Metabo HPT Angle Polisher

1. Specified Conditions of Use

The angle polisher PE 15-20 RT is suitable for polishing applications, particularly for automotive paints.

The angle polisher PE 15-30 is suitable for sanding wood, plastic, filled or painted surfaces, and polishing applications. It is also intended for use with original Metabo HPT plastic disk brushes.

The user is solely responsible for any damage caused by inappropriate use. Generally accepted accident prevention regulations and the enclosed safety information must be observed.

2. General Safety Information

WARNING: Reading the operating instructions will reduce the risk of injury. Pass on your power tool only together with these documents.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings: 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.

2.1 Work area safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2.2 Electrical safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug. Do not use adapter plugs with earthed power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool increases the risk of electric shock.
• 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.
• When operating outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.
• If operating in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply.

2.3 Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense. Do not use a power tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• 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.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep hair and clothing away from moving parts.
• If devices are provided for dust extraction and collection, ensure they are connected and properly used.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use allow complacency. A careless action can cause severe injury.

2.4 Power tool use and care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. It must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow unfamiliar persons to operate the tool.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect operation. Have damaged tools repaired before use.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories, and tool bits in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

2.5 Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts.

3. Special Safety Instructions

3.1 Common safety instructions for sanding or polishing:

• PE 15-30: Use as a sander or polisher. Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications.
• PE 15-20: Use as a polisher. Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications.
• PE 15-30: Operations such as grinding, wire brushing, hole cutting, or cutting-off are not recommended.
• PE 15-20 RT: Operations such as grinding, sanding, wire brushing, hole cutting, or cutting-off are not recommended.
• Do not convert the power tool to operate in a way not specifically designed and specified by the manufacturer.
• Do not use accessories not specifically designed and specified by the tool manufacturer.
• The rated speed of the accessory must be at least equal to the maximum speed marked on the power tool.
• The outside diameter and thickness of your accessory must be within the capacity rating of your power tool.
• Accessory mounting dimensions must fit the tool's mounting hardware.
• Do not use a damaged accessory. Inspect accessories before each use.
• Wear personal protective equipment (face shield, safety goggles, dust mask, hearing protectors, gloves, workshop apron).
• Keep bystanders a safe distance away from the work area.

3.2 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, forcing the tool in the direction opposite of the accessory's rotation at the point of binding.

• Maintain a firm grip with both hands and position your body and arms to resist kickback forces. Always use the auxiliary handle.
• Never place your hand near the rotating accessory.
• Do not position your body in the area where the power tool will move if kickback occurs.
• Use special care when working corners, sharp edges, etc. Avoid bouncing and snagging the accessory.
• Do not attach a saw chain woodcarving blade, segmented diamond wheel with a peripheral gap greater than 10 mm, or toothed saw blade.

3.3 Only for PE 15-30: Special safety instructions for sanding:

• Use proper sized sanding disc paper. Follow manufacturer recommendations.

3.4 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.

Caution: The workpiece can heat up during the polishing process!

3.5 Additional safety instructions:

• Always wear protective goggles.
• Wear ear protectors.
• Always operate the power tool with two hands.
• Use elastic cushioning layers if provided and required.
• Observe the specifications of the tool or accessory manufacturer.
• Accessories must be stored and handled with care.
• Ensure accessories are installed correctly.
• The tool continues running after the machine has been switched off.
• Do not use separate reducing bushings or adapters.
• The workpiece must lay flat and be secured against slipping. Large workpieces must be sufficiently supported.
• If accessories with threaded inserts are used, the end of the spindle may not touch the base of the hole on the sanding tool.

4. Overview

See page 2.

1. Spindle locking button
2. Sliding on/off switch
3. Handle
4. Speed adjustment wheel
5. Electronic signal indicator *
6. Dust filter *
7. Bar auxiliary handle *
8. Thumb screws of the bar auxiliary handle *
9. Locking discs of the bar auxiliary handle *
10. Threaded holes on gear housing
11. Additional handle *
12. Lock button
13. Trigger

* depending on equipment/not in scope of delivery

5. Initial Operation

• Before commissioning, check that the rated mains voltage and mains frequency match your power supply.
• Always install an RCD / GFCI with a maximum trip current of 30 mA upstream.
• Always guide the angle grinder with both hands on the handles provided.

5.1 PE 15-20 RT: Attaching the additional handle

• Always work with the auxiliary handle (11) attached! Attach the auxiliary handle on the left or right of the machine and secure.

5.2 PE 15-30: Attach the bar auxiliary handle

• Always work with the bar auxiliary handle (7) attached! Fit the bar auxiliary handle (7) as shown (see illustration A, page 2).
• Fit locking discs (9) to the left and right of the gear housing.
• Fit the bar auxiliary handle (7) at the gear housing.
• Insert the thumb screws (8) left and right into the bar auxiliary handle (7) and turn gently.
• Adjust the bar auxiliary handle (7) to the required angle.
• Firmly tighten the thumb screws (8) to the left and right manually.

5.3 Dust filter (depending on features)

Assembly see page 2, fig. B. Regularly clean the dust filter. See chapter 8. Cleaning.

6. Installing the tools

Locking the spindle: Press in the spindle locking button (1) only when the spindle is stationary! Press in the spindle locking button (1) and turn the spindle by hand until the spindle locking button engages.

6.1 Installing support plate and sanding sheet

• Only use the adjusting nut supplied with the support plate.
• Place the support plate on the spindle as shown in the illustration. Screw on sanding sheet with adjusting nut supplied with support plate. Lock the spindle. Tighten sanding sheet with support plate manually in a clockwise direction.
• Release by hand or with a two-hole spanner if necessary.

7. Use

7.1 Setting speed

The speed can be preset via the thumb-wheel (4) and is infinitely variable. The VTC electronics make material-compatible work possible and maintain almost constant speed, even under load.

7.2 Switching On and Off

• Switch on first, then guide the accessory towards the workpiece.
• The machine must not be allowed to draw in additional dust and shavings. When switching the machine on and off, keep it away from dust deposits. After switching off, only place it down when the motor has come to a standstill.
• In continuous operation, the machine continues running if it is forced out of your hands. Therefore, always hold the machine with both hands using the handles provided, stand securely and concentrate.

PE 15-30:

• Switching on: Push the sliding switch (2) forward. For continuous activation, tilt downwards until it engages.
• Switching off: Press the rear end of the slide switch (2) and release it.

PE 15-20 RT:

• Switching on, speed: Press the trigger switch (13). Press in the trigger switch to increase the rotational speed.
• Switching off: To switch off, release the trigger switch (13).
• Continuous operation: With the trigger (13) pressed, push in the locking button (12) and release the trigger. Press and release the trigger (13) again to switch off.

7.3 Working directions

• Polishing: Start with the lowest speed, coarse polish, and a lambskin or coarse pad. Increase speed, use medium polish and a medium pad. For high gloss polishing, use high speed, finest polish, and finest pad. Polish with crossover strokes (left to right, top to bottom). Do not stay too long in one spot to avoid overheating and damaging the surface.
• Sanding (not PE 15-20 RT): Press down evenly and move back and forth so the workpiece surface does not become too hot.

8. Cleaning

Particles may deposit inside the power tool, impairing cooling and potentially causing electrical hazards. Clean regularly and thoroughly through all front and rear air vents using a vacuum cleaner or dry air. Disconnect from power source, wear protective glasses and a suitable dust mask. Ensure proper suction when blowing out vents.

Cleaning the dust filter:

WARNING: Excessive dust on the filter reduces motor cooling, potentially causing overheating and damage. Clean the dust filter regularly by vacuuming or wiping. Disconnect from power source or remove filter before cleaning. Wear goggles and a suitable dust mask. Ensure proper suction when blowing out vents.

9. Troubleshooting

• PE 15-30: If the electronic signal indicator (5) lights up and load speed decreases, the machine is overloaded. Run the machine at idle until the indicator switches off.
• PE 15-20 RT, PE 15-30: If the machine does not start and the electronic signal indicator (5) flashes, the restart protection is active. Switch the machine off and back on again.

10. Accessories

Use only genuine Metabo HPT accessories that fulfill the requirements and specifications listed in these operating instructions. Always use the suitable accessory and the prescribed guard.

• Task: Sanding / Structuring surfaces with original Metabo HPT plastic disk brushes Tool: Sanding disc for sanding sheets or plastic disc brush. Prescribed guard: None.
• Task: Polishing Tool: Polishing accessory. Prescribed guard: None.

See www.metabo-hpt.com for a complete range of accessories.

11. Repairs

WARNING: Repairs to electrical tools must ONLY be carried out by qualified electricians! A defective mains cable must be replaced only with a special, original mains cable from Metabo HPT available from the Metabo HPT service.

Contact your local Metabo HPT representative for repairs. See www.metabo-hpt.com for addresses. Spare parts lists can be downloaded from www.metabo-hpt.com.

12. Environmental Protection

Observe national regulations on environmentally compatible disposal and recycling of disused tools, packaging, and accessories.

13. Technical Specifications

Explanatory notes on the specifications on page 3. Subject to change in accordance with technical progress.

Emission values

These values make it possible to assess the emissions from the power tool and to compare different power tools. The actual load may be higher or lower depending on operating conditions, the condition of the power tool, or accessories. Arrange protective measures for the user, such as organisational measures, based on adjusted estimates.

The grinding of thinner metal sheets and other workpieces with large surfaces that easily vibrate can lead to a significantly higher overall sound emission (up to 15 dB) than the specified values. Prevent this by fitting heavy, flexible damping mats. Take increased sound emission into account when assessing noise exposure risk and selecting hearing protection.

Vibration total value (vector sum of three directions) determined in accordance with EN 62841:

• a_{h, P} = Vibration emission value (polishing)
• a_{h, DS} = Vibration emission value (sanding surfaces)
• K_h,p/K_h,DS = Uncertainty (vibration)

Typical A-effective perceived sound levels:

• L_PA = Sound-pressure level
• L_WA = Acoustic power level
• K_PA, K_WA = Uncertainty

The noise level can exceed 80 dB(A) during operation. Wear ear protectors!