BOSCH GEX 125 AVE Random Orbit Sander Instruction Manual

BOSCH GEX 125 AVE Random Orbit Sander

Product Information

The GEX Professional is an excentric sander manufactured by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH in Stuttgart, Germany. It comes in three models: GEX 125 AVE, GEX 150 AVE, and GEX 125-150 AVE.

The excentric sander has a power input of 400 W and a no-load speed of up to 12000 rpm. Its excenter stroke is 4 mm and it weighs 2.4 kg. It has a protection class of II and can be used for various applications such as grinding, sanding, polishing, and removing old paint or varnish.

The package includes the excentric sander, a dust extraction adapter, and a sanding pad.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Before using the excentric sander, read all safety instructions in the user manual.
2. Choose the appropriate sanding sheet for your application based on the material and desired finish.
3. Insert the sanding sheet onto the sanding pad and attach it to the excentric sander.
4. Connect the dust extraction adapter to the excentric sander to minimize dust and debris during use.
5. Plug in the excentric sander and turn it on using the on/off switch (4).
6. Adjust the speed of the excentric sander using the speed control dial (3) to suit your application.
7. Apply light pressure to the surface you want to sand or polish and move the excentric sander in a circular motion.
8. After use, turn off and unplug the excentric sander and remove the sanding pad and sheet.
9. Clean the dust extraction adapter and the excentric sander before storing.

Safety Instructions

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instruc-tions, 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 refrigerat-ors. 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 elec-tric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carry-ing, 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 exten-sion 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) protec-ted 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 inatten-tion while operating power tools may result in serious per-sonal 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 en-ergising power tools that have the switch on invites acci-dents.
• 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 jew-ellery. 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 ex-traction and collection facilities, ensure these are con-nected 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 ac-cessories, 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 mis-alignment 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 main-tained 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.

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

• Only use the power tool for dry sanding. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Ensure that no persons are at risk due to flying sparks. Remove combustible materials from the surrounding area. Flying sparks are created when sanding metals.
• 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 va-cuum cleaner filter) can spontaneously combust under certain conditions, for example if flying sparks are cre-ated 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 ex-cessive accumulation of powdered metal may cause elec-trical hazards.
• 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.
• Always wait until the power tool has come to a com-plete stop before placing it down.
• Secure the workpiece. A workpiece clamped with clamping devices or in a vice is held more secure than by hand.

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 au-thorised 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 in-structions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this oper-ating manual.

Intended Use
The power tool is intended for dry sanding of wood, plastic, metal, filler and varnished surfaces.
Power tools with electronic control are also suitable for pol-ishing.
This power tool is not suitable for bench-mounted use.

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

1. Auxiliary handle (insulated gripping surface)
2. Screw for auxiliary handle
3. Orbital stroke rate preselection thumbwheel
4. On/off switch
5. Lock-on button for on/off switch
6. Filter element (Microfilter system)
7. Complete dust box (Microfilter system)
8. Sanding pad
9. Handle (insulated gripping surface)
10. Sanding sheet)
11. Screw for sanding pad
12. Extraction outlet
13. Dust extraction hose)
    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

The specifications apply to a rated voltage [U] of 230 V. These specifications may vary at different voltages and in country-specific models.

Noise/vibration information
Noise emission values determined according to EN 62841-2-4.
Typically, the A-weighted noise level of the power tool is: 82 dB(A); sound power level 93 dB(A). Uncertainty K = 1.5 dB.

Wear hearing protection!
Total vibration values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 62841-2-4:The vibration level and noise emission value given in these instructions have been measured in accordance with a standardised measuring procedure detailed in EN 62841 and may be used to compare power tools. They may also be used for a preliminary estimation of vibration and noise emissions.

The given 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 ap-plication 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.

Selecting the Sanding Sheet

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

Implement additional safety measures to protect the oper-ator from the effects of vibration, such as servicing the power tool and application tools, keeping the hands warm, and organising workflows correctly.

Assembly

Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.

Changing the sanding sheet (see figure A)

To remove the sanding sheet (10), lift it from the side and pull it from the sanding pad (8).
Remove dirt and dust from the sanding pad (8), e.g. with a paintbrush, before attaching a new sanding sheet.
The surface of the sanding pad (8) is fitted with a hook-and-loop fastening, allowing sanding sheets with a similar back-ing to be secured quickly and easily.
Press the sanding sheet (10) firmly onto the underside of the sanding pad (8).

To ensure optimum dust extraction, make sure that the punched holes in the sanding sheet are aligned with the drilled holes in the sanding pad.

Selection of the Sanding Plate
The power tool can be fitted with sanding pads of various hardnesses, depending on the application:

• Extra soft sanding pad: Suitable for polishing and sensit-ive sanding even on curved surfaces.
• Soft sanding pad: Suitable for all sanding work, universal application.
• Hard sanding pad: Suitable for heavy sanding on flat sur-faces.

Changing the sanding pad (see figure B)
Note: Replace damaged sanding pads (8) immediately.
Remove the sanding sheet or polishing tool. Unscrew the screw completely (11) and remove the sanding pad (8). At-tach the new sanding pad (8) and retighten the screw.
Note: When attaching the sanding pad, make sure that the teeth of the catch mate with the recesses in the sanding pad.
Note: Damaged sanding pads must only be replaced by an after-sales service centre authorised to work with Bosch power tools.

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 reac-tions 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 ma-terial 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 C–G)
Slide the dust box (7) onto the extraction outlet (12). Turn the dust box in such a manner that its recesses face against the tips on the extraction outlet and the dust box can be felt to engage.
You can easily check the filling level of the dust box (7) through the transparent container.
To empty the dust box (7), rotate slightly and pull it back. Unscrew the filter element (6) and pull it out of the dust box (7). Empty the dust box.
Gently tap the filter element (6) against a solid surface to loosen the dust. Use a soft brush to clean the flaps of the fil-ter element (6).
Note: In order to ensure optimum dust extraction, empty the dust box (7) in good time and clean the filter element (6) regularly.
When working on vertical surfaces, hold the power tool with the dust box (7) facing downwards.

External dust extraction (see figure H) Fit a dust extraction hose (13) onto the extraction outlet
(12). Mount the vacuum hose onto the extraction outlet (as shown in the figure) in such a manner that the lateral open-

ings on the extraction outlet remain free. This prevents the power tool from adhering to the workpiece during sanding and the surface quality of the workpiece from being im-paired.
Connect the dust extraction hose (13) to an extractor (ac-cessory). 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.

Auxiliary Handle
The auxiliary handle (1) enables comfortable handling and optimum power distribution, with a high sanding removal rate in particular.
Use the screw (2) to secure the auxiliary handle (1) on the housing.

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 230 V can also be operated at 220 V.
• Products that are only sold in AUS and NZ: Use a resid-ual 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 the on/off switch (4). To lock the on/off switch (4), press and hold it while also pushing the lock-on button (5).
To switch off the power tool, release the on/off switch (4). If the on/off switch (4) is locked, press the switch first and then release it.

Preselecting the orbital stroke rate
You can even preselect the orbital stroke rate during opera-tion using the necessary orbital stroke rate preselection thumbwheel (3).

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 prac-tical tests.
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.

Sanding Plate Brake
An integrated sanding pad brake reduces the orbital stroke rate when running without load to prevent scoring when the power tool is placed on the workpiece.
If the no-load orbital stroke rate constantly increases over time, this means that the sanding pad is damaged and must be replaced, or that the sanding pad brake is worn. A worn sanding pad brake must be replaced by an after-sales ser-vice centre authorised to work with Bosch power tools.

Working 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 com-plete stop before placing it down.
• This power tool is not suitable for bench-mounted use. It must not be clamped into a vice or fastened to a work-bench, for example.

Sanding Surfaces
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. The material removal rate and sanding result are primarily determined by the choice of sanding sheet, the preselected orbital stroke rate level and the contact pressure.
Only immaculate sanding sheets achieve good sanding per-formance 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.

Rough Sanding
Attach a coarse grit sanding sheet.
Apply only light pressure to the power tool so that it runs at a higher orbital stroke rate and a higher material removal rate is achieved.

Fine Sanding
Attach a fine grit sanding sheet.
You can reduce the sanding plate orbital stroke rate by lightly varying the contact pressure or changing the orbital stroke rate level; the random orbit motion will be retained. Move the power tool with moderate pressure flat on the workpiece in a circular motion or alternately along and across it. Do not tilt the power tool in order to avoid sanding through the workpiece, e.g. veneers.
Switch the power tool off after completing operation.

Polishing
For polishing weathered lacquers and redressing scratches (e.g. acrylic glass), the power tool can be fitted with an ap-propriate polishing tool, e.g. lambswool bonnet, polishing felt or polishing sponge (accessory).
Select a low orbital stroke rate (level 1–2) when polishing in order to avoid heating up the surface excessively.
Apply the polish to an area slightly smaller than the area which you intend to polish. Using the appropriate polishing tool, work in the polish with either linear or circular move-ments and with moderate pressure.
Do not allow the polish to dry out on the surface; this may damage the surface. Do not expose the surface which you in-tend to polish to direct sunlight.
Clean the polishing tool regularly to ensure good polishing results. Wash the polishing tools with mild detergent and warm water; do not use thinning agents.

Application Table
The information in the table below is the recommended val-ues.
The best method for determining the best combination while sanding or polishing is practical experimentation.

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 concern-ing 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 accessor-ies.
In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

India
Bosch Service Center
69, Habibullah Road, (Next to PSBB School), T. Nagar Chennai – 600077
Phone: (044) 64561816
Bosch Service Center
18, Community Center
Phase 1, Mayapuri
New Delhi – 110064
Phone: (011) 43166190
Bosch Service Center
Shop no 7&8, Aspen garden
Walbhat road , Goregaon (E)
Near to Ram Mandir Railway Station
Mumbai – 400063
Mobile: 09819952950

Malaysia
Robert Bosch Sdn. Bhd.(220975-V) PT/SMY
No. 8A, Jalan 13/6
46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Tel.: (03) 79663194
Toll-Free: 1800 880188
Fax: (03) 79583838
E-Mail: kiathoe.chong@my.bosch.com
www.bosch-pt.com.my

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
Israel
Ledico Ltd.
31 Lazrov Street
P.O. Box 6018 Rishon Le Ziyon
service@ledico.com
Korea
Tel.: 080-955-0909 (Hotline)
You can find further service addresses at:
www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses

Disposal

The power tool, accessories and packaging should be re-cycled 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 environment-ally 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.

Blades and its use

PARTS

EU Declaration of Conformity

Random 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: *

GEX 125 AVE 3 601 C7B 050 2006/42/EC
GEX 150 AVE 3 601 C7B 150 2014/30/EU
GEX 125-150 AVE 3 601 C7B 101 2011/65/EU
EN 62841-1:2015
EN 62841-2-4:2014
EN 55014-1:2017+A11:2020 EN 55014-2:2015
EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019
EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019 IEC EN 63000:2018

• Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH (PT/ECS)
  70538 Stuttgart
  GERMANY
  Henk Becker
  Executive Vice President Engineering and Manufacturing
  Helmut Heinzelmann
  Head of Product Certification
  Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, GERMANY Stuttgart, 15.06.2022

References

• Invented for life | Bosch Global
• Početna strana | Bosch u Srbiji
• Skånevik Ølen Kraftlag AS
• Електроінструменти Bosch | Bosch Professional
• Электроинструменты Bosch | Bosch Professional
• Bosch Power Tools | Bosch Power Tools
• Location selection | Bosch Power Tools
• Bosch Power Tools | Bosch Power Tools
• Електроинструменти на Bosch | Електроинструменти на Bosch
• Service worldwide
• Home | Bosch Power Tools
• Bosch Elektrowerkzeuge und Zubehör | Bosch Elektrowerkzeuge
• Bosch el-værktøj | Bosch el-værktøj
• Bosch-sähkötyökalut | Bosch-sähkötyökalut
• Outillage électroportatif Bosch | Outillage électroportatif Bosch
• Home | Bosch Power Tools
• Bosch elektromos kéziszerszámok | Bosch elektromos kéziszerszámok
• Elektronarzędzia Bosch | Elektronarzędzia Bosch
• Scule electrice Bosch | Scule electrice Bosch
• Bosch električni alati | Bosch električni alati
• Bosch Услуги | Электроинструменты Bosch
• Elektrické náradie Bosch | Elektrické náradie Bosch
• Invented for life | Bosch Global
• Contato | Bosch no Brasil
• Ana Sayfa | Bosch Türkiye
• Početna | Bosch u Hrvatskoj
• Herramientas eléctricas de Bosch | Bosch Professional
• Herramientas eléctricas de Bosch | Bosch Professional
• herramientasbosch.net

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>