WFE 450‑E

About this documentation

• Read this documentation before initial operation or use. This is a prerequisite for safe, trouble-free handling and use of the product.
  
• Observe the safety instructions and warnings in this documentation and on the product.
  
• Always keep the operating instructions with the product and make sure that the operating instructions are with the product when it is given to other persons.
  

Explanation of symbols used

Warnings

Warnings alert persons to hazards that occur when handling or using the product. The following signal words are used:

Symbols in the documentation

The following symbols are used in this document:

	Read the operating instructions before use.
	Instructions for use and other useful information
	Dealing with recyclable materials
	Do not dispose of electric equipment and batteries as household waste

Symbols in the illustrations

The following symbols are used in illustrations:

	These numbers refer to the corresponding illustrations found at the beginning of these operating instructions
	The numbering reflects the sequence of operations shown in the illustrations and may deviate from the steps described in the text
	Item reference numbers are used in the overview illustrations and refer to the numbers used in the product overview section
	This symbol is intended to draw special attention to certain points when handling the product.

Product-dependent symbols

Symbols on the product

The following symbols are used on the product:

	Wear eye protection
	Wear ear protection
	Wear protective gloves
	Wear light respiratory protection
	Protection class II (double-insulated)
	Diameter
	Revolutions per minute

Product information

products are designed for professional users and only trained, authorized personnel are permitted to operate, service and maintain the products. This personnel must be specifically informed about the possible hazards. The product and its ancillary equipment can present hazards if used incorrectly by untrained personnel or if used not in accordance with the intended use.
The type designation and serial number are printed on the rating plate.

• Write down the serial number in the table below. You will be required to state the product details when contacting Hilti Service or your local Hilti organization to inquire about the product.
  Product information

  Random orbital sander	WFE 450‑E
  Generation:	01
  Serial number:

Declaration of conformity

We declare, on our sole responsibility, that the product described here complies with the applicable directives and standards. A copy of the declaration of conformity can be found at the end of this documentation.
The technical documentation is filed here:
Hilti Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH | Tool Certification | Hiltistrasse 6 | 86916 Kaufering, Germany

Safety instructions

General power tool safety warnings

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.
The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
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 the dust or fumes.
  
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
  

Electrical safety

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

Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
  
• 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. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
  
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
  
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
  
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
  
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
  
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
  

Power tool use and care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
  
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
  
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
  
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
  
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
  
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
  
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
  
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
  

Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
  

Belt sander and drum sander safety warnings

• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, because the sanding surface may contact its own cord. Cutting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
  

Additional safety instructions

Personal safety

• Use the tool only when it is in perfect working order.
  
• Never tamper with or modify the power tool in any way.
  
• Always hold the tool firmly with both hands on the grips provided. Keep the grips dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
  
• When working, always guide the supply cord and the extension cable to the rear and away from the power tool. This reduces the risk of tripping over cables while work is in progress.
  
• Use a dust extractor, respiratory protection and protective goggles. Dust produced by sanding can damage the lungs and the eyes.
  
• Take breaks between working and do relaxation and finger exercises to improve the blood circulation in your fingers.
  
• Dust from materials such as lead-based paint, certain types of wood and concrete/masonry/stone containing quartz, minerals or metal can be harmful to health. Contact with or inhalation of the dust can cause allergic reactions and/or respiratory or other diseases among operators or bystanders. Certain kinds of dust such as oakwood and beechwood dust are classified as carcinogenic, especially in conjunction with additives for wood conditioning (chromate, wood preservative). Only specialists are permitted to handle material containing asbestos. Use a dust extractor whenever possible. To achieve a high level of dust collection, use a suitable dust extractor. If necessary, wear a respirator appropriate for the type of dust generated. Ensure that the workplace is well ventilated. Comply with national regulations applicable to the materials you will be working with.
  
• The power tool is not intended for use by debilitated persons who have received no special training. Keep the power tool out of reach of children.
  
• Children are not permitted to play with the device and must be instructed accordingly.
  

Electrical safety

• Check the machine’s supply cord at regular intervals and have it replaced by a qualified specialist if found to be damaged. If the machine’s supply cord is damaged it must be replaced with a specially prepared and approved supply cord available from Hilti Customer Service. Check extension cords at regular intervals and replace them if found to be damaged. Do not touch the supply cord or extension cord if it is damaged while working. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet. Damaged supply cords or extension cords present a risk of electric shock.
  
• Switch the electric tool off and unplug the supply cord in the event of an interruption in the electric supply in order to avoid inadvertent restarting when the power returns.
  
• Have dirtied or dusty power tools that are used frequently for working on conductive materials checked at regular intervals by a Hilti Service Center. Dust, especially dust from conductive materials, or dampness on the surface of the power tool can, under unfavorable conditions, lead to electric shock.
  

Power tool use and care

• Secure the workpiece. A workpiece clamped in a vice or secured by some other clamping devices is more secure than when held only by hand.
  
• Wear protective gloves when changing accessory tools as they get hot during use.
  

Product overview

1. Guide grip
   
2. Speed adjustment thumbwheel
   
3. On/off switch
   
4. Grip
   
5. Dust bag
   
6. Dust box
   
7. Position of type identification plate
   
8. Quality grip
   
9. Backing pad
   
10. Sanding disc with velcro fastener
    
11. Brake ring
    
12. Auxiliary grip
    

Intended use

The product is a hand-held, electrically powered random orbital sander. It is suitable for dry-sanding wood, wood-based materials, composites, varnishes, paints, plastics, plaster and filler compounds with wearing, replaceable sanding pads.

Possible misuse

• This product is not suitable for working on hazardous materials.
  
• This product is not suitable for working in a damp environment.
  
• Do not use the product for wet grinding.
  

Items supplied

Random orbital sander with dust box, dust bag, operating instructions.
Other system products approved for use with this product can be found at your local Hilti Store or at: www.hilti.group.

Noise information and vibration values in accordance with EN 60745

The sound pressure and vibration values given in these instructions were measured in accordance with a standardized test and can be used to compare one power tool with another. They can also be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure. The data given represents the main applications of the power tool. However, if the power tool is used for different applications, with different accessory tools, or is poorly maintained, the data can vary. This can significantly increase exposure over the total working period. An accurate estimation of exposure should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off, or when it is running but not actually being used for a job. This can significantly reduce exposure over the total working period. Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of noise and/or vibration, for example: Maintaining the power tool and accessory tools, keeping the hands warm, organization of work patterns.
Noise emission values

	WFE 450‑E
Sound power level (L WA)	93 dB(A)
Uncertainty (KWA)	3 dB(A)
Sound pressure level (L pA)	82 dB(A)
Uncertainty (KpA)	3 dB(A)

Total vibration

	WFE 450‑E
Surface grinding (a h)	3.9 m/s²
Uncertainty (K)	1.5 m/s²

Positioning the sanding pad

1. Disconnect the mains plug from the power outlet.
   
2. When installing the sanding pad, make sure that the holes in it are aligned with the dust-extraction holes in the backing pad.
   

Setting the speed

• Turn the speed adjustment thumbwheel to set the power tool to the desired speed.
  
  You can also change the speed while the power tool is in operation.
  

Using a dust extractor

1. Connect the dust box to the dust removal connector.
   
2. Insert the dust bag.
   

Using a vacuum cleaner

• Connect the vacuum cleaner to the dust removal connector.
  

Recommended grip positions

Stock removal work

1. Pull the auxiliary grip out of its parked position to the working position.
   
2. Use both hands to guide the power tool, keeping one hand on the grip and the other on the integral auxiliary grip.
   
   You can also use the guide grip instead of the integral auxiliary grip.
   

Quality work

• Guide the power tool with one hand on the quality grip.
  
  • That permits one-handed guidance close to the surface you are working on.
    

Working in the vertical plane

• Guide the power tool with one hand on the quality grip.
  

Sanding

1. Set the desired speed.
   
2. Position the power tool with the whole of its sanding face on the workpiece.
   
3. Switch on the power tool.
   
4. Applying moderate pressure, move the power tool steadily over the workpiece.
   

Backing pad

• Check the backing pad for wear and foreign matter. Wear or foreign matter on the backing pad reduces the adhesion of the sanding pad to the backing pad. Clean or replace the backing pad, as applicable. A damaged backing pad has to be replaced immediately.
  

Changing the backing pad

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Stand the product on the flats of the guide grip, so that the abrasive side of the sanding pad is visible.
   
3. Remove the sanding pad.
   
4. Use a suitable tool to release the three securing screws.
   
5. Remove the backing pad.
   
6. Clean and check the backing pad brake.
   
   • If necessary, replace the backing pad brake.
     
7. Place the new backing pad in position.
   
8. Hold the backing pad and tighten the three securing screws.
   
9. Check that the backing pad is installed correctly and not tilted.
   
10. Using the positioning guide to reinstall the sanding pad.
    

Backing pad brake

• A steady increase in idling speed over time is indicative of wear of the brake ring of the backing pad brake. Change the brake ring.
  

Changing the brake ring of the backing pad brake

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Remove the backing pad.
   
3. Remove the old brake ring from its seat on the power-tool housing.
   
4. Press the new brake ring into the recesses so that the four housing screws are correctly aligned. Make sure that the snap hooks engage.
   
5. Install the backing pad.
   

Troubleshooting