FLEX PE 150 18.0-EC Professional Cordless Rotary Polisher Instruction
Symbols used in this manual
⚠ WARNING! Denotes impending danger. No observance of this warning may result in death or extremely severe injuries.
⚠ CAUTION! Denotes a possibly dangerous situation. Non-observance of this warning may result in slight injury or damage to property.
NOTE Denotes application tips and important information.
Symbols on the power tool
For your safety
⚠ WARNING! Before using the power tool, please read and follow: these operating instructions, the “General safety instructions” on the handling of power tools in the enclosed booklet (leaflet-no.: 315.915), the currently valid site rules and the regulations for the prevention of accidents. This power tool is state of the art and has been constructed in accordance with the acknow-ledged safety regulations. Nevertheless, when in use, the power tool may be a danger to life and limb of the user or a third party, or the power tool or other property may be damaged. The polisher may be used only as intended, in perfect working order. Faults which impair safety must be repaired immediately.
Intended use
The polisher is designed for commercial use in industry and trade, for all types of polishing work with
polishing sponges, lambskins and woolskins, felt plate, buffing disc, for use with polishing tools which are permitted to run at a speed of at least 1500 r.p.m.
Safety instructions for polishing
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The outside diameter and the thickness of your accessory must be within the capacity rating of your power tool. Incorrectly sized accessories cannot be adequately guarded or controlled.
- Threaded mounting of accessories must match the grinder spindle thread. For accessories mounted by flanges, the arbour hole of the accessory must fit the locating diameter of the flange. Accessories that do not match the mounting hardware of the power tool will run out of balance, vibrate excessively and may cause loss of control.
- Do not use a damaged accessory. Before each use inspect the accessory such as abrasive wheels for chips and cracks, backing pad for cracks, tear or excess wear, wire brush for loose or cracked wires. 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.
- Wear personal protective equipment. Depending on application, use face shield, safety goggles or safety glasses. As appropriate, wear dust mask, hearing protectors, gloves and shop apron capable of stopping small abrasive or workpiece fragments. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do not operate the power tool near flammable materials. Sparks could ignite these materials.
- Do not use accessories that require liquid coolants. Using water or other liquid coolants may result in electrocution or shock.
Kickback and Related Warnings: Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing pad, brush or any other accessory. Pinching or snagging causes rapid stalling of the rotating accessory which in turn causes the uncontrolled power tool to be forced in the direction opposite of the accessory’s rotation at the point of the binding.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. Kickback is the result of power tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.
- 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.
- Never place your hand near the rotating accessory. Accessory may kickback over your hand.
- Do not position your body in the area where power tool will move if kickback occurs. Kickback will propel the tool in direction opposite to the wheel’s movement at the point of snagging.
- 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.
Safety Warnings Specific for Polishing Operations:
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 safety instructions
Do not press the spindle lock until the tool stops.
Noise and vibration
The noise and vibration values have been determined in accordance with EN 60745-2-3.
The A evaluated noise level of the power tool is typically:
Sound pressure level LpA: 69.8 dB(A);
Sound power level LWA: 80.8 dB(A);
– Sound pressure level LpA: 69.8 dB(A);
– Sound power level LWA: 80.8 dB(A);
– Uncertainty: K = 3.0 dB.
Total vibration value (when polishing painted surfaces):
– Emission value ah: <2.5 m/s2
– Uncertainty: K = 1.5 m/s2
CAUTION! The indicated measurements refer to new power tools. Daily use causes the noise and vibration values to change.
NOTE The vibration emission level given in this information sheet has been measured in accordance with a standardised test given in EN 60745-2-3 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure. The declared vibration emission level represents the main applications of the tool. However if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or poorly maintained, the vibration emission may differ. This may significantly increase the exposure level over the total working period. For a precise estimation of the vibration load the times should also be considered during which the power tool is switched off or even running, but not actually in use.
This may significantly decrease the exposure level over the total working period. Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration such as: maintain the tool and the accessories, keep the hands warm, organisation of work patterns.
CAUTION! Wear ear protection at a sound pressure above 85 dB(A).
Technical specifications
Overview
- Spindle
- Gear head with handle cover With air outlet and direction-of-rotation arrow.
- Fastening screw for handle cover
- Spindle lock Secures the spindle when the tool is changed.
- Dial for preselecting the speed
- Locking button Locks the switch (7) during continuous operation.
- Switch Switches the power tool on and off and also accelerates it up to the preselected speed.
- Filter cover
- Slot for battery
- Rating plate
- Li-ion battery (2.5 Ah or 5.0 Ah)
- Release button for battery
- State of charge indicator
- Handle
Operating instructions
⚠ WARNING! Remove the battery before carrying out any work on the power tool.
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.
Attaching the auxiliary handle
The auxiliary handle can be attached to improve handling of the polisher.
To do this, remove the handle cover fastening screw from the side on which the handle is to be attached.
When removing the handle, put back the screw which was removed beforehand.
Inserting/replacing the battery
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 tool holder
Remove the battery. Press and hold down the spindle lock (1.)
- Screw tool holder (Velcro plate) in clockwise direction onto spindle and tighten by hand (2.).
- Secure tool on tool holder.
- Insert the battery.
- Switch on the polisher (without engaging it) and run the polisher for approx. 30 seconds. Check for imbalances and vibrations.
- Switch off the polisher.
Changing tool holder
- Remove the battery.
- Press and hold down the spindle lock.
- Unscrew tool holder in anti-clockwise direction and remove it from the spindle by turning.
- Secure new tool holder (see above).
- Insert the battery.
Attaching the tools
⚠ CAUTION! Attach tools centrally on tool holder. Imbalances may damage the power tool. The work result may be impaired.
NOTE 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 that with rotational polishing or forcedriven 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.
Switching 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
Preselecting the speed
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.
⚠ CAUTION! Risk of injury due to destruction of the tool. Use the appropriate tool for the job.
NOTE In the event of overload or overheating in non-stop operation, the power tool will switch off. To continue working, switch the power tool off and back on again.
Operating instructions
NOTE When the power tool is switched off, the tool continues running briefly. If using a polishing paste, use the respective tool for each paste. Sponges can be washed in the washing machine. For further information on the manufacturer’s products go to www.flex-tools.com.
Charger
- Insertion slot for battery
- Contacts
- Ventilation slots
- Operating state display
- Power cord with mains plug
The CA 10.8/18.0 charger is designed to charge FLEX batteries of the following types
– AP 10.8 (2.5 Ah),
– AP 18.0 (2.5 Ah),
– AP 10.8 (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. 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. Insert the charger mains plug. The display
backlighting lights up green for 2 seconds and then goes out again. OK is displayed.
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.
Maintenance and care
WARNING! Remove the battery before carrying out any work on the power tool.
Cleaning
- Clean the power tool and grille in front of the vent slots regularly. 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.
Gears
NOTE Do not completely remove the handle cover during the warranty period. Non-compliance will deem the guarantee obligations of the manufacturer null and void.
Repairs
Repairs may be carried out by an authorised customer service centre only.
Spare parts and accessories
For other accessories, in particular tools and polishing aids, see the manufacturer’s catalogues. Exploded drawings and sparepart lists can be found on our homepage: www.flex-tools.com
Disposal information
Declaration of Conformity
We declare under our sole responsibility that the product described under “Technical specifications” conforms to the following standards or normative documents:
EN 60745-2-3 in accordance with the regulations of the directives 2014/30/EU, 2006/42/EC, 2011/65/EU. Responsible for technical documents: FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, R & D Bahnhofstrasse 15, D-71711 Steinheim/Murr
5.12.2020 FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH Bahnhofstrasse 15, D-71711 Steinheim/Murr
Declaration of Conformity
We as the manufacturer: FLEX Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, Business address: Bahnhofstr. 15, 71711 Steinheim, Germany declare under our sole responsibility, that the product(s) described under ,,Technical specifications” fulfills all the relevant provisions of The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations S.I. 2008/1597 and also fulfills all the relevant provisions of the following UK Regulations: Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations S.I. 2016/1091, The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations S.I. 2012/3032 and are manufactured in accordance with the following designated Standards: BS EN 60745-1:2010, BS EN 60745-2-3:2011, BS EN 55014-1:2017, BS EN 55014-2:2015 Place of declaration: Steinheim, Germany. Responsible person: Peter Lameli, Technical Director FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH
Contact details for Great Britain: FLEX Power Tools Limited, Unit 8 Anglo Office Park, Lincoln Road, HP 12, 3RH Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
19.05.2021
Exemption from liability
The manufacturer and his representative are not liable for any damage and lost profit due to interruption in business caused by the product or by an unusable product. The manufacturer and his representative are not liable for any damage which was caused by improper use of the power tool or by use of the power tool with products from other manufacturers.
FLEX-Elektrowekzeuge GmbH
Bahnhofstr.15
71711 Steinheim/Murr
Tel. +49 (0) 7144 828-0
Fax +49 (0) 7144 25899