Harbor Freight HC109B Forced Rotation polisher

Sizzle Chest

Sizzle Chest

Active member








Just received mine the other day. Machine seems solid. Nice build quality and feels good in the hand. Very FLEX 3401 like, yes I know this is a copy/knock off of that machine. The 3401 is my go to machine. I wanted to try one of these to see how it stacks up. It is priced very nicely. I think it was $135 shipped to me.

Nice long power cord. Machine is balanced and feels good in the hand. Controls are positive. Soft/slow start up motor. It is quieter than my Flex`s. Has `less` power/max rpm/opm than the Flex. On max speed you can hear and feel the difference. Feels like it`s 4.5-5 on the Flex when the HF is maxed out. Great velcro on the backing plate. Feels lighter to me than the 3401. Runs WAY COOLER than my Flex`s do. Has a great fan in it that really moves some air. When I fired it up for the first time in the kitchen, Mrs. Sizzle asked if it was a polisher or a fan! LOL

I used it today to correct the 911S I am working on. Performed flawlessly and I really enjoyed using it.

I`d recommend it to anyone who is looking to get into a forced rotation machine.

Sizzle approved...
 
Welcome all!

I ran the HF wide open. I will run the Flex the same as well. Will reduce some if finishing/final polishing.
 
SO, Sizzle Chest, here is the million dollar question:
Will you be using this Hercules HC109B more the the Flex 3401, because of the HC109B advantages that you listed above?

I WAS going to ask you if you wanted to sell your now-mothballed GG G9 polisher, but with this new forced-rotation polisher at Harbor Freight for "cheap", I need to rethink that request.

Does the HC109B run counter- clockwise like the 3401???? I assume you are used to the rotational operation using the 3401 compared to "conventional" polishing machines.
 
Hi Lonnie! I don`t know if I will be using it more, I actually wanted it as a spare machine, and at that price point I would be a fool not to have picked one up. I do like the machine though, very similar to the 3401. Yes, CCW like the Flex runs.

LOL about the G9! It`s always good to have some alternative options in case you need them!

I am used to the 3401!

You`re going to have to stay tuned to see if it has anymore `prime time` in my hands!
 
What manufacturer and pad type/name work best with a forced-rotation polisher? They ARE a 6" diameter, right, when you say the HC109C has the same size (diameter) as the 3401? Or are they 5-1/2"??
 
I just bought the HF forced Rotation polisher. I have never used one before, I also bought the 4.5 Flex backing plate for it. Sine I have never used a FR before ,should i use the 5.5 or 4.5 backing plate? Also which pads would be best for a newbie. 6 " or 5" pads?
 
I`d start with the factory backing plate that came with it and look into getting some 6.5" pads of your choice. I like Lake Country products...

Practice with it a bit and have fun!
 
Say what you will about HF. But their stuff isn’t bad, and I’m tired of paying wasted money on junk like Rupes that don’t last 3 years. Burned through 2 of them with moderate use and routine maintenance. No more… I’ll buy one from Harbor Freight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top