Alpha AIR-658 User manual

Part No:AIR-658
Version 5
103 Bauer Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436 • 800-648-7229 • Fax: [phone]
www.alpha-tools.com
Alpha®Pneumatic
Air Polisher
Instruction Manual
MANUAL
For repair information call:
Headquarters, Oakland, NJ — [phone]
Due to specially designed components this machine must be serviced only
with genuine ALPHA®parts.
Shown with Splash Guard
(Optional Accessory)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................3
About the Symbols ....................................................................3
Safety Instructions for Power Tools ...........................................4
AIR-658 Overview .....................................................................6
Specications ............................................................................6
Accessories ...............................................................................7
Optional Accessories............................................................7
Recommended Alpha® Accessories .....................................7
Special Features........................................................................7
Tool Set-Up Information.............................................................8
Connection Fittings ...............................................................8
Air Pressure and Volume ......................................................9
Lubrication ............................................................................9
Polishing and Using The Tool ..................................................10
Spindle Size........................................................................10
Air Valve Lever....................................................................11
Water Control Valve ............................................................11
Silencer/Mufer...................................................................11
Reversible Side Handle ......................................................12
Water Supply Hose .............................................................12
Pheumatic Air Polisher Schematic...........................................13
Air Polisher Parts List ..............................................................14
Appendix A...............................................................................16
Accessories and Factory Service ............................................18
Product Registration................................................................19

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing an Alpha® Air Polisher. This polisher is
the workhorse of a complete polishing system. A wide range of
accessories help you perform many different tasks. This tool lets
you grind, shape, bevel, contour and polish all kinds of granite and
marble. You can easily change from one type of disc to another in
just a matter of seconds. The tool is used with water to help you
get the best possible nish, to reduce the health risks of dust, and to
give the most savings in time and money from modern accessories.
For your safety, please read this manual thoroughly before you start
operating this polisher.
ABOUT THE SYMBOLS
According to the hazard level, all safety notes in this manual are
classied into “DANGER”, “WARNING”, and “CAUTION”.
DANGER! Death or serious personal injury is imminent when
handling this polisher incorrectly.
WARNING! There is a possibility of death or serious personal
injury when handling this polisher incorrectly.
CAUTION! There is a possibility of personal injury or property
damage when handling this polisher incorrectly.
Note: In some situations, failing to observe WARNING notes could
result in death or serious personal injury. Be sure to read
and observe the safety notes to ensure safety and correct
use of the polisher.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR POWER TOOLS
1. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read owner’s manual carefully.
Learn its applications and limitations as well as specific
potential hazards particular to this tool.
2. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches
invite accidents.
3. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Keep work areas
as dry as possible. Do not use tool in presence of ammable
liquids or gases. Keep the area well lit.
4. KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All visitors should
be kept a safe distance from the work area. Keep out of reach
of children.
5. DON’T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better and safer at the
rate for which it was designed.
6. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry as it can get caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves
and insulated non-skid footwear are recommended. Wear
protective covering to contain long hair.
7. WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION. Use safety glasses at
all times. Also, use a face mask if work area is dusty.
8. WEAR PROPER EAR PROTECTION. Wear ear protectors
when using for extended periods.
9. WEAR PROPER RESPIRATORY PROTECTION. A dust
mask or other respiratory device should be used for applicable
conditions.
10. DON’T ABUSE WATER SUPPLY HOSE. Don’t carry tool by
supply hose or expose to trafc areas where it can be crushed.
11. ALWAYS SECURE WORK PIECE. Use clamps or a vise to
hold work. It’s safer than using your hand and it frees both
hands to operate tool.

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12. DON’T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at
all times.
13. DISCONNECT TOOLS WHEN NOT IN USE. Always
disconnect tool before servicing; when changing accessories
such as grinding wheels, backer pads, etc.
14. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form a
habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are
removed from tool before turning it on.
15. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools clean at all
times for best and safest performance. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories. Keep handles dry, clean
and free of oil or grease. Inspect moving parts for alignment
and binding as well as for breakage and improper mounting.
16. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Don’t carry a “connected”
tool, or make adjustments, or change discs without making
sure the air valve is in the off position to prevent the ow of air.
17. USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. The use of
any accessories other than what is listed or recommended for
this particular tool may be hazardous.
18. KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM ALL MOVING PARTS.
19. USE SIDE HANDLES. Supplied with tool for control and safety.
20. USE RECOMMENDED GRINDING WHEELS ONLY. Do not
use conventional abrasive grinding wheels with this tool. Only
use diamond grinding wheels which are rated for wet usage.
21. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use common
sense. Do not operate tool when you are tired, or under the
inuence of medication or alcohol.

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AIR-658 OVERVIEW
Rubber Splash Guard
(OptionalAccessory)
Reversible Handle
10 ft Water Hose
10 ftAir Hose
AdjustableAir Valve
Adjustable Water Valve
Rubber Body cover
Internal Water Line
SPECIFICATIONS
RPM Weight Air
Consumption Air Pressure Air Inlet Water Inlet Spindle
U.S. NoLoad4,000 2.64 lb 15 CFM 87 PSI 1/4” BSPP 1/8” BSPP 5/8”-11
METRIC 1.2 kg 0.42 M3/Min 6 Bars

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ACCESSORIES
Water hose (10 ft / 3m) ......................................1pc
Air hose (10 ft / 3m)............................................1pc
Wrench (22mm) .................................................1pc
Side handle........................................................1pc
Lubrication Oil (1oz / 30 cc sample bottle)...............1pc
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Splash Guard (AWP-01) ....................................1pc
C-Shaped Handle (AWP-21A) ...........................1pc
RECOMMENDED ALPHA®ACCESSORIES
Ceramica EX exible diamond polishing discs, waterproof Sandpaper
discs, Hook and Loop Backed Felt Wheels, Core Drill Bits, Twistouch
Turbo and Prolers.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The Alpha® Air Polisher was designed with human engineering for
operator comfort. It comes equipped with a silencer which reduces
the level of noise as well as guiding the cold exhaust air away from
an operator during the polishing process. This feature also eliminates
excess lubricant dripping on the work piece. Portions of the body
design are made with synthetic materials and covered with rubber
to prevent fatigue and coldness to hands.
TOOL SET-UP INFORMATION
Unpack the tool carefully and study the helpful hints and warnings
contained in this manual. Please take time to familiarize yourself
with the features of the tool. Be sure to ll out the registration card
enclosed, and mail it back to the distribution center today.

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CONNECTION FITTINGS
The air and water hose ttings on the back of this tool are BSPP
(British standard parallel pipe or “G” thread). These ttings have
parallel threads and seal off on the at surface on the bottom of
the thread. This type of tting is usually supplied with an “O”ring or
sealing ring which we replaced with the silencer.
Air Valve
Water Hose Nipple
Water Hose
Exhaust Hose
Clamp
Air Hose Water Valve
Air Hose Joint
Compression Nut
WARNING!
Trying to convert either tting to an American standard pipe thread
(NPT), which is tapered, will crack the end-case and is not covered
under warranty.
Parallel Thread Taper Thread NPT

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AIR PRESSURE AND VOLUME
The recommended air pressure for this tool is 87 PSI (6 BARS),
however, the range of 85 to 90 psi is acceptable. Any pressure over
90 PSI will exceed the max speed rating of the rotor bearings caus-
ing them to overheat and lock up.
The most important factor in running this tool is the volume of air being
supplied to the tool. The volume is the air consumption needed to run
this tool at a constant speed under light downward hand pressure.
The volume is measured in CFM (cubic foot per minute (ft3/min). You
need a minimum of 15 CFM per tool.
When choosing a compressor to run an AIR-658 polisher, we rec-
ommend a rotary screw type with a minimum of a 5hp motor/15-20
CFM and a 60 gallon tank, per tool. So if you want to run four tools,
you will need a compressor with a 20hp motor capability of 80+
CFM and an 80 to 100 gallon storage tank. It is also very important
to keep your air cool, dry, and clean, so look for a compressor with
a refrigerated dryer and high-efciency lter built in or purchase
a separate air dryer and lter unit rated for your compressors
CFM.
LUBRICATION (Lube oil is used to protect the tool from rust-
ing when not in use)
PROPER CAREAND LUBRICATIONARE IMPORTANT FACTORS
IN PREVENTING THIS TOOL FROM RUSTING ON THE INSIDE
WHEN NOT IN USE.
At the end of each workday, 2-3 drops of lubrication oil with rust inhibi-
tor (included with each polisher) should be placed in the air inlet at
the base of the tool. Rotate the spindle counter clockwise, by hand
3-4 revolutions. Reinstall the air hose and run the tool for a second
or two to distribute the oil and mist the inside of the tool. (Replace-
ment containers of oil may be purchased from Alpha® Professional
Tools Part No. AIR-008).

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Lubricating the tool before and during working is not needed. Ex-
cessive oil will turn to a tar-like substance inside the tool, causing
the vanes to stick in the rotor and slow the tool down. This is the
reason we do not recommend automatic oilers be used with this
tool. Old or worn compressors, which emit oil through the air lines,
can signicantly shorten the life of the tool.
POLISHING AND USING THE TOOL
This tool and the Alpha® accessories approved for use with this tool
are designed to be used under light downward hand pressure. You
need to allow the polishing pads, core bits, and prolers to do their
job. Applying excessive downward pressure to the tool will cause
the vanes to wear out in the middle and fail prematurely.
SPINDLE SIZE
The Alpha® AIR-658 air polisher features a 5/8”-11 spindle. This
tool has been designed for portable/shop production and uses all
modern accessories. It is very important that you do not run any-
thing heavier than the recommended accessories on this machine.
A drop of oil should be applied to the outside threads whenever
attachments are changed to facilitate removal and prevent rust. A
22mm Spindle Wrench is provided to assist in changing accessories.
Maintenance and Usage Tip:
• Do not leave the tool submersed in water. This could expose
the inner moving parts to moisture, which will shorten the life
of the tool.
• Do not leave threaded accessories (backer pads, core drill
bits, prolers) on the spindle of tool for extended periods of
time; this may result in making it difcult to remove these
accessories.
• Excessive force or impact to the spindle may result in
premature failure of gears and/or bearings, which may not be
immediately evident.