My Flex XC 3401 VRG review - Page 2

frostydog · 08-20-07, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoranC

I was kinda expecting that will be the case and I am very happy to hear it is. You see, many people have said that rotary can bring out shine that PC can not even if both end up without any swirls. At the same time, I have remembered what woodworkers do to make incredibly smooth and shiny surface: They use sanders with very high OPMs and very short throw. That piqued my curiosity to a point of even asking here for input on it and any experiences (you can find thread I started on that if you search). In the lack of much info I decided to start experimenting on my own. I got DeWalt D26453 which is 3A up to 12,000 OPM and 3/32" orbit diameter. Well, let's just say this weekend was first one I tried it and I am stunned with results. So much I will have to continue experimenting because I am so proud how that paint looks now. It seems like a mirror to me.

I really didn't want to comment on this yet, because I'd like to have a little more time and try the Flex on some other cars, buuuuuut since you brought it up...

I've polished my car countless times with a PC, I certainly feel confident saying I know what my finish looks like after it has been polished with a PC. I used the exact same pads and polish with the Flex and I really have to say I beleive the finish to look better. Initially I thought it was just my brain trying to justify the purchase, then I went through a period of denial. But this morning I gave my car a look-over...and it really does look better. I feel confident saying that. Just more reflective and sharper. I don't know how to really explain it, specially since I always thought it looked excellent after a PC polishing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoranC

Last, but not least, let me say

Heck yeah my freind!!!! You surely will enjoy!!!!

ZoranC · 08-20-07, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by frostydog

Regarding the vibrations...i'd say net/net the vibration are somewhat less with the Flex. Certainly not more than a PC.

What I was thinking is that to do true apples to apples (like, say, red apples to red apples, not even mixing types of apples) one should be comparing vibration not at say (almost) full speed vs full speed that puts them 8000 opm to 6000 opm, not even at same speed, but at same correcting ability. If one tool can correct same defects at same rate of removal at 3000 opm as other on 6000 opm and that (first) tool vibrates less at 3000 opm then that tool vibrates less than the other overall even if it vibrates more at full speed of 9600 opm.

ZoranC · 08-20-07, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by frostydog

I used the exact same pads and polish with the Flex and I really have to say I beleive the finish to look better. Initially I thought it was just my brain trying to justify the purchase, then I went through a period of denial. But this morning I gave my car a look-over...and it really does look better. I feel confident saying that. Just more reflective and sharper.

It is not just in the brain, trust me. As I was making pass at 12000 opms on Saturday I could see very noticable (to me) difference between area pad just passed over and untouched area. As if I was wiping away "fog" area I passed over was turning "crispier" / sharper (and therefore more mirror like / reflective / shinier). I'm telling you, I kept going back outside to look at the car. I have never seen black car as shiny as that just from the paint prep, no LSP yet (OK, OK, this is strictly subjective, I don't have experience like others). That is enough encouragement for me to keep experimenting with high opm shorth throw tools.

Now, if I remember correctly you did that at 8000 opms. If correct try again at 9600 with white or gray pad. I used white.

frostydog · 08-20-07, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoranC

What I was thinking is that to do true apples to apples (like, say, red apples to red apples, not even mixing types of apples) one should be comparing vibration not at say (almost) full speed vs full speed that puts them 8000 opm to 6000 opm, not even at same speed, but at same correcting ability. If one tool can correct same defects at same rate of removal at 3000 opm as other on 6000 opm and that (first) tool vibrates less at 3000 opm then that tool vibrates less than the other overall even if it vibrates more at full speed of 9600 opm.

I agree...that's certainly the most accurate/correct way to do the comparison. I just obviously didn't have the data needed to do so.

What I was more commenting on is how most folks would use each machine on a day to day basis.

ZoranC · 08-21-07, 11:56

I just got my tracking # and delivery is supposed to be on Friday!

On the other hand, life just threw me a curved ball (like it always does) and I doubt it will get any use soon as my gf has few emergencies I am trying to help her with. Oh well. First things first, I will get back to it. In the meantime I will at least post some pictures.

superchargedg · 08-21-07, 05:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoranC

I just got my tracking # and delivery is supposed to be on Friday!

On the other hand, life just threw me a curved ball (like it always does) and I doubt it will get any use soon as my gf has few emergencies I am trying to help her with. Oh well. First things first, I will get back to it. In the meantime I will at least post some pictures.

I hope everything goes ok with the other half but who did you order this from.

Ruttrow · 08-21-07, 07:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by superchargedg

I hope everything goes ok with the other half but who did you order this from.

What he said. Price?

ZoranC · 08-21-07, 07:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by superchargedg

I hope everything goes ok with the other half but who did you order this from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruttrow

What he said. Price?

I paid $300 shipped. As I said earlier in my thread on it, when I deal with new vendor for the very first time I don't send business, much less publicly, until I have stuff in my hands and can really say there was no issues. So far they were pleasure to deal with, had great price, and provided tracking number moment it was available. If rest of it goes as smooth then I will be happy to point where to buy. If it turns out not then you will hear where not to buy. Should take just 3 more days. In the meantime I hope you are not in a rush. If you are let me know.

Ruttrow · 08-22-07, 06:36

Zoran, no rush. Please keep me posted

Ruttrow · 08-22-07, 11:10

Frostydog, Can you tell me what you mean by forced rotation? Thanks to your link I went to Flex website and all I see ther is RO, maybe I'm missing something?

AL-53 · 08-22-07, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruttrow

Frostydog, Can you tell me what you mean by forced rotation? Thanks to your link I went to Flex website and all I see ther is RO, maybe I'm missing something?

Ruttrow..the backing plate on the Flex is geared..so with the random orbit the backing plate also rotates under power..unlike the PC that rotates from centrifical force....

AL

superchargedg · 08-22-07, 04:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoranC

I paid $300 shipped. As I said earlier in my thread on it, when I deal with new vendor for the very first time I don't send business, much less publicly, until I have stuff in my hands and can really say there was no issues. So far they were pleasure to deal with, had great price, and provided tracking number moment it was available. If rest of it goes as smooth then I will be happy to point where to buy. If it turns out not then you will hear where not to buy. Should take just 3 more days. In the meantime I hope you are not in a rush. If you are let me know.

I can wait,just let me know when you get it and how you like it.

thanks.