FLEX XFE 7-15 Roto Random Orbit Polisher Instructions
- June 6, 2024
- FLEX
Table of Contents
FLEX XFE 7-15 Roto Random Orbit Polisher Instructions
Meanings of signal words
Important safety information’s
Read and understand all of the safety precautions, warnings and operating instructions in the Instruction manual before operating or maintaining this power tool. Most accidents that result from power tool operation and maintenance are caused by the failure to observe basic safety rules or precautions. An accident can often be avoided by recognizing a potentially hazardous situation before it occurs, and by observing appropriate safety procedures. Basic safety precautions are outlined in the “SAFETY” section of this Instruction manual and in the sections which contain the operation and maintenance instructions. Hazards that must be avoided to prevent bodily injury or machine damage are identified by WARNINGS on the power tool and in this Instruction manual. NEVER use this power tool in a manner that has not been specifically recommended by FLEX.
Intended use
This hand-operated orbital polisher is designed for industrial applications,
for all types of polishing work, e.g. paint-work on vehicles, furniture and
metal surfaces, etc. with polishing sponge, lambs wool and wool pads, for
use with polishing tools which are permitted to run at a speed of at least 500
r.p.m.
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING:
Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings
and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term “power tool” in all of the warnings refers to your mains-operated
(corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
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Work area safety
(a) Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents.
(b) 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.
(c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control. -
Electrical safety
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
(d) 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.
(e) 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.
(f) 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
(a) 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.
(b) Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
(c) 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 energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
(d) 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.
(e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
(f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
(g) 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.
(h) 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
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack 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.
(d) 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.
(e) Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tools operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
(f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
(g) Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc., in accordance with these instructions and in the manner intended for the particular type of power tool, 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.
(h) 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
(a) 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. (b) Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire. (c) 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. (d) 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. -
Service
(a) 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.
(b) Preventative maintenance performed by unauthorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components which could cause serious hazard. We recommend that all tool service be performed by a FLEX Factory Service Center or Authorized FLEX Service Station.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES AND SYMBOLS
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Safety Warnings Common for Polishing Operations
(a) This power tool is intended to function as a polisher. 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.
(b) Operations such as grinding, sanding, wire brushing, or cutting-off are not recommended to be performed with this power tool.
Operations for which the power tool was not designed may create a hazard and cause personal injury.
(c) Do not use accessories which are not specifically designed and recommended by the tool manufacturer. Just because the accessory can be attached to your power tool, it does not assure safe operation.
(d) The rated speed of the accessory must be at least equal to the maximum speed marked on the power tool. Accessories running faster than their rated speed can break and fly apart.
(e) The outside diameter and the thickness of your accessory must be within the capacity rating of your power tool.
Incorrectly measured insertion tools cannot be adequately shielded or controlled.
(f) Sanding discs, sanding pads or other accessories must fit exactly on the grinding spindle of your electric power tool. Insertion tools, which do not fit exactly on the grinding spindle of the electric power tool, rotate unevenly, vibrate violently and may result in loss of control.
(g) Do not use a damaged accessory. Before use, always check insertion tools for splinters and cracks, sanding pad for cracks, wear and severe abrasion. If power tool or accessory is dropped, inspect for damage or install an undamaged accessory. After inspecting and installing an accessory, position yourself and bystanders away from the plane of the rotating accessory and run the power tool at maximum no-load speed for one minute. Damaged accessories will normally break apart during this test time.
(h) Wear personal protective equipment. Depending on application, use face shield, safety goggles or safety glasses. If appropriate, wear a dust mask, hearing protection, protective gloves and/or a special apron which protect you from small sanding and material particles. The eye protection must be capable of stopping flying debris generated by various operations. The dust mask or respirator must be capable of filtrating particles generated by your operation. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise may cause hearing loss.
(i) Keep bystanders a safe distance away from work area. Anyone entering the work area must wear personal protective equipment. Fragments of workpiece or of a broken accessory may fly away and cause injury beyond immediate area of operation.
(j) Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Cutting accessory contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and shock the operator.
(k) Position the cord clear of the spinning accessory. If you lose control, the cord may be cut or snagged and your hand or arm may be pulled into the spinning accessory.
(l) Never lay the power tool down until the accessory has come to a complete stop. The spinning accessory may grab the surface and pull the power tool out of your control.
(m) Do not run the power tool while carrying it at your side. Accidental contact with the spinning accessory could snag your clothing, pulling the accessory into your body.
(n) Regularly clean the power tool’s air vents. The motor’s fan will draw the dust inside the housing and excessive accumulation of powdered metal may cause electrical hazards.
(o) Do not operate the power tool near flammable materials. Sparks could ignite these materials.
(p) Do not use accessories that require liquid coolants. Using water or other liquid coolants may result result in electrocution or shock. -
Kickback and Related Warnings
Kickback is the sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating insertion tool, such as a sanding disc, sanding pad, wire brush, etc. Pinching or snagging may cause a rotating insertion tool to stop abruptly. For example, if an abrasive wheel is snagged or pinched by the workpiece, the edge of the wheel that is entering into the pinch point can dig into the surface of the material causing the wheel to climb out or kick out. The wheel may either jump toward or away from the operator, depending on direction of the wheel’s movement at the point of pinching. Abrasive wheels may also break under these conditions.
For example, if a sanding disc is snagged or pinched by the workpiece, the edge of the sanding disc which is entering the workpiece may become caught and cause the sanding disc to break off or kick back. The sanding disc then moves towards or away from the operator, depending on the direction in which the disc is rotating at the point of pinching. Sanding discs may also break under these conditions. A recoil occurs if the electric power tool is used incorrectly or improperly. A recoil can be prevented by appropriate precautions as described below.
(a) Maintain a firm grip on the power tool and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback forces. Always use auxiliary handle, if provided, for maximum control over kickback or torque reaction during start-up. The operator can control torque reactions or kickback forces, if proper precautions are taken.
(b) Never place your hand near the rotating accessory. Accessory may kickback over your hand.
(c) Do not position your body in the area where power tool will move if kickback occurs. Kickback propels the electric power tool in the direction opposite to the movement of the sanding disc at the point of pinching.
(d) Use special care when working corners, sharp edges etc. Avoid bouncing and snagging the accessory. Corners, sharp edges or bouncing have a tendency to snag the rotating accessory and cause loss of control or kickback. This causes a loss of control or kickback.
(e) Do not attach a saw chain woodcarving blade or toothed saw blade. Such blades create frequent kickback and loss of control. -
Special safety instructions for polishing
(a) Do not allow any loose portion of the polishing bonnet or its attachment strings to spin freely. Tuck away or trim any loose attachment strings.
Loose and spinning attachment strings can entangle your fingers or snag on the workpiece. -
Additional Warnings
(a) The mains voltage and the voltage specifications on the rating plate must correspond.
(b) Do not press the spindle lock until the tool stops.
(c) 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 absorption of harmful chemicals. -
Definitions for units and symbols used on this tool
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Double insulation for safer operation
To ensure safer operation of this power tool, FLEX has adopted a double
insulation design. “Double insulation” means that two physically separated
insulation systems have been used to insulate the electrically conductive
materials connected to the power supply from the outer frame handled by the
operator. Therefore, either the symbol or the words “Double insulation” appear
on the power tool or on the nameplate.
Although this system has no external grounding, you must still follow the
normal electrical safety precautions given in this Instruction Manual,
including not using the power tool in wet environments.
To keep the double insulation system effective, follow these precautions:
- Only FLEX AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER should disassemble or assemble this power tool, and only genuine FLEX replacement parts should be installed.
- Clean the exterior of the power tool only with a soft cloth moistened with soapy water, and dry thoroughly.
- Never use solvents, gasoline or thinners on plastic components; otherwise
the plastic may dissolve.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO OTHER USERS AND OWNERS OF THIS TOOL!
Technical specifications
Overview
- Grip hood With air outlet and direction-of-rotation arrow.
- Gear head *
- 4.0 m (13 ft.) power cord with plug
- Dial for preselecting the speed
- Switch Switches the power tool on and off and also accelerates it up to the preselected speed.
- Locking button Locks the switch (5) during continuous operation.
- Rating plate *
- Velcro pad
- Disc support Torx wrench T20 *
- not illustrated
Operating instructions
WARNING
Risk of electric shock! Before carrying out any work on the power tool, always
pull out the mains plug.
Before switching on the power tool
Unpack the polisher and check that there are no missing or damaged parts.
Attaching or changing the polishing tool
- Pull out the mains plug.
– Firmly press polishing tool, centred on the eye, onto the Velcro pad (8).
Use undamaged polishing tools only.
– Insert the mains plug into the socket.
– Switch on the polisher (without engaging it) and run the polisher for
approx. 30 seconds. Check for imbalances and vibrations.
– Switch off the polisher.
Switch on and off
Brief operation without engaged switch rocker
– Press and hold down the switch.
– To switch off, release the switch
Continuous operation with engaged switch rocker
– Press and hold down the switch.
– To lock into position, hold down the locking button and release the switch.
– To switch off, briefly press and release the switch.
Preselecting the speed
Operating information’s
CAUTION
When the power tool is switched off, the polishing tool continues running
briefly.
(i) NOTE (i)
Following a tool change (e.g. wool pad instead of polishing sponge), the
difference in weight may increase the vibrations. Change the operating speed
with the adjusting wheel (4) until the vibrations have been reduced.
– Switch on the machine before placing it on the surface which is to be polished and run the polisher up to the set speed.
– Applying light contact pressure, move the polisher in circular, overlapping
movements on the surface which is to be polished in order to obtain a good
polishing finish and to ensure that the tool has a long service life.
– On sensitive surfaces (e.g. car paint-work) do not work aggressively but
work at slow speeds applying low contact pressure.
– If using a polishing paste, use the respective tool for each paste.
Maintenance and care
WARNING
Risk of electric shock! Before carrying out any work on the power tool,
always pull out the mains plug.
Cleaning
Regularly clean the power tool and ventilation slots. Frequency of cleaning is
dependent on the material and duration of use. Regularly blow out the housing
interior and motor with dry compressed air.
CAUTION
Risk of injury! Wear safety glasses while using compressed air.
All plastic parts should be cleaned with soft damp cloth. NEVER use solvents
to clean plastic parts. They could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage the
material.
Brush inspection and lubrication
For your continued safety and electrical protection, brush inspection and
replacement on this tool should ONLY be performed by an authorized service
center for FLEX Power Tools. At approximately 100 hours of use, take or send
your tool to your nearest authorized service center for FLEX Power Tools to be
thoroughly cleaned and inspected; worn parts replaced; and when necessary,
republicated with fresh lubricant if required; reassembled with new brushes;
and performance tested. Any loss of power before the above maintenance check
may indicate the need for immediate servicing of your tool. DO NOT CONTINUE TO
OPERATE TOOL UNDER THIS CONDITION. lf proper operating voltage is present,
return your tool to a FLEX authorized service center for immediate service.
Gear housing
The gear housing (2) should never be loosened or opened, except by a FLEX
authorized service center. Doing so will void the product warranty.
Change Velcro pad
– Pull out the mains plug.
– Remove the polishing tool.
– Place machine on its back.
– Insert screws and tighten with Torx wrench (4.). (Tightening torque 2.5-3.0
Nm (1.8-2.2 ft. lb.))
– Carry out test run. Check for imbalances and vibrations.
CAUTION
An incorrect torque setting can damage the tool and the surfaces being worked
on.
Repairs
All quality tools will eventually require servicing or replacement of parts
due to wear from normal use. These operations, including brush inspection and
replacement, should ONLY be performed by an authorized service center for FLEX
Power Tools. All repairs made by these agencies are fully guaranteed against
defective material and workmanship. We cannot guarantee repairs made or
attempted by anyone other than these agencies. Should you have any questions
about your tool, feel free to write us at any time. In any communications,
please give all information shown on the nameplate of your tool (model number,
type, serial number, etc.).
Spare parts and accessories
NOTE
Only the tools released by FLEX may be used.
For other accessories, in particular tools and polishing aids, see the
manufacturer’s catalogues. Exploded drawings and spare-part lists can be found
on our homepage: www.flex-tools.com
Warranty
FLEX North America limited one year Warranty
FLEX North America warrants its Professional Power Tools for a period of one
year from the date of original purchase. We will repair or replace at our
option, any part or parts of the product and accessories covered under this
warranty, which, after examination, prove(s) to be defective in workmanship or
material during the warranty period. For repair or replacement, return the
complete tool or accessory, transportation prepaid, to your nearest Authorized
Service Station.
Proof of purchase may be required. This warranty does not apply to repair or replacement due to misuse, abuse, normal wear and tear or repairs attempted or made by someone other than our Authorized Service Stations. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WILL LAST ONLY FOR ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. To obtain information on warranty performance, please write to: Chervon North America, Inc. 1203 East Warrenville Road Naperville, IL 60563 USA Phone 1-833-353-9496 www.flexpowertools.com
THE FOREGOING OBLIGATION IS FLEX NORTH AMERICA’S SOLE LIABILITY UNDER THIS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL FLEX NORTH AMERICA BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other legal rights, which vary from state to state.
Flex-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH Bahnhofstr. 15 D-71711 Steinheim/Murr
Tel. +49(0) 7144 828-0
Fax +49(0) 7144 25899
info@flex-tools.com
www.flex-tools.com
Chervon North America, Inc. 1203 East Warrenville Road Naperville, IL 60563
USA
Phone 1-833-353-9496
www.flexpowertools.com
References
- tools.com | Buy Power Tools and Automotive Parts online
- Power tools for professional craftsmen | FLEX - FLEX
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