PC and Makita or Flex???

FishWagon · 01-21-08, 12:59

Time for me to make the step to power tools for my personal (hobbyist) detailing.
I was about to purchase the PC 7424 along with the Makita Rotary. I then started reading threads praising the Flex. Well, I'm just not sure what the Flex is exactly and how it compares to Random Orbitals and High Speed/Rotaries. I'm not sure what to purchase.
The tools will primarily be used on the following: 2007 Tundra CrewMax Slate Metallic (which I have ridiculous layers of protection on and what to keep perfect), a 2004 Black Lexus LX470 which is well kept but could use some help, and a 21foot 2003 Fiberglass boat that is kept uncovered outside (no major scratches but is in need of gelcoat rejuvention.)
Please explain the Flex and tell me what you think I should purchase.
thanks

jshillin · 01-21-08, 01:08

The flex is a RO with forced rotation. It falls in between the PC and Rotary. I have a PC, flex and a Hitachi and will use all 3 machines. The flex will probably see the most use though. Things that need a lot of correction, I'll still use the rotary and I'll probably still apply glazes, sealants, etc with my PC. The PC will also come in handy when I only need to use 4" pads...

You should be fine going either route, but I think that boat might be a lot to tackle without a rotary.

bert31 · 01-21-08, 02:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishWagon

Time for me to make the step to power tools for my personal (hobbyist) detailing.
I was about to purchase the PC 7424 along with the Makita Rotary. I then started reading threads praising the Flex. Well, I'm just not sure what the Flex is exactly and how it compares to Random Orbitals and High Speed/Rotaries. I'm not sure what to purchase.
The tools will primarily be used on the following: 2007 Tundra CrewMax Slate Metallic (which I have ridiculous layers of protection on and what to keep perfect), a 2004 Black Lexus LX470 which is well kept but could use some help, and a 21foot 2003 Fiberglass boat that is kept uncovered outside (no major scratches but is in need of gelcoat rejuvention.)
Please explain the Flex and tell me what you think I should purchase.
thanks

The Flex is sort of like a PC on steriods. It would be a good machine to start off with if you can afford the price tag (around $270 I think). Less risk than a rotary of damaging the paint but far more correction ability than a PC could ever dream of. If you are not comfortable with the price of the Flex, a PC would be fine to start off with just don't buy a new one, you probably will be able to find a used one on here or Ebay for less than $100.

Some people on here who have recently bought a Flex will still use their PC's to apply paint clenaers, AIO's, glazes, sealants and waxes and use their Flexes for paint correction. A Flex could apply those cleaners, AIO's glazes, sealants and waxes just fine, I think people who use their PC's to do those tasks do so for a few reasons: those tasks do not require the power of the Flex, the PC weigh a little less than a Flex and their PC's still work fine so they feel they might as well use them for something rather than collecting dust??? Saying that, since you do not already own a PC, I see no reason to buy one if you choose to buy a Flex.

I started off with a UDM (very similar to the PC) and after using it and getting my confidence up, I just got a Makita rotary last week off Ebay ($127 with shipping). When the day comes that my UDM dies, I may seriously consider the Flex. If you are really bold, you could go straight to the rotary, the machine that does the most correction of all but is also the riskiest.

Gool luck with your choice(s).

z06meister · 01-21-08, 02:40

If you like to use different size pads other than 6.5" you may want to look into the Makita BO6040 since Edge will be making adapters for that machine which will allow it to accept 4", 6.5" and 8" pads.

See my post about it here
http://autopia.org/forum/machine-pol...ta-bo6040.html

Accumulator · 01-21-08, 04:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by z06meister

If you like to use different size pads other than 6.5" you may want to look into the Makita BO6040 since Edge will be making adapters for that machine which will allow it to accept 4", 6.5" and 8" pads...

Ah, interesting. One of my few issues with the Flex (which I've never used) is that it won't take 4" pads, which I use quite often on both the PCs and the rotaries.

bert31 · 01-21-08, 04:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

Ah, interesting. One of my few issues with the Flex (which I've never used) is that it won't take 4" pads, which I use quite often on both the PCs and the rotaries.

What for, to get into tight areas?

Accumulator · 01-21-08, 06:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by bert31

What for, to get into tight areas?

More like *small* areas (as opposed to tight, which I get with the overhang of my larger pads). And I use them on the PC for correction.

bert31 · 01-21-08, 07:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

More like *small* areas (as opposed to tight, which I get with the overhang of my larger pads). And I use them on the PC for correction.

Oh. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of any places on my 2000 Eclipse I shouldn't be able to get with the 6.5 inch pad I just orderd but, I still have my 5 inch CCS pads just in case.