my flex gets very hot

my flex rotary lightweight gets very hot after a pass, the heat is felt on the flex logo. and saw some sparks through the vents. is this normal?? this is my 1st use. compare to my makita, it's not normal, makita doesn't heat up that fast n no spark (6 months old)

 

The metal head of mine gets really hot too. I'm guessing its normal.

 

jus confirm with Phil at DD, very helpful as always. I guess it's normal too. if phil said so then it's true ( lol J/k) maybe I will ask flex rep on DD's BBQ.

 

thanx for asking :headbang: had same symptoms last weekend. i actually used my

infra-red digital temp guage @ the vent it was 130 degrees. but since it didnt shut down

automatically vial thermal switch i just rolled with it.....

 

If you are using an extension cord, is it the proper length and gauge for the current draw of the Flex?

 

from my experience with the flex it does get very hot after a while of use so from what i know its normal

 

yes im using the correct cord, I have 14 & 12 gauage, all Heavy Duty ridgid cords. I have the correct amps for 25 ft n 50ft one. so the power is good

 

RIDGID 25 In. 14/3 SJTW "lighted End" Ext. cord - AW62622 at The Home Depot


RIDGID 50 Ft. 12/3 "lighted end"Ext. cord - AW62620 at The Home Depot


Im using these

The flex manual don't tell you spec on what extension cord to use, but those I have are base on the Makita

 

i dont think any manual will tell you what to use as it will differ on a lot of variables. my flex gets so hot when i use it outside on hot days it starts to collapse the pads center. i just give the old flex a break every 2 or 3 panels. it only needs 5-10 mins every few hours in my experience

 

The Flex does run hot. You can help it too run a bit cooler by doing a few things. The Flex will heat up extremely quickly when there is a lot of drag on the pad due to sticky paint etc. Try using a product like Gloss it Pad Prime or add a few drops of a finishing polish to add lubricity. Try using a harder pad. Softer pads add more drag by nature. A harder pad will glide over the paint with less drag. When compounding, use wool instead of foam. Hope this helps.

 

Good point

For futur rfrence-

GFCI and Extension Cord

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and Extension cord selection is based on two main principles. First, the cable should be able to carry the current load imposed on it without overheating. It should be able to do this in the most extreme conditions of temperature it will encounter during its working life.

Second, it should offer sufficiently sound earthing to (a) limit the voltage to which people are exposed to a safe level and (b) allow the fault current to trip the fuse or MCB in a short time. To meet these requirements requires consideration of the circuit load current (AMPS) a reasonable voltage drop, cable thickness (G) and length (feet) and the over-current protection device

Prime Wire & Cable Duplex GFCI -residual current device is also known as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) junction Box with 6-Ft. cord, Model# GF200806 Portable GFCI duplex receptacle detects power leaks and shuts off electricity in less than a second to prevent shock. Test and reset buttons Tough jobsite box with 6-ft. 12/3 SJTW power cord UL listed, meets OSHA standards.

Prime Wire & Cable 50-Ft extension 12/3 Neon Power Cord — Blue, Model# NS514830 Bright NEON extension cord stands out for easy identification. 12 Gauge, SJTW, 3 prong cord features super-flexible vinyl jacket with a cold temperature rating of -31°F. LIGHTED connector indicates when power is on. Cord is water and flame resistant and rated at 15 amps, 125V, 1875 watts, UL listed and meets OSHA standards – Northern Tool

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