I think I`m going to buy a flex polisher
- Thread starter Astouffer512
- Start date
Sizzle Chest
Well-known member
John U
Member
I too did not know this section existed..... helps to go to the front page once in a while and see what else is out there!
bourmb1969
New member
I upgraded from my Porter Cable to the new version of the Flex 3401 and LOVE it! I’m a casual enthusiast, too.
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Accumulator
Well-known member
If you`re OK with your rotary I wouldn`t bother with the Flex 3401.
OTOH, if you simply don`t like rotaries (that`d be me. sold mine to STOKDGS), or have a crazy aversion to the possibility of holograms (me again), or...just don`t want to put in time to "master" a rotary (somebody else who might be reading this thread), then by all means go for it. But as I always say, try to use one first to see whether you like it. Some folks simply hate the things, others (me again..) like `em just fine.
It’s a love hate. I can yield good results from it. But I’m always thinking if I could finish better with a rupes or other random orbital.
Also, my makita weighs a ton lol. Doing low panels sucks.
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Accumulator
Well-known member
Ah, I failed to address that! [Slaps self upside head...]
I would *NEVER* finish out with my Flex 3401. Every single time I`ve experimented, it left an unacceptable finish that was significantly improved by a RO follow-up. I wouldn`t even trust it to finish out OK with a nonabrasive product like AIO.
But hey, that`s just me, and I`m awfully finicky about my Finish Polishing
Determining what type of buffing/ polishing machine you should buy has never been an "easy" answer for anyone making that decision. It comes down to these factors listed below, and they are in no particular order or "weight" to their importance, but for everyone you kinda know what is important to yourself as a detailer to determine that.
1) Initial cost. Let`s face it, COST probably determines a lot of things and the proverbial question of "How much do you want to spend" in this buying/purchasing decision is important. Everyone has a budget or set amount they are willing to spend.
2) How often are you going to use it? Everyday use for a professional detailer is much different for a hobbyists who may use a buffer once or twice a year.
3) Your personal skill level and ability coupled with buffer usage experience. Starting with a rotary may not be the best choice for a beginner UNLESS you are willing to dedicate the time to learn how to use it. Just because you can pick up an electric guitar does not mean you can play like Eddy VanHalen and even if you practice on the guitar, you may NEVER be able to play like Eddy (sorry to bust your Guitar Hero bubble!)
3a) What type of buffer do you want to learn or have learned to use:
a) Rotary
b) Dual Action-Random orbital
c) Direct Drive Random orbital
d) Opposing dual-motion Rotary, AKA Cyclo, although technically it is a Random Orbital
3b) What type of power:
a) Corded electric
b) Cordless rechargeable battery
c) Pneumatic, which everyone forgets, but those of you in body shops could not live without.
3c) If it`s electric, what is the wattage or amperage power rating?
3d) If it`s a rechargeable battery, how long does the battery last under full power, and/or how long does it take to recharge?
3e) What are the RPM`s or speeds (oscillations per minute) it can operate at?
4) If it`s a Dual Action-Random Orbital, what operating orbit size:
a) Long throw (15mm or 21mm)
b) Intermediate (9mm or 12mm)
c) Short throw (8mm or under)
5) Can the buffer/buffer do correcting AND polishing, or just one of those two, OR will I use it only to apply waxes, sealants, or All-In-One Last-Step Products?
6a) What size(s) of pads will I use or can I use the size(s) I have from a previous buffer?
6b) Can I change out the backing plate to accommodate different pad diameters?
6c) What pad types work best with the buffer Or will it accommodate different pad material types of:
a) Low profile foam
b) Dense closed-cell foam
c) Microfiber
d) Wool or foam wool
e) Cotton chenille bonnet (those of you with Wen or Craftsman buffers know what I am talking about)
f) Cleaning brushes (Don`t laugh! They makes special 4" diameter brushes that can be screwed on to a Porter-Cable DA in place of the backing plate that detailers can use to replace hand scrubbing!)
6) Ergonomics and machine weight
7) Buffing machine manufacturer`s:
a) Reputation for reliability and build quality,
b) Warranty,
c) Service and parts availability.
I have not even mentioned paint types (old lacquer, single stage enamel, Emron, clear coat) or clear-coat hardnesses or material types (paint, plastic, gel coat fiber glass, chromed metals, polished aluminum, or the ever-present carbon fiber) that you may be using your buffer/polisher on.
So once you have that all figured out and made your assessments and evaluations, let us Autopians know which buffing/polishing machine(s!) you decided to buy and use.
1) Initial cost. Let`s face it, COST probably determines a lot of things and the proverbial question of "How much do you want to spend" in this buying/purchasing decision is important. Everyone has a budget or set amount they are willing to spend.
2) How often are you going to use it? Everyday use for a professional detailer is much different for a hobbyists who may use a buffer once or twice a year.
3) Your personal skill level and ability coupled with buffer usage experience. Starting with a rotary may not be the best choice for a beginner UNLESS you are willing to dedicate the time to learn how to use it. Just because you can pick up an electric guitar does not mean you can play like Eddy VanHalen and even if you practice on the guitar, you may NEVER be able to play like Eddy (sorry to bust your Guitar Hero bubble!)
3a) What type of buffer do you want to learn or have learned to use:
a) Rotary
b) Dual Action-Random orbital
c) Direct Drive Random orbital
d) Opposing dual-motion Rotary, AKA Cyclo, although technically it is a Random Orbital
3b) What type of power:
a) Corded electric
b) Cordless rechargeable battery
c) Pneumatic, which everyone forgets, but those of you in body shops could not live without.
3c) If it`s electric, what is the wattage or amperage power rating?
3d) If it`s a rechargeable battery, how long does the battery last under full power, and/or how long does it take to recharge?
3e) What are the RPM`s or speeds (oscillations per minute) it can operate at?
4) If it`s a Dual Action-Random Orbital, what operating orbit size:
a) Long throw (15mm or 21mm)
b) Intermediate (9mm or 12mm)
c) Short throw (8mm or under)
5) Can the buffer/buffer do correcting AND polishing, or just one of those two, OR will I use it only to apply waxes, sealants, or All-In-One Last-Step Products?
6a) What size(s) of pads will I use or can I use the size(s) I have from a previous buffer?
6b) Can I change out the backing plate to accommodate different pad diameters?
6c) What pad types work best with the buffer Or will it accommodate different pad material types of:
a) Low profile foam
b) Dense closed-cell foam
c) Microfiber
d) Wool or foam wool
e) Cotton chenille bonnet (those of you with Wen or Craftsman buffers know what I am talking about)
f) Cleaning brushes (Don`t laugh! They makes special 4" diameter brushes that can be screwed on to a Porter-Cable DA in place of the backing plate that detailers can use to replace hand scrubbing!)
6) Ergonomics and machine weight
7) Buffing machine manufacturer`s:
a) Reputation for reliability and build quality,
b) Warranty,
c) Service and parts availability.
I have not even mentioned paint types (old lacquer, single stage enamel, Emron, clear coat) or clear-coat hardnesses or material types (paint, plastic, gel coat fiber glass, chromed metals, polished aluminum, or the ever-present carbon fiber) that you may be using your buffer/polisher on.
So once you have that all figured out and made your assessments and evaluations, let us Autopians know which buffing/polishing machine(s!) you decided to buy and use.
Preachers Sheets
New member
wow, I see you posted this a couple years back. Do you still feel the same way, what is your primary polisher these days?
Accumulator
Well-known member
Heh heh, I haven`t had to do a Correction for *years* so yeah, I still feel the same way.
I can`t even say what my "primary polisher" would be..I have yet to use either of the GG units I`ve received as Xmas gifts.
But I`d only use the Flex 3401 for heavy correction, the kind I used to do with a rotary. It just doesn`t finish out well enough for me, I can *always* improve upon what it does by using a non-forced RO/DA.