Flex XC3401 - Makita BO6040

C

CharlesW

The Rainmaker
Anyone have some experience with these two machines?
Both Flex and Makita seem to have a history of good durable machines so it likely would be a matter of preference in making a choice.
Have either of these particular models been out long enough to establish a track record?

I have always heard good things about Makita and my friend in the body shop has used nothing but Flex rotaries for about 20 years. Same two he purchased when he started on his own. Just replaces bearings and brushes as needed which is rarely. He wouldn't even consider anything else.

Charles
 
not sure I'd give you 2 cents for a Makita ...I borrowed awd330's which has been used a total of 5 times and the berrings are already shot :passout::wall:mad::(:huh::eek::snow::surrender
 
Poorboy said:
not sure I'd give you 2 cents for a Makita ...I borrowed awd330's which has been used a total of 5 times and the berrings are already shot :passout::wall:mad::(:huh::eek::snow::surrender
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So..... Given that the Makita is priced very nearly $300, I get the impression you think it might not be a great value. :D

Not really what I wanted to hear, but just the kind of information I am looking for.

Is awd330 stuck with the defective unit or will Makita do anything for her?

Anyone else had a bad experience with the Makita BO6040.

Charles
 
believe it or not the machine is a few years old so it's not covered by warranty :( ... I've contacted a friend that will check it out and help me get it fixed for her :wall ....
 
Poorboy said:
not sure I'd give you 2 cents for a Makita ...I borrowed awd330's which has been used a total of 5 times and the berrings are already shot :passout::wall:mad::(:huh::eek::snow::surrender
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bigron62 said:
my makita is great ...i really like the wraparound handle too
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Just to be sure.
What I'm asking about is the Makita BO6040 dual mode polisher. It can be used as a rotary or as a random orbital.
I'm not seeing a wrap around handle on the BO6040. It is shown on the 9227C Rotary, but not the dual mode machine.
:confused:
Charles
 
bigron62 said:
oops wrong machine
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Probably not the wrong machine for you, just the wrong machine for me. :)

My friend with the body shop says I should quit messing around with toys, buy a rotary and learn how to use it. He even offered to give me an old rotary he had. I didn't even consider it. It must have weighed 20 pounds. :D
He even offered to throw in a couple of wool pads. :)

One reason I'm hesitant about a rotary is because of the amount of paint I might remove over a period of years. I don't doubt that I could learn to use one, but since I might keep a vehicle as long as 10 to 20 years, I could remove a lot of paint even if I did everything right.

Charles
 
CharlesW said:
I have always heard good things about Makita and my friend in the body shop has used nothing but Flex rotaries for about 20 years. Same two he purchased when he started on his own. Just replaces bearings and brushes as needed which is rarely. He wouldn't even consider anything else.

Charles
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No big deal, but he bought the machines in 1985 and has not replaced any bearings, just brushes.

CharlesW said:
My friend with the body shop says I should quit messing around with toys, buy a rotary and learn how to use it. He even offered to give me an old rotary he had. I didn't even consider it. It must have weighed 20 pounds. :D
He even offered to throw in a couple of wool pads. :)

Charles
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I stopped in to see him today and he had an even better idea. Any flaws I can't take care of with my PC, stop by and he will take care of them for me. Wet sanding and buffing included. I just need to buy lunch once in awhile and $300 for a polisher would buy a lot of lunches. :D
He did think the Flex XC3401 sounded like quite a tool, though. :)

Charles
 
I just got a Flex. I didn't really buy it to be able to take out deeper defects though. That's just a nice bonus. The real reason I bought it is that it is purported to break down polishes nearly as fast as rotary thereby cutting down my polishing time significantly without compromising on the safety that an orbital provides.

I haven't yet polished anything with it yet, but it strikes me as a very solid machine. It's definitely bigger and heavier than the PC, but not as big or quite as heavy as say a Makita rotary. The vibrations are also much less harsh than what you get with a PC. The Flex still vibrates quite a bit but the vibrations are less violent than what you get with the PC.
 
I have a BO6040 and used it twice with out any problems. It has a lot more power than the PC and it is quieter and smoother too. The rotary part is actually a forced orbital motion and in my opinion it is not a replacement for a rotary.
 
I'd also throw the Ridgid 2611 and Metabo SXE 450 into the mix. The 10K OPM is more efficient than the PC with less vibration. The 2611 can be found at Home Depot for $129 and the Metabo 450 on Amazon.
 
I did get to try a Flex at one shop and as the owner said, "it's the Porsche of polishers" when referencing "DA" type polishers.

He also has the Festool and he calls that one the Mercedes Benz. Costs as much, damn thing is expensive.

But the Flex, being big and having the bale handle it works very well in correction. I'd get this polisher over any DA since it has a very long stroke. It also is made very well, can take a few good knocks.

If you get one, there is a new black backing plate for it, do not use the red backing plate.

I kind of liked this thing since it's as close to a rotary w/o the worry for those not trained on a rotary.

Still, the good old "PC" comes in handy in tight areas, just don't expect lots of correction w/o agressive pads. Also, with carpet brushes, the PC makes short work on carpets and mats. I use it for scrubbing THEN extraction of the carpet.

My choice would be the Flex. Never hurts to have too many tools!

Regards,
Deanski
 
Deanski said:
I did get to try a Flex at one shop and as the owner said, "it's the Porsche of polishers" when referencing "DA" type polishers.

My choice would be the Flex. Never hurts to have too many tools!

Regards,
Deanski
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I'm sure his choice of words didn't influence you at all. :D
 
CharlesW said:
What I'm asking about is the Makita BO6040 dual mode polisher. It can be used as a rotary or as a random orbital.
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I had the Makita BO6040 as my first machine. It is a great machine for first time user. The only problem with this machine not really a dual mode polisher. It works great as a PC but when you are on rotory it still act as a PC if you pressure it. So basically it's a orbital machine. For that price I would get a PC or Flex. I sold it now and gone to the Makita 9227 rotory. This machine does great works but you should have some experience using a polisher.
I just received my Flex XC3401 vrg but I haven't tried it yet. I hope this info help.:)
 
Get a Dewalt. I had mine 7 years. Works as good as the day I got it. Used it over 3000 times. If your a detailer in my opinion go rotary or go home. High Speed is were its at. Anytime you high speed polish a car truck or boat they will never forget you. It definetly takes time and crazy patience. Check out the dewalt and try menzerna with edge pads.
 
Old School said:
Get a Dewalt. I had mine 7 years. Works as good as the day I got it. Used it over 3000 times. If your a detailer in my opinion go rotary or go home. High Speed is were its at. Anytime you high speed polish a car truck or boat they will never forget you. It definetly takes time and crazy patience. Check out the dewalt and try menzerna with edge pads.
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I have a De-Walt orbital and its a work horse..however I disagree with you on the rotary they are great, but not for everyone...it takes practice to understand how to use them....that's why a PC or this flex machine is a good starter or a additional unit to have
 
Beemer is right on. A rotary is not for everyone. Thats the beauty of it. PC's, Cyclo's and orbitals etc. have a great place. Once you get down and dirty with the high speed you will never look back. Its worth the struggle to keep tryin. Dont ever give up. This website is Great.
 
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