Flex and `Forced Rotation`

[brwill2005]

Given the recent interest in the Flex polisher, I have been thinking about the concept of `forced rotation`. Can someone define exactly what forced rotation is? I think I have a pretty good idea of what it is, but am curious as to what others think it is. Since the Flex is currently the `in` polisher, how is it better than a Cyclo as far as its polishing action. If my concept of forced rotation is correct, the Cyclo is also a `forced rotation` machine. I have never seen the heads on my Cyclo stop rotating, even with heavy pressure. I also know that the heads rotate in the exact same orbit every time. Just interested in what people think.

[imported_agentf1]

ROB buffers just orbit but the pad is free spinning. Rotary is just spinning and is run by a gear. The new forced rotation machines like the Flex and Makita BO6040 spin like a rotary "and" orbit at the same time. The BO6040 has two modes, forced rotation/orbit and just orbit. When you put it in forced rotation mode a gear spins the pad while it orbits back and forth.

[imported_Detailing Technology]

The pad is powered to spin on 2 axis.



Think of the PC having a powered pad spin and shaft rotation.

[brwill2005]

OK, I think it is becoming more clear. Does anyone know of a diagram of how this works mechanically? I know the Cyclo is not random orbit, because the two heads orbit in exactly the same motion every time. I also know that the the heads on the Cyclo do not spin and orbit at the same time.

[brwill2005]

I was just viewing the Flex website. It does not mention that the head spins and orbits at the same time. I am not doubting what you guys are saying, rather just trying to understand how this works. I would be willing to bet the action of the Cyclo and the Flex is very similar, minus one head.

[superstring]

OK, I think it is becoming more clear. Does anyone know of a diagram of how this works mechanically? I know the Cyclo is not random orbit, because the two heads orbit in exactly the same motion every time. I also know that the the heads on the Cyclo do not spin and orbit at the same time.

Thought I`d resurrect this thread because I, too, would be interested in finding a diagram to show how this works. Anyone?

[wannafbody]

I`d be interested to see how much difference in cutting can be accomplished in RO mode vs RO w/forced rotation mode.

[Thomas Dekany]

Just today I washed an M5 that I polish out here and there for free. In between the car is butchered when it gets washed.



Too bad that I didn`t take a before picture. First I tried the udm and an orange pad OP/SIP - not much correction.



Then I switched to the flex and with the white 6.5" ccs pad from AG and poli seal. Paint correction: 98%



The difference is day and night. I mean 60% more power then the pc. You really want to compare the flex to a rotary. Not a pc type of polisher.



Brad - It will eat the cyclo for breakfast.



Call me



Come by if you want to to try it out.

[Thomas Dekany]

Here you go - this is just poli seal.

[the other pc]

... If my concept of forced rotation is correct, the Cyclo is also a `forced rotation` machine. ....

With the machine turned off, give the head a spin. if it rotates freely it isn`t forced orbit.

.... Does anyone know of a diagram of how this works mechanically? ....

Ever play with a Spirograph when you were a kid? It works like that.



Here’s a very cool math website with a demo that let’s you play with the motion.

I`d be interested to see how much difference in cutting can be accomplished in RO mode vs RO w/forced rotation mode.

The Festool, Bosch and Makita can be switched back and forth between forced and random orbit modes.



The easiest way to get a feel for it is to try it both ways. Doing it with sanding disks on a chunk of wood really illustrates the difference.







PC.

[jpochile]

I got a PC witch is just RO and a Makita 6040 witch is forced rotation and RO and the difference between the 2 is night and day . The cutting power of the force rotation is much more . This is evident when you try on hard clear like the Audi`s . With the PC very Little correction can be achieve . With the Makita in RO very similar result than the PC. But when you switch to Forced rotation you can get the job done with no problem . I have done this with the SIP and 106FF .

The RO mode is great as a finishing with a Wax or a sealant



Cheers , Jean Paul

[wannafbody]

(quote)With the machine turned off, give the head a spin. if it rotates freely it isn`t forced orbit.(end Quote)



I tried this today. My PC spins with the touch of a finger. My rotary turns with resistance-you can feel the gears moving. My Ridgid 2610 moves but you have grasp the edges of the backing plate to turn it. It doesn`t spin freely like the PC. Maybe the Ridgids have some type of forced rotation:think2