Anybody used both a Flex and Makita BO6040?

Both look to be similar machines. I would compare power output of the two vs. price as well as support. If one breaks down where do you go for parts & service? Down time is something important to consider.



I have a couple of the Makita's with a few hundred hours on them but no Flex to compare. The Flex looks solid. Anyone find the power output of the Flex?
 
I have both and chose the Flex over the Makita (actually sold it right after I got my Flex). Both are well built, metal bodies. The Makita is smaller in size but feels a little heavier. Flex is more ergonomically shaped and gives a better feel, as well as better control than the Makita. The trigger vs switch is a big factor. When comparing forced rotation apples to apples, the Makita jumps alot more than the Flex, making the Makita a little harder to control when compared to the Flex. Very similar correction ability, but would probably give the edge to the Flex.



The only thing the Makita has over the Flex is the RO mode, which makes it very easy to apply sealants and waxes. The RO mode may also be good for beginners, but the trigger on the Flex will compensate for that.



Both have proprietary backing plates and permanent power cords (unlike the Festool, which is removable).



Design-wise, I'd say the Makita is closer to a porter cable/UDM shape, Flex is a cross between a Metabo (knobby head/handle) and a Makita 9227 (trigger).



Sorry if my review was poorly written, its 11pm and I've had a few "sips" of beer at a dinner function tonight. I can clarify any questions in the morning. :grinno:
 
We have just developed the first adapter that will allow the Makita B06040 users to utilize the Edge2000 system on that forced rotation DA machine. From our testing so far it reduces the vibrations and offers perfect snap on centering. The flex will be a much harder machine to adapt to because of the customized backing plate that incorporates the gear into the backing plate. The Makita seems to have more power but does not have the adjustable speed trigger. However it does have a speed dial near the back of the machine to change speeds on the fly, it has a switch to convert the machine from forced rotary to just random orbit, and the makita is selling for about $30.00 less.



Removed contact info per community rules -- db
 
The Edge said:
We have just developed the first adapter that will allow the Makita B06040 users to utilize the Edge2000 system on that forced rotation DA machine. From our testing so far it reduces the vibrations and offers perfect snap on centering. The flex will be a much harder machine to adapt to because of the customized backing plate that incorporates the gear into the backing plate. The Makita seems to have more power but does not have the adjustable speed trigger. However it does have a speed dial near the back of the machine to change speeds on the fly, it has a switch to convert the machine from forced rotary to just random orbit, and the makita is selling for about $30.00 less.



Removed contact info per community rules -- db
Click to expand...

This is reason enough to sway me to keep my Makita especially since I already have Edge pads and LOVE them. I was debating on trying to sell my Makita and go with the Flex due to its trigger location but I think I am going to reconsider.
 
The Edge said:
We have just developed the first adapter that will allow the Makita B06040 users to utilize the Edge2000 system on that forced rotation DA machine. From our testing so far it reduces the vibrations and offers perfect snap on centering. The flex will be a much harder machine to adapt to because of the customized backing plate that incorporates the gear into the backing plate. The Makita seems to have more power but does not have the adjustable speed trigger. However it does have a speed dial near the back of the machine to change speeds on the fly, it has a switch to convert the machine from forced rotary to just random orbit, and the makita is selling for about $30.00 less.



Removed contact info per community rules -- db
Click to expand...



Are you going to have one for the Flex?
 
Though I don't forsee needing a flex given I have about 10,000 rotary hours...but I'm curious to know more about the backing plate of the flex and/or makita 6040...hook and loop? What size are they? Maybe I'll get one for my brother-in-law, but only if they work wtih my existing pads considering I have about 90 extras :) THank you.
 
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