FE Powertools 150 RLX User manual

Fe Powertools BV, Jac.P.Thijsseweg 16, 2408ER
Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands www.fepowertools.com
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
DRILLING MACHINE
WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC BASE
F
FE E 1 15 50 0 R RL LX X

FE 150 RLX
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Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 4
1.1. Application.................................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Technical data ............................................................................................................ 4
1.3. Equipment included.................................................................................................... 5
1.4. Dimensions ................................................................................................................ 6
1.5. Design ........................................................................................................................ 7
2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................................. 8
3. STARTUP AND OPERATION ..........................................................................................10
3.1. Installing the handles.................................................................................................10
3.2. Installing and removing the arbor, MT4 twist drill bit, or tap chuck .............................11
3.3. Installing and removing the annular cutter .................................................................13
3.4. Installing and removing the screw tap........................................................................14
3.5. Installing and removing the cooling system ...............................................................15
3.6. Preparing...................................................................................................................16
3.7. Drilling .......................................................................................................................18
3.8.Thread cutting ...........................................................................................................22
3.9. Adjusting the gibs ......................................................................................................23
3.10. Replacing the motor brushes...................................................................................24
4. ACCESSORIES ...............................................................................................................25
4.1. Pressure cooling system ...........................................................................................25
4.2. Arbor MT4 × 32 mm Weldon......................................................................................25
4.3. MT4 tap chuck × 31 mm with adapter........................................................................26
4.4. MT4 tap chuck × 48 mm with adapter........................................................................28
4.5. MT4 tap chuck × 60 mm with adapter........................................................................31
5. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................................................................................34
6. WARRANTY CARD..........................................................................................................35

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1. Application
The FE 150 RLX is a drilling machine designed to drill holes with diameters of up to
150 mm (5.91″) by using annular cutters. The machine can also drill holes with diam-
eters of up to 47 mm (1.85″) by using twist drill bits.
The machine can change the direction of rotation. This allows thread cutting by
using a tap chuck.
The electromagnetic base clamps the machine to ferromagnetic surfaces. This
makes sure that the operator is safe and the machine works correctly. A safety strap
protects the machine from falling in case of a clamping loss.
When the brushes are worn, the machine turns off automatically.
1.2. Technical data
Voltage
1~ 220–240 V, 50–60 Hz
1~ 110–120 V, 50–60 Hz
Power
2300 W
Spindle shank
MT4
Tool holder
19 mm (3/4″) Weldon
Maximum drilling diameter with an annular cutter
150 mm (5.91″)*
Maximum drilling diameter with a twist drill bit
47 mm (1.85″)
Maximum drilling depth
100 mm (3.94″)
Maximum tap size
M42 (1-5/8″)
Clamping force
(surface with the thickness of 25 mm and roughness Ra= 1.25)
25 000 N
Electromagnetic base dimensions
105 mm × 315 mm × 50 mm
4.1″ × 12.4″ × 2″
Stroke
260 mm (10.2″)
Rotational speed under load
55–85 rpm
100–150 rpm
200–300 rpm
350–520 rpm
Minimum workpiece thickness
10 mm (0.4″)
Protection class
I
Protection level
IP 20
Noise level
More than 85 dB
Required ambient temperature
0–40°C (32–104°F)
Weight
31 kg (68 lbs)
* If more than 60 mm (2.36″), use an MT4 arbor with 32 mm Weldon tool holder (UCW-583-13-00-00-0).
If more than 130 mm (5.12″), use only a TCT cutter with the drilling depth of up to 50 mm.

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1.3. Equipment included
1
Drilling machine
1 unit
2
Metal box
1 unit
3
Handle
3 units
4
MT4 arbor with 19 mm (3/4″) Weldon tool holder
1 unit
5
Safety strap
1 unit
6
Cooling system
1 unit
7
Protective spring for cooling hose
1 unit
8
MT3 drift
1 unit
9
5 mm hex wrench
1 unit
10
5 mm hex wrench with a handle
1 unit
11
2.5 mm hex wrench
1 unit
12
8 mm combination wrench
1 unit
13
Tool can
1 unit
14
Locking connector (only in 115 V version)
1 unit
–
Operator’s Manual
1 unit
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
7
14

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1.4. Dimensions
332 mm (13″)
487 mm (19″)
655 mm (26″)

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1.5. Design
Gear switch
Chip guard
Speed knob
Bottle valve lever
Motor STOP
Motor START
(right rotation)
Motor START
(left rotation, only to retract the tap)
Carrying handle
Feed shaft
Electromagnetic base (MAGNET) switch
Electromagnetic base
Signal LED
Hole for a safety strap
Gib

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2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Before use, read this Operator’s Manual and complete a training in occupational
safety and health.
2. Use only in applications specified in this Operator’s Manual.
3. Make sure that the machine has all parts and they are genuine and not damaged.
4. Make sure that the specifications of the power source are the same as those
specified on the rating plate.
5. Connect the machine to a correctly grounded power source. Protect the power
source with a 16 A fuse for 230 V or a 32 A fuse for 115 V. If you are going to work
on building sites, supply the machine through an isolation transformer with class II
protection only.
6. Let only qualified electrician do the connection to the 115 V power source.
7. Set the MAGNET switch to ‘O’ before you move the machine. Use carrying handle
to move the machine.
8. Do not carry the machine by the power cord and do not pull the cord. This can
cause damage and electric shock.
9. Keep untrained bystanders away from the machine.
10. Before each use, ensure the correct condition of the machine, power source,
power cord, plug, control panel, and tools.
11. Before each use, make sure that no part is cracked or loose. Make sure to main-
tain correct conditions that can have an effect on the operation of the machine.
12. Keep the machine dry. Do not expose the machine to rain, snow, or frost.
13. Do not stay below the machine that is put at heights.
14. Keep the work area well lit, clean, and free of obstacles.
15. Make sure that the tool is correctly attached. Remove wrenches from the work
area before you connect the machine to the power source.
16. Do not use tools that are dull or damaged.
17. Unplug the power cord before you install and remove tools. Use protective gloves
to install and remove tools.
18. Unplug the power cord before you manually turn the spindle.
19. Use annular cutters without the pilot pin only when you drill incomplete through
holes. Do not use arbors without a spring.
20. Do not make holes/threads whose diameter or depth differ from those specified
in the technical data.

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21. Do not use in explosive environments or near flammable materials.
22. Do not use on surfaces that are rough, not flat, not rigid, or have rust, paint,
chips, or dirt.
23. Do not use if the gibs are adjusted incorrectly.
24. Do not use if there is no grease on the gibs.
25. Do not use the gear switches if the motor is on.
26. Use the safety strap to attach the machine to a stable structure. Put the strap
through the hole in the machine body. In the horizontal position, attach the strap
to the carrying handle. Do not put the strap into the buckle from the front.
27. Use eye and ear protection and protective clothing. Do not use loose clothing.
28. We do not recommend work on workpieces thinner than 10 mm (0.4″). The
clamping force depends on the workpiece thickness and is much lower for thin
plates.
29. Each time before you put the machine on the workpiece, rub the workpiece with
coarse-grained sandpaper. Make sure that the bottom of the base is in full con-
tact with the workpiece.
30. Do not touch chips or moving parts. Do not let anything catch in moving parts.
31. After each use, remove chips and coolant from the machine and the tool. Do not
remove chips with bare hands.
32. Unplug the power cord before you do maintenance or install/remove parts.
33. Repair only in a service center appointed by the seller.
34. If the machine falls, is wet, or has any damage, stop the work and immediately
send the machine to the service center for check and repair.
35. Do not leave the machine when it operates.
36. If you are not going to use the machine, remove the tool from the holder. Then,
remove the machine from the work area and keep it in a safe and dry place.
37. If you are not going to use the machine for an extended period, put anti-corrosion
material on the steel parts.

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3. STARTUP AND OPERATION
3.1. Installing the handles
Attach the handles to the feed shaft. You can install the shaft so that the handles are
on the opposite side of the machine. To do this, lift the motor to the maximum and
continue in the sequence that follows.
1
2 (20 mm, 0.8″)
3 (30 mm, 1.2″)
4
6 (30 mm, 1.2″)
5
7 (20 mm, 0.8″)
8

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3.2. Installing and removing the arbor, MT4 twist drill bit, or
tap chuck
Unplug the power cord and lift the chip guard (1). Turn the handles to the right (2) to
lift the motor. Use petroleum ether to clean the spindle and the arbor (drill bit, tap
chuck). Then, clean them with a dry cloth.
Chips or grease in the spindle or on the Morse taper (3) can dam-
age the spindle.
Use gloves and a quick movement to put the arbor (drill bit, tap chuck) into the spin-
dle (4). Make sure that the stop rod is between the pin and the fitting (5). If the arbor
(tap chuck) has a nut (6), tighten the nut to the spindle. Before you install an
MT4×60 mm tap chuck, remove the stop rod (7).
1
2
4
6
5
7
3

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To remove the arbor (drill bit, tap chuck), continue as follows. If the arbor (tap
chuck) has a nut (1), remove the nut. Next, lift the motor and turn the spindle (2) to
align the holes in the spindle and gearbox (3). Put the drift into the hole (4). Next,
hold the carrying handle with one hand and hit the drift with a mallet (5).
2
3
4
5
1

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3.3. Installing and removing the annular cutter
Install the arbor as described before. Use gloves to put the correct pilot pin into the
annular cutter (1). Use a dry cloth to clean the arbor and the cutter. Put the cutter into
the arbor (2) to align the flat surfaces (3) with the screws (4). Use the 5 mm hex
wrench to tighten the screws.
To remove the cutter, loosen the screws (4) with the 5 mm hex wrench.
1
2
4
3

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3.4. Installing and removing the screw tap
Install the tap chuck as described before. Next, put the screw tap into the correct
adapter (1). Install the adapter into the tap chuck (2).
To remove the screw tap, unlock it and remove from the adapter.
1
2

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3.5. Installing and removing the cooling system
Attach the bottle to the bracket (1). Put the hose with the spring (2) between the stop
rod and the body (3). Then, attach the hose to the fitting and move the spring to the
arbor (4, 5).
To remove the bottle, continue in reverse sequence.
4
5
1
3
2

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3.6. Preparing
Before use, clean steel parts, including the MT4 socket, from anti-corrosion material
used to preserve the machine for storage and transport.
Attach the handles to the feed shaft. You can install the shaft so that the handles
are on the opposite side of the machine.
Apply a thin layer of grease to the gibs.
Select the annular cutter, drill bit, or screw tap that matches the required hole
diameter. When you drill holes with diameters of 18–32 mm (0.71–1.26″) by using
twist drill bits, select two bits: with 70% and 100% of the required diameter. When
you drill holes with diameters of 32–47 mm (1.26–1.85″) by using twist drill bits,
select three bits: 18 mm and with 80% and 100% of the required diameter.
Use a dry cloth to clean the spindle, arbor (drill bit, tap chuck), and cutter. Then,
as described before, install the arbor (and then the cutter), drill bit with the smaller
diameter, or tap chuck (and then the screw tap with adapter).
Put the machine on a flat ferromagnetic workpiece with the thickness of at least
10 mm (0.4″). Make sure that there is no rust, paint, chips, or dirt. They decrease the
clamping force. The force will be lower also if the surface is thin, rough, not flat, not
rigid, the voltage is lower than required, or the bottom of the base is worn.
Connect the machine to the power source. To connect the machine to a 115 V
power source, use the locking connector. Refer to the instructions included with the
connector.
Set the MAGNET switch to ‘I’ to turn on the clamping. Some types of steel (non-
ferromagnetic) do not conduct magnetic flux so the machine cannot clamp onto them.
Use the safety strap to prevent fall and injury if the machine loses the clamping.
Attach the machine to a stable structure by putting the strap through the hole in the
machine body. In the horizontal position, attach the strap to the carrying handle.
Make sure that the strap is tight and not twisted. If the machine comes loose from the
workpiece and hangs on the strap, replace the strap. Do not put the strap into the
buckle from the front.

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Turn the handles to the left to put the tool above the workpiece.
For vertical drilling with an annular cutter, install the cooling system and fill it with
coolant. Do not use only water as the coolant. But you can mix water and drilling oil.
Then, make sure that the cooling system works correctly. To do this, lightly loosen
the bottle cap and use the lever to open the valve. Then, turn the handles to the left
to apply a light pressure on the pilot pin. The coolant should fill the system and start
flowing from the cutter.
The cooling system works by gravity. Thus, in the horizontal position, turn the
bottle. In the inverted position, use coolants under pressure or in the form of spray
or paste.
Vertical drilling
Inverted drilling
Horizontal drilling
INCORRECT
CORRECT
✓

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3.7. Drilling
Set the speed based on the table that follows.
Tool
Hole diameter
Rotational speed*
[rpm]
Gear switches
setting
[mm]
[in]
HSS annular cutter
12–21 0.47–0.83 350–520
22–37 0.87–1.46 200–300
38–72 1.50–2.83 100–150
73–130 2.87–5.12 55–85
TCT annular cutter
12–27 0.47–1.06 350–520
28–47 1.10–1.85 200–300
48–85 1.89–3.35 100–150
86–150** 3.39–5.91 55–85
Twist drill bit
15–22 0.59–0.87 200–300
22–32 0.87–1.26 100–150
32–47 1.26–1.85 55–85
* For a sharp tool and mild steel with a strength R
m
< 500 N/mm2 (70,000 psi), such as St0 (S185), St3S
(S235JR), or St4W (S275JO).
**
If more than 130 mm (5.12″), use only a cutter with the drilling depth of up to 50 mm and be careful. A too high
feed speed or rotational speed can result in excessive vibrations, machine overload, incorrect arbor operation, or
cutter damage.

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Turn the gear switch as shown in the figure until you feel resistance. Incorrect
setting can damage the gearbox.
Steel with a strength Rm≥500 N/mm2(70,000 psi), such as St5 (E295), 18G2A
(S355N), or 45 (C45), requires lower speeds. If the speed is too high or too low for
the workpiece strength and the type/diameter of the tool, the tool will wear faster or
be unable to drill the hole.
Press to start the motor. Turn the handles to the left to put the tool into the
workpiece. Use the speed knob to set a speed sufficient for the actual process condi-
tions. Set the speed knob near the maximum.
When the annular cutter goes through the workpiece, the slug
core is pushed out with a large force.
CORRECT ✓
INCORRECT
Rotation direction
Rotation direction

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When you use an annular cutter, drill only through holes. For incomplete through
holes do not use the pilot pin.
Keep the machine in the same position until the hole is made.
When you use a drill bit, drill holes with diameters of 18–32 mm (0.71–1.26″) in
two steps. First, use the drill bit with the 70% diameter of the required diameter to drill
a hole. Then, keep the machine in the same position, and drill again with the drill bit
that matches the required diameter.
When you use a drill bit, drill holes with diameters of 32–47 mm (1.26–1.85″) in
three steps. First, use the drill bit with the diameter of 18 mm to drill a hole. Then,
keep the machine in the same position, and drill again with the drill bit with the di-
ameter of 80% of the required diameter. Finally, drill again with the drill bit that
matches the required diameter.
If you are going to drill holes deeper than 50 mm (2″), remove the tool from the
workpiece as often as possible. This allows chips to be removed from the hole. If the
grooves of the tool are clogged, turn off the motor and use a brush to clean them.
After you get to the depth of 40 mm (1.6″), remove the tool from the workpiece
as often as possible. Then, manually apply the coolant from the bottle into the
drilling area.
Incomplete through holes
Complete through holes