Flex D/A Polisher

[Z06scentair]

Anybody have one or used one?

http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html

[mike100]

Yes, I did recently get a Flex 3401 because it was taking too long to finish large panels with a non-forced rotation DA like a porter cable.

I would still recommend to start with the PC or the cheaper clone you can buy at harbor freight for $55-$60 on coupon. While you can move the pad across the paint quicker with the Flex, it will walk all over the place if you don't hold the pad flat. It is sometimes a two handed machine. The Porter cable is idiot proof and you can't hurt your paint with one of them. I still use the PC for tighter areas or for individual panels when I'm not doing an entire car.

[mike100]

whatever you get, spend the extra coin and get the longer power cord.

[Z06scentair]

I have the HF and PC already and they are comparable machines.

I'm looking at the flex because of the increased torque or so the say, as well as the trigger location.

Can you compare the flex to the PC in (1) power and torque output. (2) weight (3) noise and vibration.

Brad

[cvette98pacecar]

I have the Cyclo, PC and the three inch GG. Since buying the Cyclo I use the PC strictly for interior.
As soon as one of the big chemical companies has a 20% off coupon for the entire store I will get the Rupes 21 and the 2" Pneumatic.
end of summer 2015 purchase is the Flex Rotary 6"

http://www.autogeek.net/rupes-lhr-21...-polisher.html

[Meanmyz]

I am currently borrowing a friend's Flex because my 3" Griot's Garage polisher took a dump on me.

I really like the Flex and it is probably the Cadillac of the bunch. Too bad they cost nearly $400.

Griot's has a lifetime warranty on their polishers and replaced mine without question. The 3" polisher in my mind is perfect for the smaller body panels of the Corvette. You can get different backing plates for the Flex, such as a 4" plate, which would be perfect. The negative is that you have now spent $$$ not only to buy the Flex and the standard 6" pads, but you have invested in a smaller backing plate and pads as well, which adds up to a whole lot of money invested.

My dilemma right now is whether to spend money for a Flex or also buy a 6" Griot's so I have the large and smaller one. I am only out a little over $100 bucks for the Griot's and they will replace it anytime.

The problem with the 3" GG is that they are not in my mind meant for extended use, such as detailing an entire car. They get hot quick and don't cool down. And they tend to eat their brushes like candy. At least my replacement had an extra set of brushes, something that Griot's doesn't sell individually.

I am hoping that the 6" GG isn't more of the same. Hmm, what to do?

[Z06scentair]

Originally Posted by Meanmyz

I am currently borrowing a friend's Flex because my 3" Griot's Garage polisher took a dump on me.

I really like the Flex and it is probably the Cadillac of the bunch. Too bad they cost nearly $400.

Griot's has a lifetime warranty on their polishers and replaced mine without question. The 3" polisher in my mind is perfect for the smaller body panels of the Corvette. You can get different backing plates for the Flex, such as a 4" plate, which would be perfect. The negative is that you have now spent $$$ not only to buy the Flex and the standard 6" pads, but you have invested in a smaller backing plate and pads as well, which adds up to a whole lot of money invested.

My dilemma right now is whether to spend money for a Flex or also buy a 6" Griot's so I have the large and smaller one. I am only out a little over $100 bucks for the Griot's and they will replace it anytime.

The problem with the 3" GG is that they are not in my mind meant for extended use, such as detailing an entire car. They get hot quick and don't cool down. And they tend to eat their brushes like candy. At least my replacement had an extra set of brushes, something that Griot's doesn't sell individually.

I am hoping that the 6" GG isn't more of the same. Hmm, what to do?

How is the power of the flex and the noise and vibration compared to the GG?

[mike100]

Originally Posted by cvette98pacecar

...
As soon as one of the big chemical companies has a 20% off coupon for the entire store I will get the Rupes 21 ...
http://www.autogeek.net/rupes-lhr-21...-polisher.html

I was seriously considering this vs. the flex, but I wasn't too sure on the special air-cooled pads that they recommend and wanted to be able to use my collection of 5.5" pads I already owned. As it turned out I really like the larger pads for the flex and just bought more. Either way moar power gets the job done sooner.

[Z06scentair]

Originally Posted by mike100

I was seriously considering this vs. the flex, but I wasn't too sure on the special air-cooled pads that they recommend and wanted to be able to use my collection of 5.5" pads I already owned. As it turned out I really like the larger pads for the flex and just bought more. Either way moar power gets the job done sooner.

I broke down and ordered the xc3401, hoping for positive results!

[cvette98pacecar]

Originally Posted by mike100

I was seriously considering this vs. the flex, but I wasn't too sure on the special air-cooled pads that they recommend and wanted to be able to use my collection of 5.5" pads I already owned. As it turned out I really like the larger pads for the flex and just bought more. Either way moar power gets the job done sooner.

Mike, That is funny that PBMA says to use an air cooled pad while Chemical guys recommends the black optic pads.

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Rupes_LH..._p/buf_400.htm