Just ordered my new Flex!!

N

NRZ

New member
As a birthday present to myself (and huge thanks for the discount code)!! I cant wait for the weather to clear so I can put this thing to use!!
 
NRZ said:
As a birthday present to myself (and huge thanks for the discount code)!! I cant wait for the weather to clear so I can put this thing to use!!
Click to expand...

How long does it take to get the code? I registered and haven't seen it yet.

Jim
 
th0001 said:
Very very cool gift. What is your experience with other polishers?
Click to expand...

Porter Cable 7424. For about two years and 40 cars or so. I've some reading on the thing for sure, my neighbor has one too and switch from a UDM and thought it was a smooth change.
 
NRZ, please help me out. I am agonizing over the Flex or Makita and leaning towards the Makita ( I have a pc and Cyclo) what I like about the Flex is the variable trigger and the handle what I don't like are some reports of the geared backing plate grenading and the fact that you can't get an adapter, yet, for the new pads-the ones you can use both sides.

As for the Makita, what I like is that you can get the adapter and the plate doesn't have the gear but of course no variable speed trigger and no handle (?).

What swayed you towards the Flex?

I think a U Tube demo of both side by side would be fantastic, and would probably go far to sell a ton of one or the other, or both.., for instance is there a noticeable difference in sound, gear courseness, throw, power, comfort, does the trigger really make any difference?? things like this that only a side by side buff down would reveal..
 
Tom said:
NRZ, please help me out. I am agonizing over the Flex or Makita and leaning towards the Makita ( I have a pc and Cyclo) what I like about the Flex is the variable trigger and the handle what I don't like are some reports of the geared backing plate grenading and the fact that you can't get an adapter, yet, for the new pads-the ones you can use both sides.

As for the Makita, what I like is that you can get the adapter and the plate doesn't have the gear but of course no variable speed trigger and no handle (?).

What swayed you towards the Flex?

I think a U Tube demo of both side by side would be fantastic, and would probably go far to sell a ton of one or the other, or both.., for instance is there a noticeable difference in sound, gear courseness, throw, power, comfort, does the trigger really make any difference?? things like this that only a side by side buff down would reveal..
Click to expand...

Tom, If you have a PC and a Cyclo, then your next step IMO is a Rotary. The Makita is a great buy and the use of different BP's and pads helps so much when it come's to polishing or compounding. Save your dinero and get the Makita.
 
I guess I don't trust myself with a rotary being a non pro I need the comfort of a more idiot proof machine. I really enjoy getting out to the garage, cracking some beers and having at it-can you see what part of the problem is?

I have been told, maybe you can verify or comment on this, that all one gains with a rotary is speed and that the results with an r/o (Flex, Makita)are at worst, as good as a skilled person using a rotary??
 
Tom said:
I guess I don't trust myself with a rotary being a non pro I need the comfort of a more idiot proof machine. I really enjoy getting out to the garage, cracking some beers and having at it-can you see what part of the problem is?

I have been told, maybe you can verify or comment on this, that all one gains with a rotary is speed and that the results with an r/o (Flex, Makita)are at worst, as good as a skilled person using a rotary??
Click to expand...

Well skill does matter, but everyone has to start somewhere, right? It's just using your head and practice on some beater cars or panels from the junk yard. You be surprise on what you can do and be saying ...why the heck I didn't start using this before.....It's not hard at all and yes the speed helps too. Also in due time you will very good at it and will surprise a lot of folks.
 
I chose the Flex because it was the next step to a rotary in my opinion. I dont like the cylco design and feel that in a couple years I could be ready for a ready and serious correction ability. But again, I detail daily drivers, or cars kept outside, they dont need to be 100 percent. I want a nice clean car with minimal swirls, and feel the Flex is the best option at this time. And the deal of course :p
 
Tom said:
As for the Makita, what I like is that you can get the adapter and the plate doesn't have the gear but of course no variable speed trigger and no handle (?).
Click to expand...

? The Makita comes with two handles. A bail handle (pictured here) and a regular handle. Great machine btw. I love mine.
 
Tom said:
NRZ, please help me out. I am agonizing over the Flex or Makita and leaning towards the Makita ( I have a pc and Cyclo) what I like about the Flex is the variable trigger and the handle what I don't like are some reports of the geared backing plate grenading and the fact that you can't get an adapter, yet, for the new pads-the ones you can use both sides.

As for the Makita, what I like is that you can get the adapter and the plate doesn't have the gear but of course no variable speed trigger and no handle (?).

What swayed you towards the Flex?

I think a U Tube demo of both side by side would be fantastic, and would probably go far to sell a ton of one or the other, or both.., for instance is there a noticeable difference in sound, gear courseness, throw, power, comfort, does the trigger really make any difference?? things like this that only a side by side buff down would reveal..
Click to expand...

The reason I asked about previous polisher experience is because the Flex spins in the opposite direction as most rotaries, which makes it a little uncomfortable at first for a rotary vet. It will zig when a rotary user is expecting a zag.

A rotary has the potential to create a better finish in most circumstances because of the way it breaks down traditional abrasives. A dual action (orbit and rotation) polisher like the Flex and Makita 2mode, as well as random orbital (PC and Meguiars? G110) can will not break down the abrasives as evenly, which means that you could be left with slight variations in the surface. Rotary polishers break abrasives down very easily because of the even action, thus giving the potential for a more refined finish.

However it takes a lot of skill and practice (and a desire to master rotary polishing) to get to the level that you take full advantage of the finish left behind by a rotary. So unless you have time or desire to fully learn the machine, you might be best served with a Flex. That also said, since you own a ROB (your PC) you could always finish polish with the PC and enjoy the increased speed of correction that a rotary offers until you master the finishing techniques of the rotary.

Then again (and just another curveball) Meguiars? M105 Ultra Cut Compound and Meguiars? M205 Ultra Finishing Polish feature non diminishing abrasives which have really increased the ability of machines like the Porter Cable or the Flex to polish out defects in a timely manner. The non diminishing abrasives in Meguiars? M205 also allow the PC or DA to leave a crystal clear, sharp finish similar to an expert with a rotary.

Making this simple question into an even more difficult equation is the fact that under certain circumstances the Flex/PC might actually be quicker than a rotary.

I am sorry for not answering your question for you but hopefully a little extra information can go a long way to helping you make the right choice for yourself. I personally would choose a rotary (since you have the PC) because it is a fun challenge to learn to do it properly!
 
Your posts have been very helpful, thank you.
With regard to rotary machines, do the various foam pads make it alot more difficult to damage the paint, or do they offer an opportunity for a different type of damage?

If you were going to buy a d/a, orbital, machine (again) would it be the Flex or Makita BO? I generally have a great deal of confidence in German products though honesty there have been times when I was convinced they were trying to get even with us for remodeling their Country, twice.

Having said that, I will only buy German combustion analyzers-and we have a BMW motorcycle.
 
Tom said:
I generally have a great deal of confidence in German products though honesty there have been times when I was convinced they were trying to get even with us for remodeling their Country, twice.
Click to expand...

:D LOL!

Hey, Tom! I know three of the guys giving advice on the thread. Although they are generally PITA's (or is it P'sITA?) they know their stuff.

Joking aside, these guys are the real deal and are very generous with their help and advice.

I'm following the thread with interest, because I'm at the Makita Rotary/Flex DA decision point. (Have a PC.) Good luck! Let us know what you decide.
 
As for myself i bought the Pc and all ready owned the Makita .As soon as i started posting in the forums what kind of cars i had and what cars i maybe doing paint correction.Was told stop using the PC and use the Makita so i jumped right in .Was I sorry, not really is there alot to learn yes for sure,So far i have used the Kompresser pads,Lc,ccs had to much trouble using the orange pad,Used the PWF, And Menz and Meg products.The only problem so far is learning break down times of Menz and how long to work the products in order to get awesome results.I know this comes in time.So go for the Makita and don't look back
 
Tom, I have to agree, because of the polishers you already own, the Makita make a lot of sense and you will have a lot of ultimate flexibility.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top