Flex 3401 vs. Festool RO 150FAQ anyone use both?

**JohnKleven** · 03-30-2010, 08:30 PM

I see more and more people using a Festool on here. How does the power of the Festool compare to a Flex? Any major benefits of either one?

**Thomas Dekany** · 03-30-2010, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by JohnKleven

I see more and more people using a Festool on here. How does the power of the Festool compare to a Flex? Any major benefits of either one?

I only see one person using it. I doubt that the Festool is more powerful. FLex is THE machine.

**gmblack3** · 03-31-2010, 08:34 AM

I used the flex for about 2 months before I sold it. If my memory serves me right the flex only operates in forced rotation mode. While the festool operates in both forced rotation and random orbit mode.

I`m more of a r/o person myself using the Kevin Brown method and this is where the Festool shines over any other machine on the market. I can easily do extreme correction at speed 5 on the festool in r/o mode. The festool has very low vibration, think half of the G110v2 which IMO has the lowest vibration of the $150 machines. The festool has a smaller throw then most of the $150 r/o`s which helps to keep the vibrations down, the shorter throw has no effect on correction ability with the festool.

So if you are thinking of using either machine with M105/205, the festool is the easy choice. But even if you might used the forced rotation at times, the festool is a more quality machine. It is very easy to handle.

Power in forced orbit mode:

From what I can remember I could use the flex at speed 6 and once you got use to the forced orbit mode it was fine. Plenty of power for sure even at speed 5, but apply some good pressure needed for extreme correction via the KBM and she likes to walk a bit.

Festool in forced orbit mode: Plenty of power even at speed 5. At speed 6 its likes to walk too with pressure, but I still find the festool to be more controllable then the flex.

The only downside to the festool is cost, which I don`t mind paying for quality and the festool is very loud. You will be wearing earplugs.

John, If you have anymore questions about the festool Bob from Auto Concierge also uses one. I would also be happy to answer any other questions you might have.

**gmblack3** · 03-31-2010, 08:44 AM

Some pics of the festool:

**David Fermani** · 03-31-2010, 08:49 AM

Man, I gotta put that machine on my early X-Mas list before EVERYONE starts using one. :LOLOL

**Kevin Brown** · 03-31-2010, 11:24 AM

I have used both machines, albeit for only a limited time. I guesstimate only a few hours total using each machine.

My choice?

Between the Flex XC 3401VRG and the Festool Rotex RO150 FEQ....

The Festool is far and away my favorite. Comfortable, versatile, powerful. :up

It is very expensive, but chock that up to stringent company policy in regards to pricing. If all the other power tool companies "requested" that their machines be sold at no lower than M.A.P. (minimum advertised pricing), a DeWalt DW849 would run you about $380.

I thought the Festool was WAY more comfortable to use than the Bosch 1250DEVS, which is similar to the Festool.

I have not yet tried a Makita BO6040, but it certainly has a loyal list of users.

**Junebug** · 03-31-2010, 12:56 PM

I "need" another buffer like I need a speedo at the beach. But, I -like David and others - like to have choices. I have a PC, PCXP and a Cyclo. I have had a Flex and a Makita rotary. So, the Festool vs the Makita B06040 - is the question for me.

Bryan - exactly how loud is that thing and can you use regular backing plates?

**gmblack3** · 03-31-2010, 02:01 PM

June, Loud enough to require ear protection for me. No, you can only use festool`s BPs due to the way they attach. They only have a 6" BP, but you can get them in 3 different lefvels of firmness. The stock/included BP which I believe is more firm, works fine for me.

**autoconcierge** · 03-31-2010, 09:17 PM

I have had mine since 04, have the Flex as well which has it`s place but I prefer the Festool. The machine has been used almost everyday since I bought it............ sells itself imo, great for big panels with a 6" or 6.5" inch pad and smoothness.

That being said I bought the megs V2 from PAC last week per Kevin Brown`s input and of course the "J"(dave @ street dreams ) if you are a craftsman you need quality tools in abundance.

**imported_WhyteWizard** · 03-31-2010, 09:44 PM

I`ve run the Flex, Festool, Bosch, and Makita side by side.

I have three of the Makitas. I use them hard every day and I like spreading the stress around and being able to loan one out so people I talk to can try them and see if they can run it.

The Festool would be second choice, Bosch, third and Flex last. Just based on how effective each tool is, the amount of time it takes to get the finished result.

Robert

**Thomas Dekany** · 03-31-2010, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by WhyteWizard

I`ve run the Flex, Festool, Bosch, and Makita side by side.

I have three of the Makitas. I use them hard every day and I like spreading the stress around and being able to loan one out so people I talk to can try them and see if they can run it.

The Festool would be second choice, Bosch, third and Flex last. Just based on how effective each tool is, the amount of time it takes to get the finished result.

Robert

Which Makita is your first choice? So the festool is better at correcting than the flex3401?

**Junebug** · 04-01-2010, 07:32 AM

The Festool looks cool, but it`s out of my price range. I saw a BO6040 for $285 on line and IF I do get another buffer, that would be my choice. Anybody (WW?) want to post some videos comparing them?

I`m out of commission with a ruptured disc in my lower back, so watching TV and surfing the Net is about all I can do for the next 3 days (doc`s orders)

**imported_WhyteWizard** · 04-01-2010, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by tdekany

Which Makita is your first choice? So the festool is better at correcting than the flex3401?

The Makita BO6040. In my opinion, from the amount of heat generated and because of the action of the various machines I rated them according to how well they`d work for correction. In my work, I use the rotary, at the moment one of my 9227 c Makitas, or the Hitachi - nosier but more powerful and slightly lighter - SP18VA for correction.

Because I work with my polish in the pad, not slurrying around on the surface, I can see through the polish residue and see when the scratches are gone and also when a scratch is too deep to remove.

There is an alternative opinion that heat is bad, for those people there`s a dial on the Makita that goes up and down. Also, when running that machine, because it spins the opposite direction, counter clockwise instead of clockwise, to the rotary, I`ve found it`s helpful to hold the machine with my hands reversed, that is, right hand on top, left hand on the handle, using my left index finger for the power tab.

Robert

**gmblack3** · 04-01-2010, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by WhyteWizard

I`ve run the Flex, Festool, Bosch, and Makita side by side.

I have three of the Makitas. I use them hard every day and I like spreading the stress around and being able to loan one out so people I talk to can try them and see if they can run it.

The Festool would be second choice, Bosch, third and Flex last. Just based on how effective each tool is, the amount of time it takes to get the finished result.

Robert

Thanks for your input Robert! Seems like to me that you are indicating as far as a non-rotary machine goes, you would prefer the Festool over the Flex?

**Thomas Dekany** · 04-01-2010, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by WhyteWizard

The Makita BO6040. In my opinion, from the amount of heat generated and because of the action of the various machines I rated them according to how well they`d work for correction. In my work, I use the rotary, at the moment one of my 9227 c Makitas, or the Hitachi - nosier but more powerful and slightly lighter - SP18VA for correction.

Because I work with my polish in the pad, not slurrying around on the surface, I can see through the polish residue and see when the scratches are gone and also when a scratch is too deep to remove.

There is an alternative opinion that heat is bad, for those people there`s a dial on the Makita that goes up and down. Also, when running that machine, because it spins the opposite direction, counter clockwise instead of clockwise, to the rotary, I`ve found it`s helpful to hold the machine with my hands reversed, that is, right hand on top, left hand on the handle, using my left index finger for the power tab.

Robert

Does the makita RO has more torque than the flex? How does it correct faster?