Harbor Freight HC109B Forced Rotation polisher

[Sizzle Chest]

Just received mine the other day. Machine seems solid. Nice build quality and feels good in the hand. Very FLEX 3401 like, yes I know this is a copy/knock off of that machine. The 3401 is my go to machine. I wanted to try one of these to see how it stacks up. It is priced very nicely. I think it was $135 shipped to me.

Nice long power cord. Machine is balanced and feels good in the hand. Controls are positive. Soft/slow start up motor. It is quieter than my Flex`s. Has `less` power/max rpm/opm than the Flex. On max speed you can hear and feel the difference. Feels like it`s 4.5-5 on the Flex when the HF is maxed out. Great velcro on the backing plate. Feels lighter to me than the 3401. Runs WAY COOLER than my Flex`s do. Has a great fan in it that really moves some air. When I fired it up for the first time in the kitchen, Mrs. Sizzle asked if it was a polisher or a fan! LOL

I used it today to correct the 911S I am working on. Performed flawlessly and I really enjoyed using it.

I`d recommend it to anyone who is looking to get into a forced rotation machine.

Sizzle approved...

[DownSouth]

Which speed settings do you normally use on your Flex?

Did you use the HF at max speed?

[Fishing]

Thank you for doing this review/test.

[Sizzle Chest]

Welcome all!

I ran the HF wide open. I will run the Flex the same as well. Will reduce some if finishing/final polishing.

[Lonnie]

SO, Sizzle Chest, here is the million dollar question:
Will you be using this Hercules HC109B more the the Flex 3401, because of the HC109B advantages that you listed above?

I WAS going to ask you if you wanted to sell your now-mothballed GG G9 polisher, but with this new forced-rotation polisher at Harbor Freight for "cheap", I need to rethink that request.

Does the HC109B run counter- clockwise like the 3401???? I assume you are used to the rotational operation using the 3401 compared to "conventional" polishing machines.

[Sizzle Chest]

Hi Lonnie! I don`t know if I will be using it more, I actually wanted it as a spare machine, and at that price point I would be a fool not to have picked one up. I do like the machine though, very similar to the 3401. Yes, CCW like the Flex runs.

LOL about the G9! It`s always good to have some alternative options in case you need them!

I am used to the 3401!

You`re going to have to stay tuned to see if it has anymore `prime time` in my hands!

[Poorboy]

does it have the same backing plate as the 3401 ? size too?

[Coatings=crack]

does it have the same backing plate as the 3401 ? size too?

Yes


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[Lonnie]

What manufacturer and pad type/name work best with a forced-rotation polisher? They ARE a 6" diameter, right, when you say the HC109C has the same size (diameter) as the 3401? Or are they 5-1/2"??

[Sizzle Chest]

Same backing plates. Yes. I use LC hybrids. 6" pads.

[dogma]

I just bought the HF forced Rotation polisher. I have never used one before, I also bought the 4.5 Flex backing plate for it. Sine I have never used a FR before ,should i use the 5.5 or 4.5 backing plate? Also which pads would be best for a newbie. 6 " or 5" pads?

[Sizzle Chest]

I`d start with the factory backing plate that came with it and look into getting some 6.5" pads of your choice. I like Lake Country products...

Practice with it a bit and have fun!