FLEX FX3411 24V Random Orbit Sander Instruction Manual

FLEX FX3411 24V Random Orbit Sander

• Model: FX3411
• www.Registermyflex.com
• 833-FLEX-496 (833-3539-496)

SAFETY SYMBOLS

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful attention and understanding. The symbol warnings do not, by themselves, eliminate any danger. The instructions and warnings they give are no substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.

WARNING Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this Owner’s Manual, including all safety alert symbols such as “DANGER,” “WARNING,” and “CAUTION” before using this tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.

The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual and pay attention to these symbols.

• This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
• DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in minor or moderate injury.

Damage Prevention and Information Messages
These inform the user of important information and/or instructions that could lead to equipment or other property damage if they are not followed. Each message is preceded by the word “NOTICE”, as in the example below:
NOTICE: Equipment and/or property damage may result if these instructions are not followed.

WARNING The operation of any power tools can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recommend a Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

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 the 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 that may ignite 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 the 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 increased 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 ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI 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 safely 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 a 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 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 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 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 the 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, 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 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 265°F (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 RANDOM ORBIT SANDER

• Harmful/toxic dusts will arise from sanding e.g. lead painted surfaces, woods and metals. Contact with or inhalation of these dusts can endanger the health of operator and bystanders. Always use eye glasses and dust mask.
• Hearing protection should be worn when using the sander.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when using the sander. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they are not safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• After long working periods external metal parts and accessories could be hot.
• If possible, ensure the workpiece is firmly clamped to prevent movement.
• Your sander is a hand-held tool, do not clamp your sander.
• Before sanding, check the workpiece is free of nails, screws, etc.
• Never stop the sander by applying force to the base plate.
• Only use the sanding pad in good condition. Do not use torn or worn sanding pads.
• Do not use sandpaper intended for larger sanding pads. Larger sandpaper will extend beyond the sanding pad causing snagging, tearing of the paper or kick-back. Extra paper extending beyond the sanding pad can also cause serious lacerations.
• Always wear eye protection and a dust mask for dusty applications and when sanding overhead. Sanding particles can be absorbed by your eyes and inhaled easily and may cause health complications.
• Do not sand material containing asbestos due to a health risk.
• Do not sand lead based paint due to the risk of lead poisoning.
• Do not eat or drink in the working area of the sander.
• Do not allow people to enter the working area without wearing a dust mask.
• Where possible, seal off the working area to contain the dust for later removal.
• Do not wet sand with this sander. Liquids entering the motor housing is an electrical shock hazard.
• Do not sand magnesium material due to the risk of fire.
• Your tool is equipped with a dust bag, empty it frequently, after completion of sanding and before storing the sander. Be extremely careful of dust disposal, materials in fine particle form may be explosive. Do not throw sanding dust on an open fire. Combustion from mixture of varnishes, lacquers, polyurethane, oil or water with dust particles can occur if there is a static discharge, spark introduced in the box, or excessive heat.

WARNING

• Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints
• Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products.
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
  • Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Work with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
• Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth or eyes or to lie on the skin may promote the absorption of harmful chemicals.

SYMBOLS

IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

SYMBOLS (CERTIFICATION INFORMATION)

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTIONS & SPECIFICATIONS

24V Random Orbit Sander

ASSEMBLY

WARNING Detach the battery pack from the tool before performing any assembly or adjustments, or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
WARNING Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories not recommended for use with this tool. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious injury.
TO ATTACH/DETACH BATTERY PACK
Be careful not to turn on the tool when attaching the battery pack. To attach the battery pack: Align the raised rib on the battery pack with the grooves in the tool, and then slide the battery pack onto the tool. NOTICE: When placing the battery pack onto the tool, be sure that the raised rib on the battery pack aligns with the groove inside the tool and that the latches snap into place properly. Improper attachment of the battery pack can cause damage to Internal components.
To detach the battery pack:
Depress the battery-release button located on the front of the battery pack to release the battery pack. Pull the battery pack out and remove it from the tool.
TO ATTACH/DETACH THE SANDING DISC
This sander features an easy hook and loop accessory fastening system for quick changing without clamps.

NOTICE: Ensure holes in the sanding disc line up with holes in the backing pad for making dust collection efficient.

To attach the sanding disc:

• Turn off the sander and remove the battery pack from it.
• Carefully center the sanding disc over the base. Line up the holes in sanding disc with the ones in the backing pad.
• Press the sanding disc firmly in place. To detach the sanding disc: Simply peel it off.

DUST BAG
Turn off the sander and remove the battery pack from it.
NOTE: The “ ” and “ ” icons on the collar of the dust bag, indicating the direction the dust bag collar should be turned to lock or unlock the dust bag respectively.
To attach the dust bag: Align the mark “ ” on the collar of the dust bag with the clip on the dust port, then push the collar onto the dust port and twist it towards the “ ”side or the right side of the sander until it stops .

To detach the dust bag: twist the dust bag collar towards the “ ” side or the left side of the sander and pull it away from the dust port  .

To clean and empty the dust bag: Before emptying the dust bag, loosen dust in the bag by gently tapping the bag against a solid surface. Then shake out the bag over a suitable waste bin. Knock excess dust out of the bag or remove dust with your fingers or a soft brush. Any dust remaining the dust bag will not affect sanding performance, but will reducev dust-collection efficiency.
USING VACUUM CLEANER
The random orbit sander can also work with FLEX vacuum cleaner model FX5221 to conduct dust extraction. Connect one end of the power-tool adapter (included with the vacuum cleaner) to the nozzle pipe of the vacuum cleaner, and the other end into the dust port of the sander. Make sure the sander and the cleaner are firmly connected.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, personal injury, and product damage due to a short circuit, never immerse your tool, battery pack or charger in fluid or allow a fluid to flow inside them. Corrosive or conductive fluids, such as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach or bleach- containing products, etc. can cause a short circuit.
WARNING If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.
This Random Orbit Sander must be used only with the battery packs and chargers listed below:
NOTICE: Please refer to the battery pack and charger manuals for detailed operating information.
ON/OFF SWITCH
To turn the sander “ON”, simply push the ON/ OFF switch. To turn the sander “OFF”, push the ON/OFF switch again.

SPEED CONTROL PANEL

The speed-selection button and the TURBO function button of this tool enable the speed to be adjusted according to the material being sanded. The speed levels are numbered “1” to “3”, with position “1” being the lowest speed and position “3” being the highest speed. The indicator lights show the current speed.

• Use the speed-selection button to increase or decrease the speed. Each press changes the speed by one level.
• Press the TURBO button at any speed level to switch the tool to turbo mode. Press this button again to return to the previous speed level.

If the tool is OFF:

• Press the speed-selection or the Turbo button to “wake up” the control panel and the indicator lights will indicate the current speed level.
• Change the speed level by pressing the speed-selection button.
• After approximately 15 seconds of inactivity the indicator lights on the control panel will turn off. The memory function will remember and revert to the last active speed level the next time when the speed-selection button or the Turbo button is pressed or the tool is turned on.

If the tool is already ON:

• Change the speed level by pressing the speed-selection button. You will feel and hear the speed change and the indicator lights will indicate the current speed level.
• After you turn the tool off, the memory function will remember and revert to the last active speed level the next time the tool is turned on.

SANDING OPERATION

Move the sander in long, sweeping strokes across the sanding surface. Light pressure is all that is needed for sanding, polishing, and scrubbing. Let the sander do the work. Check your work often. This sander removes material quickly.
WARNING Applying excessive pressure will slow the sander and produce unsatisfactory results.
SANDING TIPS
Do not force the sander. The weight of the sander supplies adequate pressure. Let the sander and the sandpaper do the work. Applying additional pressure will instead slow the motor and wear the sandpaper out faster and reduce the sander speed.  Excessive pressure will overload the motor and cause possible damage to the sander from the motor overheating. Excessive pressure will also result in inferior work. Any existing finish or resin on wood may soften from the heat of the friction. Do not sand in one spot for too long a time because the sander’s rapid action may remove too much material and make the surface uneven. For best results, use high-quality sanding discs. The following are recommended sanding discs for certain applications:

1. Coarse (60, 80 grit): for rough wood sanding.
2. Medium (100, 120 grit): for general wood sanding.
3. Fine (150, 180, 220 grit): for smoothing wood or plaster patches.
4. Extra Fine (400 grit and higher): for final sanding bare wood and smoothing old paint.

If the surface is rough, begin with coarser grits and then complete the surfacing with medium and fine sanding discs. Because the random orbit action is so effective, it is often possible to begin sanding with a medium-grit sanding disc and go directly to fine finishing. To avoid uneven results, do not skip more than one grit size when going from coarser to finer grits.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the tool when cleaning or performing any maintenance.
SERVICE
WARNING Preventive maintenance performed by unauthorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components which could cause a serious hazard. We recommend that all tool service be performed by a FLEX Factory Service Center or Authorized FLEX Service Station.

REPLACING THE WORN BACKING PAD

• Detach the battery pack.
• Remove the attached worn sanding disc if necessary.
• Loosen the 4 bolts with a Hexagon spline screwdriver (not included). Remove them together with the backing pad.
• Align the mounting holes in the new backing pad with the ones on the bearing base and place it onto the bearing base . Secure it with the 4 bolts.

NOTICE: Keep the sander in a stable position and place the new backing pad carefully onto the bearing base. Remove the backing pad and readjust the bearing base if necessary.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

WARNING When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts could create a hazard or cause product damage. Periodically inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please contact customer service or an authorized service center for assistance.
CLEANING
Never use water or chemical cleaners to clean your power tool. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
WARNING Certain cleaning agents and solvents damage plastic parts. Some of these are: gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia.
STORAGE
Always store your power tool in an indoor dry place that is inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents.

ACCESSORIES

WARNING The use of any other accessories not specified in this manual may create a hazard. Dust bag Sanding disc

FLEX 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Chervon North America, Inc. (“Seller”) warrants to the original purchaser only, that all FLEX 24V products will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of five years from date of purchase when the original purchaser registers the product within 30 days from the date of original retail purchase and retains their receipt as proof of purchase. THE 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PERIOD IS CONDITIONED ON REGISTRATION OF THE PRODUCT WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASE AND ONLY APPLICABLE TO FLEX 24V TOOLS, BATTERIES AND CHARGERS. If the original purchaser does not register their product within 30 days, the foregoing limited warranty will apply for a duration of three years. Product registration can be completed online at www.registermyflex.com.

• 24V Tools: 5-Year Limited Warranty with Registration
• 24V Batteries and Chargers: 5-Year Limited Warranty with Registration
• Corded, 12V and 20V FLEX Legacy Products : 1-Year Limited Warranty, No Registration Benefit
• FLEX STACK PACK™ Storage System: 1-Year Limited Warranty with Registration
• Functional Attachments FT161 and FT421: 5-Year Limited Warranty with Registration / 3-Year Limited Warranty without registration
• Other Accessories and Attachments: No Warranty

SELLER’S SOLE OBLIGATION AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY under this Limited Warranty and, to the extent permitted by law, any warranty or condition implied by law, shall be the repair or replacement of parts, without charge, which are defective in material or workmanship and which have not been misused, carelessly handled, or repaired by persons other than a FLEX Authorized Service Dealer. This warranty does not cover part failure due to normal wear and tear. To make a claim under warranty, return the complete product, transportation prepaid, to any FLEX Authorized Service Dealer. For Authorized FLEX Service Dealers, please visit www.registermyflex.com or call 1-833-FLEX-496 (1-833-353-9496). The 5-Year Limited Warranty does not apply to accessories, attachments or parts. The 1-Year limited warranty for FLEX STACK PACK™ Storage System covers only tool boxes and does not apply to system attachments and power tool accessories. Any implied warranties applicable to a product shall be limited in duration equal to the duration of the express warranties applicable to such product, as set forth in the first paragraph above. Some states in the U.S. and some Canadian provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply. FLEX is not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary by state in the U.S. and by province in Canada. This limited warranty applies only to products sold within the United States of America, Canada and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. For warranty coverage within other countries, contact your local FLEX dealer. © Chervon North America, 1203 E. Warrenville Rd., Naperville, IL 60563

• www.flexpowertools.com
• www.registermyflex.com
• 1-833-FLEX-496 (1-833-353-9496)

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