Makita advantage over Flex 3401

dsms · 03-22-08, 02:48

Really considering a Makita, just wondering how much more of an advantage it is to have over the flex 3401 when it comes to polishing and correcting, will it truly save a lot of extra time?

Wren · 03-22-08, 03:03

Any rotary is the hands down winner when it comes to polishing and correcting, the Flex, from what I've heard (never used one myself) is the next best thing to a rotary.

dsms · 03-22-08, 07:35

I like my flex but I think the makita would be a nice addition for more correction work and time saving.

kkjv1 · 03-22-08, 07:49

DSMS,
Wassup man! I think we were both in the same boat a few weeks ago wondering if the megs105 would work on flex, and i think you were also considering getting a rotary.

Well, i bought a rotary (hitachi) and used meg's 105. In my experience, the rotary is definitely faster, corrects more. The tradeoff is that you need to rack up some experience to get a really good finish (ie hologram free).

I tried the rotary + Menz 106ff on an Audi hard clear. Most of the swirls were removed, but because i was still not proficient with a rotary, i did get some holograms. The flex with Ultrafina + LC Gray pad fixed the holograms.

I think, with time and experience, i'll be able to tame the rotary, enough to get a good finish; and i think you will too!

DieselMDX · 03-22-08, 08:15

IMO alot had a subaru the other day the 3401 would not tough the rids in the hood. HTEC and a orange pad on the hitachi ripped right throught them

dsms · 03-22-08, 09:12

I used M105 w/ my flex today and it took out a good portion of the swirls but I wasnt as impressed as I thought I would be, still need to follow up with 106ff before LSP. Anyway the VW I used M105 on a week ago seemed to take really well to it, this BMW isnt as friendly but has a lot of heavy swirling. I just want to correct more effeciently and polisher faster, so basically a rotary will solve my problem. Also looking forward to using some different pads with a makita, if I get one. The Flex's inability to use 4inch pads is annoying me now when I get around to polishing tight areas. I did order the "Buffing with Confidence" video today too, looking to get a couple tips on technique using a rotary before I make the purchase.

DieselMDX · 03-22-08, 09:15

well u shoudl always follow a compound with a finish polish imo

speed is not your friend on rotary u have to respect it or BURN. IMO panel for panel time wise is the same with the rotary and 3401 the only diff is what i can correct.
I take my time with rotary where 3401 i can breeze through it