I picked up a Flex LK 302 VE on the cheap

[DJ_JonnyV]

It was on ebay pretty cheap. Started at $.99. Put a max bid in of $56 and change, and the winning bid was right at $56! I figured it's something that I could possibly grow into. I've been keeping my eyes open for a used Makita or something, but this one came up and I couldn't pass it up. I've been very happy with the Flex XC 3401 VRG so far, so for less that $100, I think it's worth a shot. Here's a link to it on Flex's website:

Welcome to FLEX North America

It's variable from 800 - 2000 RPM, and same size BP as the 3401 at just shy of 6". Guess I really need to pick up that practice panel now. I'll take some pics and post once it shows up.

[frostydog]

Hey, Jonny...how's it going??

Wow!!! at the very least I would think $56.00 is a great price for that polisher.

I know they call it their "small" rotary...but with an RPM range of 800-2000 that sounds perfect. Plus it weighs a pound less than the larger version.

You know what...the only thing it looks like it's missing is a nice handle, but the head looks VERY similar to the head of the 3401 VRG. It would be nice if you can inter-change the handle between the two.

[DJ_JonnyV]

Hey, Frostydog, it's going well. I took this past weekend off from any details as it was in the low 90s in St. Louis area, and worked on some other stuff. I might have an Accord coming up this weekend and a MDX next weekend.

There hasn't been much Flex talk lately so I thought I'd liven things up. Yeah, it would be nice with the same head as the 3401. It does come with a sidebar handle at least. I'll have to tinker with it a little to see if the grips are interchangeable.

[WK446]

Great scoop on the Flex!

Sorry about the lack of Flex talk on my behalf anyways. The weather in my locale has been cold and rainy for more than a week...

[94BlkStang]

Great scoop on the Flex!

Sorry about the lack of Flex talk on my behalf anyways. The weather in my locale has been cold and rainy for more than a week...

I apologize for the weather as I also live here in the Northwest. I blame myself as I ordered a UDM a couple of weeks ago and haven't had much of a dry day since,

[MobileJay]

Well I am about to purchase an 3401 in the next couple of days and we have had excellent weather so I will be posting soon.

[frostydog]

Well I am about to purchase an 3401 in the next couple of days and we have had excellent weather so I will be posting soon.

aaaand Jay's in!!

[MobileJay]

Well I didn't get home till late and did not remember the # to powerhouse. So I called them a few minutes ago and they are closed. Come Monday I will be ordering the 3401. Can't wait. Thanks for all the reviews guys and I look forward to trying this thing out.

[MobileJay]

Okay, just got off the phone with them and purchased my flex. They said the only thing was that they didn't have the black velcro, they only had the red. It was on back order and that they would send it to me for free when it came in. Thanks for all the reviews and helping me spend more freakin money.

[DJ_JonnyV]

The Flex LK 302 VE is in hand. It showed up at my work right before leaving for lunch. I only had enough time to open the box and check to make sure it was in one piec. It looks basically brand new with no readily visible scratches, scrapes, etc. Seems substantially bigger than the 3401 and heavier for that matter. Seems like it has a nice feel to it with the buttons well laid out like the 3401. I'm not planning on doing any polishing with it tonight, but will take some comparison pics with the 3401 for grins and post them here.

[DJ_JonnyV]

As promised, here are some pics of the Flex LK 302 VE. It pretty much came bare bones from the ebay seller with just the side handle. Here are some pics:











And compared to the XC 3401 VRG:







I posted this one because I think it was Frostydog who mentioned something about using the 3401 front grip on the 602...looks like that's not happening...


Right about here is where it hit me that I'll need bigger (7.5") pads and a different backing plate:




I checked Flex North America's site and looks like I'll need some goodies shown here:

Welcome to FLEX North America

As you can see from the pics, the thing is cleaner than my 3401 (shame on me). I plugged it in and fired it up from 0 thru 6 and it seems to be running as expected. It has a trigger lock (a little funky though), and a generous size trigger. Looks like I'll be calling Powerhouse tomorrow for some accessories (and a manual).

[DJ_JonnyV]

I checked Flex's site again and it looks like it's standard 5/8", so any bp from with a 5/8" opening should work I would think. As you can tell, I'm a little new to the rotary side of things. I'm not sure whether to go Edge with their 5/8" adapter adn double-sided pads or get a regular bp. I do have the Edge system for my PC and like it a lot. It seems to have pad centering in mind. In general, should I be looking at 6.5" pads or something larger. Looks like Edge also has 8" pads as well, but this seems like it would be a little bulky. Any advice out there???