FLEX XFE 7-12 80 3 Inch Random Orbital Polisher Instruction Manual

3 Inch Random Orbital Polisher
XFE 7-12 80
Instruction Manual

Meanings of signal words

WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if ignored, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury, or may cause machine damage.

NOTE
NOTE emphasizes essential information.

Important safety information

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 powerful tool in a manner that has not been specifically recommended by FLEX.

Intended use
This hand-operated orbital polisher is designed

• for commercial use in industry and trade,
• for all types of polishing work with polishing sponges, lambskins and wool skins, felt plates.

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.

1. Work area safety
   (a) Keep the 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 that may ignite dust or fumes.
   (c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.
   Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2. 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 the 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.

3. 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 masks, non-skid safety shoes, hard hats, 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 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.
   (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 jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, 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. The use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

4. 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 at 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.

5. 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 hazards. We recommend that all tool services be performed by a FLEX Factory Service Center or Authorized FLEX Service Station.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES AND SYMBOLS

1. 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 that 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 a 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 the application, use a face shield, safety goggles or safety glasses. If appropriate, wear a dust mask, hearing protection, protective gloves, and/or a special apron that protects 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 the 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 the 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 in electrocution or shock.

2. 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 the 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 kickback. 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. 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 an 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. The accessory may kick back over your hand.
   (c) Do not position your body in the area where the 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 contain 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.
   

5. Definitions for symbols used on this tool
   V …………..volts
   ~…………..alternating current
   Hz ………..hertz
   A …………..amperes
   min-¹……..orbit rate per minute
   …………double insulation
   ……….Wear safety goggles!
   

6. 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

| XFE 7-12 80
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Machine type| Polisher|
Mains voltage| V/Hz
120/60|
Power input| AMP
7.0|
Tool holder| mm (in)| Velcro 0 75 (2.95)
Tool 0 max.| mm (in)| 80 (3.15)
Orbit| mm (in)| 12 (0.47)
Orbit rate| min-1| 3,600-10,800
Weight according to “EPTA Procedure 01/2003” (without power cord)| kg (Ibs)| 2.1 (4.62)
Safety class| II /

Overview

1 Grip hood
With air outlet and direction-of-rotation arrow.| 6 Dial for preselecting the speed
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2 Gear head | 7 Polishing tool
3 Rating plate | 8 Hexagon socket head bolt
4 Switch
Switches the power tool on and off and also accelerates it up to the preselected speed.| 9 Velcro plate (tool holder)
5 4.0 m (13 ft.) power cord with plug| 10 Disc brake

Operating instructions

WARNING

Risk of electric shock! Before carrying out any work on the power tool, always pull the main plug.
Before switching on the power tool
Unpack the polisher and check that there are no missing or damaged parts.
Attaching or changing the tool holder

• Pull out the mains plug.

• Hold the Velcro plate. Loosen the hexagon socket head bolt in an anticlockwise direction using a hexagon key SW4 and remove the Velcro plate.

• If necessary clean profile spindle.

• Place guide of new Velcro plate on profile spindle.
  

• Mount a new Velcro plate on the profiling spindle. To do this, hand-tighten the hexagon socket head bolt in a clockwise direction.

Attaching or changing the polishing tool

• Pull out the mains plug.
  

• Firmly press the polishing tool, centered on the eye, onto the Velcro pad (9).
  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.

Switching on and off Brief operation without engaged switch rocker:

• Push the switch rocker forwards and hold in position.
• To switch off the power tool, release the switch rocker.

Continuous operation with engaged switch rocker:

NOTE
The electric power tool features a starter interlock. In other words, the electric power tool will not start running again if still switched on after a power failure.

Switching on electric power tool after a power failure:

• Switch off the electric power tool.

• Switch on the electric power tool again.
  

• Push the switch rocker forwards and engage by pressing the front end.
  

• To switch off the power tool, release the switch rocker by pressing the rear end.

Preselecting the speed
CAUTION
Risk of injury due to destruction of the tool.
Use the appropriate tool for the job.
To set the operating speed, move the dial to the required value.

• 1 = lowest speed
• 6 = highest speed

Gently press the switch (4) to accelerate the power tool up to the preselected speed.

NOTE
If an overload or overheating occurs during continuous operation, the power tool automatically reduces the speed until the power tool has cooled down adequately.

Operating information

CAUTION
When the power tool is switched off, the polishing tool continues running briefly.

NOTE
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 (6) 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 paintwork) 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.

• Sponges can be washed in the washing machine.

Maintenance and care

WARNING
Risk of electric shock! Before carrying out any work on the power tool, always pull out the main plug.

Cleaning
Regularly clean the power tool and ventilation slots. The 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 a 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, relubricated 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 THE 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.

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 catalogs.
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 A 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
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References

• tools.com | Buy Power Tools and Automotive Parts online
• Power tools for professional craftsmen | FLEX - FLEX

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