function. contact.
Check for alignment and binding of
moving parts; any broken parts or 17. Maintenance. Service/maintenance
mounting fixtures; and any other con- should be done by a qualified techni-
dition that may affect proper opera- cian.
tion. Any part that is damaged should 18. People with pacemakers should
be properly repaired or replaced by a consult their physician(s) before
qualified technician. Do not use the use. Electromagnetic fields in close
tool if any switch does not turn On proximity to heart pacemaker could
and Off properly. cause pacemaker interference or
13. Replacement parts and accesso- pacemaker failure.
ries. When servicing, use only identi- 19. When grinding any metals, the grinder
cal replacement parts. Use of any can produce sparks which may land
other parts will void the warranty. Only on your clothing, or hit your face.
use accessories intended for use with You should use a full face mask and
this tool. Approved accessories are appropriate protective clothing. Also
available from Harbor Freight Tools. ensure that you are not operating the
14. Do not operate tool if under the grinder around flammable materials or
influence of alcohol or drugs. Read liquids. Always make sure the safety
warning labels on prescriptions to shields and wheel guards are in place
determine if your judgment or reflexes at all times.
are impaired while taking drugs. If 20. Make sure grinding wheels are of
there is any doubt, do not operate the proper speed (RPM) rating for grinder.
tool.
21. Frequently quench the workpiece
15. Use proper size and type extension in water to prevent overheating; be
cord. If an extension cord is required, careful not to get water on the bench
it must be of the proper size and type grinder.
to supply the correct current to the
tool without heating up. Otherwise, 22. Use the tool rest to steady the work
the extension cord could melt and piece. If the tool rest is not used, the
catch fire, or cause electrical damage torque of the spinning grinding wheel
to the tool. This tool requires use of may pull the workpiece from your
an extension cord of 0 to 10 amps hands.
capability (up to 50 feet), with wire 23. Do not use aluminum oxide wheels
size rated at 18 AWG. Longer exten- when grinding nonferrous metals such
sion cords require larger size wire. If as aluminum and brass. Use silicon
you are using the tool outdoors, use carbide wheels for nonferrous metals.
an extension cord rated for outdoor
use (signified by “WA” on the jacket). 24. When buffing material, hold material
on lower side of buffing wheel. Keep
16. Take caution as some woods con- fingers clear of grinding wheel and
tain preservatives such as copper tool rest.
SKU 43533 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3
25. WARNING: Some dust created by
Unpacking
power sanding, sawing, grinding, drill-
ing, and other construction activities, When unpacking, check to make sure
contains chemicals known [to the the following parts are included.
State of California] to cause cancer, 1) 3-inch Bench Grinder
birth defects or other reproductive 2) 31-inch Flex Shaft
harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are: 3) Wrench
• Lead from lead-based paints 4) 3-inch Grinder Stone
• Crystalline silica from bricks and ce- 5) 3-inch Fiber Wheel
ment or other masonry products
6) 1/8 inch Mounting Stone Bit
• Arsenic and chromium from chemi-
cally treated lumber If any parts are missing or broken, please
Your risk from these exposures var- call Harbor Freight Tools at the number on
ies, depending on how often you do the cover of this manual.
this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in
a well ventilated area, and work with
approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially
designed to filter out microscopic
particles.
(California Health & Safety Code §
25249.5, et seq.)
26. WARNING: Handling the cord on
this product will expose you to lead,
a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
(California Health & Safety Code §
25249.5, et seq.)
27. The warnings, cautions, and instruc-
tions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible con-
ditions and situations that may occur.
It must be understood by the operator
that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this
product, but must be supplied by the
operator.

REV 07g;08j
SKU 43533 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 4
 Operation Grinding with the Grinding
Wheel
Turning the Bench Grinder ON
WARNING: The grinding wheel can fly
and OFF apart and cause injury.
Grinding wheels must always be
checked for cracks or imperfections.
This is done with the “ring test”. Tap
the wheel gently near the outer rim
with the handle of a screwdriver. You
should hear a clear bell-like ring. If
a dull thud occurs, do not use the
wheel. The wheel may be damaged
Speed Control and and could come apart during opera-
On/Off Knob (31) tion.

1. Insert the Plug (36) into an electrical 1. Bring the workpiece into the wheel
outlet. gently, without jarring.

2. Turn the speed control Knob (31) 2. When grinding high speed steels
clockwise to turn the motor ON and such as drill and tool bits, avoid high
adjust its speed. temperature buildup as this can affect
the temper of the steel.
3. To turn OFF, turn the Knob counter-
clockwise until it clicks. 3. For small workpieces such as drill
bits or chisels, avoid applying pres-
4. Do not leave the bench grinder run- sure to the wheel at a high angle that
ning unattended. Turn off the tool could cause the workpiece to become
when not in use. lodged between the tool rest and the
wheel.

SKU 43533 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5

 Grinding with the Flex Shaft Maintenance
Dressing the Grinding Wheel
Wheel Cover (14)
Note: New wheels frequently are not
true and during operation will often
become grooved, glazed (build up),
out of round, or misshapen. You will
(37) need a grinding wheel dresser for
this operation. Dressers are available
from Harbor Freight Tools.
1. Stand to the side of the wheel for this
operation.
Flex Shaft (32)

1. Secure the Flex Shaft (32) to the 2. If the wheel is new let it run for a
Wheel Cover (14). Align and insert minute with no load. If the wheel
the shaft. It can only go in one way. runs straight and true, you will not
need to dress it prior to operation. If
2. Tighten the Flex Shaft Connector Nut it does not, proceed with the following
(37) over the Wheel Cover. instructions.
3. Slip off the Chuck Cover (49). 3. If you are using a “pistol grip” dresser,
grip the handle firmly with one hand
4. Loosen the Fixing Nut (47) with the and the arm of the dresser with the
Wrench (50). other. Allow the wheel to reach full
5. Insert the Mounted Stone Bit (48) into speed. Use the tool rest to support
the Chuck (46) and tighten Fixing Nut. your hand and the dresser, and even-
ly apply the dresser to all surfaces of
6. Slip the Chuck Cover (49) over the the wheel. The wheel can be dressed
Chuck assembly. in a few minutes.
7. Grasp the Flex Shaft handle with one 4. If you are using an “inline” dresser,
hand, and turn the Grinder ON with hold the handle firmly, put the dresser
the other hand. on the tool rest so that its wheels can
CAUTION: Wear ANSI-approved safety move freely (i.e., the exposed part of
glasses when grinding. the wheel should be facing up). Let
the wheel reach full speed and apply
8. When finished, turn the Grinder OFF the dresser evenly to all surfaces.
and wait for it to stop before setting
down the Flex Shaft.
Mounted Stone Bit (48)

Chuck Cover (49) Flex Shaft (32)

Chuck (46)
Wrench (50)
Fixing Nut (47)

SKU 43533 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 6

 PARTS LIST
Part Description Q’ty Part Description Q’ty Part Description Q’ty
1 Left-handed Nut 1 18 Clamp 1 35 Spring 1
2 Polishing Wheel 1 19 Stator 1 36 Plug 1
3 Wheel Pushing Ring 4 20 Clamp 2 37 Shaft Connector Nut 1
4 Washer 2 21 Wire Cover 2 38 Tool Rest 1
5 Bearing 1 22 Brush Holder 1 39 Flex Shaft Hose 1
6 Snap Ring 2 23 Wire Cover 2 40 Spring 1
7 Rotor 1 24 Brush Screw 2 41 Chuck Cover 1
8 Armature 1 25 Brush Spring 2 42 Bearing 1
9 Fan 1 26 Brush 2 43 Washer 1
10 Bearing 1 27 Motor Housing 1 44 Bearing 1
11 Sanding Wheel 1 28 Wheel Cover 1 45 Spindle 1
12 Right Nut 1 29 Circuit Board 1 46 Chuck 1
13 Shaft Mounting Nut 1 30 Base Holder 1 47 Fixing Nut 1
14 Wheel Cover 1 31 Knob 1 48 Mounted Stone Bit 1
15 Nut 6 32 Flex Shaft 1 49 Chuck Cover 1
16 Bolt 2 33 Adaptor 1 50 Wrench 1
17 Wheel Cover 1 34 Cord 1 51 Plastic Safety Lens 1

Assembly Drawing
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

18
17 16 15 14
21 20 19
28 27 26 25 24 23 22

29 38 39
31 32 33 34 35 36 37

30 41 40
48 47 46 45 44 43 42
49

51

REV 10c
SKU 43533 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7
 PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
The manufacturer and/or distributor has provided the parts list
and assembly diagram in this manual as a reference tool only. Nei-
ther the manufacturer or distributor makes any representation
or warranty of any kind to the buyer that he or she is qualified
to make any repairs to the product, or that he or she is qualified
to replace any parts of the product. In fact, the manufacturer
and/or distributor expressly states that all repairs and parts
replacements should be undertaken by certified and licensed
technicians, and not by the buyer. The buyer assumes all risk and
liability arising out of his or her repairs to the original product
or replacement parts thereto, or arising out of his or her instal-
lation of replacement parts thereto.

Record Product’s Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not avail-
able individually as replacement parts.

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet
high quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this
product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days
from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or
indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside
our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of
maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property,
or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of
our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or con-
sequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. This
warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties, express or
implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us
with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the
complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we
will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the
purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that
the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must
bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353
REV 08j
SKU 43533 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 8