Ordered a Makita - Page 3

SuperBee364 · 05-16-08, 03:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by EisenHulk

Bee,

You just need to get some arms like mine.

There's no question about that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Tomlin

I would sure think so. Is the Flex really half the weight of the Makita?

I wouldn't be surprised. It just doesn't *seem* like the Makita needs to be as heavy as it is.

Actually, there's not as much weight difference as I thought. The 3403 is 4.85 pounds, and I'm seeing that the Makita is 6.6. I was thinking that the Makita was around 8.5 or so.

The 3403 is quite a bit noisier, especially above 1200 rpms.

Rob Tomlin · 05-16-08, 03:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperBee364

There's no question about that.

Actually, there's not as much weight difference as I thought. The 3403 is 4.85 pounds, and I'm seeing that the Makita is 6.6. I was thinking that the Makita was around 8.5 or so.

The 3403 is quite a bit noisier, especially above 1200 rpms.

Almost two pounds lighter (26% lighter) would probably still make a noticeable (though not pronounced) difference.

I would speculate that the Flex is noisier because of having to use a smaller (lighter) motor.

scary bill · 05-16-08, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Tomlin

Almost two pounds lighter (26% lighter) would probably still make a noticeable (though not pronounced) difference.

I would speculate that the Flex is noisier because of having to use a smaller (lighter) motor.

From what I have heard it sounds more like gearbox noise. The elctric motors are not that loud on a 90* polisher, its the gear noise.

At least thats what I think.

SuperBee364 · 05-17-08, 12:25

It does sound alot like gear noise. It's pretty quiet as long as the speed is kept below 1.2k rpm. Above that, it makes a real racket.

The Flex does seem to have a break in period. Now that it's been used alot, it's not as noisy as it was, and it doesn't get nearly as hot as it did when it was new. Guess those new gears/motor just had to get some wear on em.

Accumulator · 05-17-08, 03:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Tomlin

Almost two pounds lighter (26% lighter) would probably still make a noticeable (though not pronounced) difference...d speculate that the Flex is noisier because of having to use a smaller (lighter) motor.

My Metabo is about that much ligher than my Makita. Considering that I'm, uhm.. in very good physical condition, I never thought I'd ever notice the difference, but I do.

Not that I find the Makita heavy (now a Milwaukee *did* feel heavy back when I was a kid with 50 lbs less muscle), but the ligher weight of the Metabo simply makes it a little easier to use. But then the trigger of the Makita makes *that* easier to use, so IMO it's pretty much a toss-up.

But don't let anyone tell ya that a few pounds isn't something you'll notice- it's an idividual thing. I woulda bet big money on my *not* noticing, and I was wrong.

ianitrix · 05-18-08, 09:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

My Metabo is about that much ligher than my Makita. Considering that I'm, uhm.. in very good physical condition, I never thought I'd ever notice the difference, but I do.

Not that I find the Makita heavy (now a Milwaukee *did* feel heavy back when I was a kid with 50 lbs less muscle), but the ligher weight of the Metabo simply makes it a little easier to use. But then the trigger of the Makita makes *that* easier to use, so IMO it's pretty much a toss-up.

But don't let anyone tell ya that a few pounds isn't something you'll notice- it's an idividual thing. I woulda bet big money on my *not* noticing, and I was wrong.

which metabo did you buy ?? I also have another question about polisher, now can i use the backing plate off of my PC and put it on the makita? OR is it better to work with larger pads if your using the rotary.

SuperBee364 · 05-18-08, 10:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianitrix

which metabo did you buy ?? I also have another question about polisher, now can i use the backing plate off of my PC and put it on the makita? OR is it better to work with larger pads if your using the rotary.

Unfortunately, rotaries use 5/8-11 thread backing plates, which are alot different than the PC's. So you gotta buy a new set of backing plates.

Accumulator · 05-18-08, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianitrix

which metabo did you buy ??

Whichever one TOL sells

Nice little machine, but I wish it had a Makita-style trigger. The Metabo is a little to much like the PC for my taste (ergonomically-speaking). It's the sort of thing I'd probably get used to if I used it more often.