When the Flex just won`t work

[gmblack3]

Question and a little off your post .Haven`t seen to many detailer using the festool how do you rate it compared to a rotary or the flex or even the G110v2 you own.Seems like you either own or owned most of the machines out there.

Via the KBM with a tang pad/m105 on severe defects, the flex and festool are in a "power" class of their own. This is using the festool in r/o mode. I still have not played around with the festool in f/o mode enough.

They are still very different machines. I had not used a flex in 2 years, it does feel different with its reverse f/o rotation. I used it on the rear quarter panel of the ESV, it did not take me that long to readjust to the motion. I would est that the flex cuts just as quick or maybe a tad quicker as the festool in r/o mode.

The festool requires more pressure, but the flex is a little harder to handle. I wish we would of had more time, I would of loved to compare the flex to the festool in f/o mode.

I have used both the XPPC and the G110v2. I prefer the G110v2 out of those two. Less vibration and seems to bog down less under extreme pressure then the XPPC.

G110v2 vs festool:

With the $495 price tag of the festool you get:

Much less vibration, maybe 50% less. This is due to the extreme quality construction of the festool and it has a shorter stroke.

Much more power. With a 6.5" tang pad, it is very hard to get the festool to bog down. After you get use to applying what some might consider excessive pressure while using the festool, I have to back off with the G110v2 to keep the pad rotating.

As far as a comparision with a rotary, I have not had the need to pick one up in almost 18 months now...

[imported_Luster]

How does the Griot`s polisher`s rotation compare to the Flex`s? I`m now thinking about purchasing it.

I can`t compare the GG to the Flex since I haven`t used the Flex. But..... The GG has the most power of all of the "PC-Type" polishers (PC, Megs, Griots).

I always thought the GG was just a PC with a red case. Wrong!!! I have found it to be an extremely powerful machine that is nearly impossible to stop the rotation, even with HEAVY pressure. I can correct in almost half the time as when using the PC.

Keep in mind, however, the GG is NOT a forced rotation machine like the Flex.

*PC = 4.5 Amps / 500 watts
*Megs = 4.2 Amps / 430 watts
*GG = 7 Amps / 850 watts

(* Info posted by Mike Phillips @ AG Forum)

[imported_TLMitchell]

I always thought the GG was just a PC with a red case. Wrong!!! I have found it to be an extremely powerful machine that is nearly impossible to stop the rotation, even with HEAVY pressure. I can correct in almost half the time as when using the PC.

(thread hijack!)

Bill, how`s the vibration on the GG compare to the PC? I picked up a 3403 rotary a while back for a song w/free shipping and along with the PC found I wasn`t using the 3401 so I peddled it. The fact that the 3401 restricts you to larger pads than I prefer as well as being limited to the one size backing plate (unless you want to go Edge, which I didn`t) always annoyed me.

TL

[imported_Luster]

(thread hijack!)

Bill, how`s the vibration on the GG compare to the PC? I picked up a 3403 rotary a while back for a song w/free shipping and along with the PC found I wasn`t using the 3401 so I peddled it. The fact that the 3401 restricts you to larger pads than I prefer as well as being limited to the one size backing plate (unless you want to go Edge, which I didn`t) always annoyed me.

TL

Hey TL... (Hijack acknowledged!) The GG is less vibration than the PC, but not really an issue for me. My first job, back in the late `60`s, was running a JACK-HAMMER!!!!: But I`m very impressed with the GG machine!:thumbup::thumbup:

[CEE DOG]

I purchased the GG before I found the Flex and my experience with the GG was that it vibrated WAY too much. I find the flex to run extremely smooth. The vibration of the GG was actually my biggest gripe.

[imported_Luster]

I purchased the GG before I found the Flex and my experience with the GG was that it vibrated WAY too much. I find the flex to run extremely smooth. The vibration of the GG was actually my biggest gripe.

Yeah, I think "RO`s" just tend to vibrate because it`s the nature of their movement. Like I stated above, vibration is a non-issue for me... I don`t even feel it.

[Junebug]

No love for the Cyclo? Man, I just did my GTI with the typical hard VW paint - Cyclo with M105 took care of the water spots and scratches.

[imported_TLMitchell]

The GG is less vibration than the PC, but not really an issue for me.

I s`pose if I was going to use a PC a lot I`d be wise to invest in some gel-cushioned gloves. At full bore the PC numbs my hands pretty good. No matter since I`m destroying my paint with a rotary these days.

My first job, back in the late `60`s, was running a JACK-HAMMER!!!!:

I remember Jack Hammer! Mickey Spillane`s detective-guy...

But I`m very impressed with the GG machine!:thumbup::thumbup:

From some of your previous posts it`s hard to tell. :biggrin:

TL

[rockymountaindetail]

I use my Flex almost exclusively. I have my PC dedicated to 4 inch pads for tight spots and small spot scratch removal. I have not encountered any marring using white, orange or black foam pads using 105/205.

In addition, I feel the flex vibrates much less than my pc. With a 6.5 pad it`s a smooth dream. The 7.5`s can be a little tricky as they can "grab and go" if you aren`t careful. I found that having good pressure centered over the machine is the key. Once you start "reaching" out there with it, it can start to get a mind of it`s own. Kinda like a dog w/ an attitude.... best kept on a short leash.