FLEX XFE 15 18.0-EC Cordless Orbital Polisher with Free Pad Instruction Manual

XFE 15 18.0-EC
XCE 8 18.0-EC
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 industrial applications,
– for all types of polishing work, e.g. paintwork on vehicles, furniture and metal surfaces, etc. with a polishing sponge, lambswool and wool pads,
– for use with polishing tools which are permitted to run at a speed of at least 500 r.p.m.

NOTE
For use only with FLEX batteries AP 18.0/2.5-US and AP 18.0/5.0-US and FLEX charger CA 12.0/18.0-US.

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 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 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, 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. 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.

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 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, 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.

5. 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. (e) 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. (f) Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F may cause an explosion. (g) Follow all charging instructions and donot 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.

6. 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) Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers. Do not modify or attempt to repair the appliance or the battery pack (as applicable) except as indicated in the instructions for use and care.

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 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 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 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 mamake 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 at your side. Accidental contact with the spinning accessory could snag your clo-thing, 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. Related Warnings
   (a) Never place your hand near the rotating accessory. The accessory may kick back over your hand. (b) 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. (c) 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) Only FLEX AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER should disassemble or assemble this power tool, and only genuine FLEX replacement parts should be installed. (d) Clean the exterior of the power tool only with a soft cloth moistened with soapy water, and dry thoroughly. (e) Never use solvents, gasoline or thinners on plastic components; otherwise, the plastic may dissolve. (f) 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 othe skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.

5. Definitions for symbols used on this tool

V
r.p.m.|  volts
Rotation rate
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| Before switching on the power
tool, read the operating manual!
| Wear eye protection!

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO OTHER USERS AND OWNERS OF THIS TOOL!

Technical specifications

| XFE 15 18.0-EC| XCE 8 18.0-EC
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Machine type| | Orbital polisher
Tool holder| mm (in)| Velcro 0 125 (5) /150 (6)| Velcro 0 125 (5)
Tool 0 max.| mm (in)| 160 (6.5)
Orbit| mm (in)| 15 (0.59)| 8 (0.32)
Orbit rate| r.p.m.| 4,600-7,600| 280-430
Weight according to “EPTA Procedure 01/2003” (without battery)| kg (Ibs)| 2.1 (4.63)| 2.15 (4.74)

Overview

1. Grip hood
With air outlet and direction-of-rotation arrow.
2. Gear head
3. Dial for preselecting the speed
4. Locking button
Locks the switch (5) during continuous operation.
5. Switch
Switches the power tool on and off and also accelerates it up to the preselected speed.| 6. Filter cover
7. Slot for battery
8. Rating plate
9. Velcro pad
10. Disc support
11. Li-ion battery (2.5 Ah or 5.0 Ah)
12. Release button for battery
13. State of charge indicator
14. Grip area
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Torx wrench T20 *

Operating instructions

WARNING
Risk of electric shock! Before carrying out any work on the power tool, always remove the battery.
Before switching on the power tool
Unpack the polisher and check that there are no missing or damaged parts.
NOTE
The batteries are not fully charged on delivery. Prior to initial operation, charge the batteries fully. Refer to the charger operating manual.
Inserting/replacing the battery

– Press the charged battery into the power tool until it clicks into place.

– To remove, press the release button (1.) and pull out the battery (2.).
CAUTION
When the device is not in use, protect the battery contacts. Loose metal parts may short-circuit the contacts; explosion and fire hazard!

Battery state of charge

– Press the button to check the state of charge at the state of charge indicator LEDs.
The indicator goes out after 5 seconds.
If one of the LEDs flashes, the battery must be recharged. If none of the LEDs light up after the button is pressed, the battery is
faulty and must be replaced.
Attaching or changing the polishing tool
– Remove the battery.

– Firmly press the polishing tool, centered on the eye, onto the Velcro pad.
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.

Attaching the tool
CAUTION
Use original FLEX accessories on this model. Not using original FLEX accessories may lead to a poor polishing result, increased vibrations and also greater wear or even damage to the power tool.
Information concerning foam wear
NOTE
In general, foam wear is much higher in connection with free-wheeling eccentric polishing than with rotational polishing or force-driven eccentric polishing. Due to the drive, this wear does not take place on the outside of the foam but at the foam core instead. The harder/longer the cell structure is subjected to strain and damaged as a result, the faster the build-up of heat. Subsequent damage is inevitable. Wear of this kind cannot be seen on the foam externally. The only reliable action is replacement and disposal in good time to prevent thermal damage to the power tool.

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
Switching off/removing the rechargeable battery
– Switch off the electric power tool.
– Switch on the electric power tool again.

– Press and hold down the switch (1.).
– To lock into position, hold down the locking button and release the switch (2.).

– To switch off, briefly press and release the switch.

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.
– Gently press the switch 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 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.

– Move the polishing tool without pressure and make circular, overlapping movements on the surface to be polished in order to achieve good polishing results and to prolong the service life of the tool.
– If using a polishing paste, use the respective tool for each paste.
For further information on the manufacturer’s products go to www.flex- tools.com.
Charger

1. Insertion slot for battery
2. Contacts
3. Ventilation slots
4. Operating state display
5. Power cord with mains plug

The CA 12.0/18.0 charger is designed to charge FLEX batteries of the following types
– AP 12.0 (2.5 Ah),
– AP 18.0 (2.5 Ah),
– AP 12.0 (5.0 Ah),
– AP 18.0 (5.0 Ah).

Tips for a long battery service life
CAUTION
– Never charge batteries at temperatures below 0 °C or above 55 °C.
– Do not charge batteries in environments with high air humidity or ambient temperature.
– Do not cover batteries and the charger during the charging process.
– Pull out the charger mains plug at the end of the charging process.

The battery and charger heat up during the charging process. This is perfectly normal!
Lithium-ion batteries do not exhibit the established “memory effect”. Nevertheless, a battery should be completely discharged before charging and the charging process should always be fully completed.
If batteries are not used for an extended period of time, store them partially charged in a cool place.
Charging process
CAUTION
Insert only original batteries in the supplied charger.

1. Insert the charger mains plug. The display backlighting lights up green for 2 seconds and then goes out again. OK is displayed.

2. Insert the battery fully into the charger until it clicks into place.
   – The time remaining in the charging process (until the battery is fully charged) and a graphic representation of the state of charge are shown alternately in the display.
   – The display backlighting lights up orange when the battery is charged less than 80%.
   – When the battery charge reaches 80% the display lights up green and OK is indicated.

3. The battery is fully charged when the display appears.
   The green backlighting goes out after a short time.

4. Remove the battery from the charger.

5. Pull out the mains plug.

NOTE
If the display flashes after the battery is inserted in the charger, there is a fault in the battery or in the charger.
Display flashes slowly.
Backlighting orange.
The battery is too hot or too cold.
The charging process starts when the battery reaches the charging temperature (0°C…55°C).

Display flashes rapidly.
Backlighting red.
Remove the battery from the charger and insert again. If the same display persists, the battery is faulty. Replace the battery or have it checked at an authorized repair shop.
If this error message is displayed again with a different battery, this indicates that there is a fault in the charger. Have the charger checked at an authorized repair shop.

Maintenance and care

WARNING
Risk of electric shock! Before carrying out any work on the power tool, always remove the battery.
Storage
Ambient temperature range for use of tool and batteries is 0 °C … 40 °C. The ambient temperature range for storage of tool and batteries is -25 °C … +85 °C.
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 soft damp cloth. NEVER use solvents to clean plastic parts. They could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage the material.
– Clean the power tool and grille in front of the vent slots regularly. 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.
– Regularly clean the filter cover.

Remove the filter cover and blow it out with dry compressed air.
Gears
NOTE
Do not loosen the screws on the gear head during the warranty period.
Non-compliance will deem the guarantee obligations of the manufacturer null and void.
Change Velcro pad
– Remove the battery.
– Remove the polishing tool.
– Place the machine on its back.

– Release and remove screws with wrench (1.).
– Remove worn Velcro pad (2.).
– Remove contaminants from interior.

– Align securing holes and fit new Velcro pad (3.).

– Insert screws and tighten with a 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
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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460.370 / 05–2021/ No responsibility for typographical errors. Technical changes reserved.

References

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

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