Metabo PE12-175 users?

Mindflux · 04-12-08, 10:51

Does anyone here have a Metabo PE12-175? I'm eyeing one and it's pretty dang reasonably priced.

I want to switch from a PC to a Rotary due to the underwhelming results I had helping my buddy with his car the yesterday. I'm sure with more time spent we could have done better but we didn't have it yesterday.

I keep reading about polishers with variable speed triggers. But it seems the metabo has a speed dial (similar to a porter cable) and then a simple on off button? (again like the porter cable). Is this accurate? Does anyone suggest I not get a Metabo polisher and perhaps get a Makita or other?

I read quite a few threads on a Hitachi model, but it's no longer 95 dollars on Costaltool. It's still priced pretty competitively (170 or there abouts) but I'm not sure about it?

Anyway anyone that has anything god or bad to say about the Metabo or other buffers it compares to please chime in.

CleanGSR · 04-12-08, 11:08

In for an answer. Would like to know as well, since I'm looking for the best priced, decent rotary for occasional use.

Eliot Ness · 04-12-08, 11:20

I think the Metabo might be more awkward for users of a tradition rotary than for a new user that is used to a PC style. The reason I say this is because of the on/off switch instead of a trigger and the location of the speed dial.

I didn't use a rotary too often before I got the Metabo so it wasn't a hard transition for me to make, and I love the light weight of the Metabo. OTOH I can see where a variable speed trigger and close speed dial come in quite handy.

If you have a chance for a Metabo at a good price I suggest you jump on it.

gmblack3a · 04-12-08, 11:42

I think I like the Flex 3403 rotary better then the Metabo. It has a trigger and the speed dial is right on the top. Its even lighter then the metabo. Cons of the 3403 are its a true light duty machine and Flex says only to use 6" pads and smaller. Plus the flex is louder.

IME I can get the metabo to go into thermal shutdown faster then the flex 3403. Your results may differ.

I have used the metabo for almost 1 year and have had the 3403 for 2 months now.

Plus the flex 3403 can be had for $205 shipped.

CleanGSR · 04-12-08, 11:42

Where are you finding the Metabo for such a great price? Everywhere I come across seems to have the metabo at a higher price than the other's like the Makita.

Mindflux · 04-12-08, 12:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by CleanGSR

Where are you finding the Metabo for such a great price? Everywhere I come across seems to have the metabo at a higher price than the other's like the Makita.

Well the price is cheaper than what I'm seeing on AG, TOL, etc. It's still a smidge (~10 bucks) pricier than the Makita 9227c on the same site. You've got a PM with the details.

Dent's & Details · 04-12-08, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmblack3a

IME I can get the metabo to go into thermal shutdown faster then the flex 3403. Your results may differ.

I don't quite understand how you are doing this.

I have had the Metabo for a month and have had several days where I was polishing on a finish for 5 or more hours and it never has done this. Even Anthony's older and less powerful one wont quit under sever conditions.

gmblack3a · 04-12-08, 02:01

Certain polishes/foam pad combos like to "bind" or will be "grabby" on softer paints. This what creates heat in these rotaries. Also trying to finish out a large area on the lowest speed with the metabo after extreme use that day will also cause the metabo to go into thermal shutdown.

jesselyons2002 · 04-12-08, 02:37

I went from makita to metabo to makita again. Just like the design of the makita(Most rotary designs).

Denzil · 04-12-08, 05:33

The Metabo I acquired from jesselyons2002 was well worth the purchase. I don't have any experience with other rotary machines but I also have no gripes about the Metabo.

For reference, I started my experience on the Metabo with 7" (I believe) Propel pads (ver. 1) using a Meg's W64 backing plate. I personally did not experience any thermal shutdown since I've used it but I did experience some pad hopping on that '89 BMW 525i (ridiculously hard paint) I started on and a '98 Ford Escort (paint seemed hard). However, the thought of using the Metabo on my Acura was an idea but I don't think I'll really need it if I can save my clear coat by using the PC instead.

I don't know... I might still give the Metabo a try on the Acura to see what it does.

TTWAGN · 04-13-08, 03:01

Metabo user here!!

Awesome rotary thats for sure. Lighter and smaller than the Makita and Hitachi thats what sold me. The size and weight is very very important as it allows me to work faster without getting tired. I find that using Meguiars solo 7inch pads i have never made the thermal shutdown and i have once worked when it hit 100 degrees. 37 degrees celsius for us Australias.

The flex looks great too. I may have bought it if it was available in Australia 6 months ago when i bought my Metabo. Its interesting to see it only uses 6inch pads. Maybe if you put a 8inch pad on each and tested which one bogs down the most we maybe able to get a fair comparison.

SpoiledMan · 04-14-08, 09:46

If you'd like to buy my Metabo I'll sell. It's very lightly used.