The Eagle...errrr....FLEX PE8 has LANDED!

Kamakaz1961 said:
You are correct! I was dying to try out the machine!!...LOL So far the 1,300 RPM is not an issue. The PE-8 weighs about 4LBS + so very easy to control. This is my 1st venture with a rotary and I can tell you that it is way more smoother than any DA because of no oscillation. It is quieter too.

What I am learning is that if you are pretty adept at using a DA (PC, GG, Rupes) especially the Flex 3401 VRG (which I use and forced rotation) the learning curve is fairly easy. So far I have not encountered any issues against the PE-8. No holograms (how can a non abrasive wax cause that)?

In fact, just the opposite. I am really digging this little machine. I was curious if I could apply wax and it is fairly simple and easy. Again, I calculate a speed setting of 2 - 2.5 with a PC7424XP. The same for the Flex 3401.

My guess is that the people that use only a free floating DA (PC, GG or equivalent) may take a little longer to get used to it as the Pad will not stop rotating period! Flex 3401 users will adapt quicker.

One more thing that I like is the trigger on the side. You use your THUMB to control the trigger. Very easy to adapt and no issues with the trigger. Very easy to lock and you can adjust the speed with your other hand or same hand with practice. No issues with the trigger.

Again, this is INITIAL impressions. I am hoping when It stops raining I can use it significantly more.

My guess any detailer on this site can adapt to the PE-8. Do I think I made the right choice and my answer is a big yes! IMO, the PE-8 is small enough and light enough to where you can't do any serious damage to your paint. This is also a great stepping stone to a larger Rotary if you so decide. :buffing:
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Good experimentation! :props:

I remember when there were no random orbital sanders,
let alone any such ro-sanders that'd been converted to, and for, vehicle detailing purposes.

So...IMO:
Nothing wrong Waxing with a rotary, nowadays,
especially when/for:
-needing to maximize speed vs. the bottom-line pay
-an actual Show Car finish is not the goal
-production shops/production detailers
-and, the newly-formed, Mike Phillips' category of "Jeweling Wax"...Among other reasons.



Bob
 
Thanks Bob (FUNX725) for your input. What I am finding out with the PE-8 is that it has been very easy to adapt to. At 1st I was worried about "holograms", however, that has not been the issue.

I am sure once I am in the correcting stage, I will have to learn. That is what I wanted to do this weekend. Unfortunately, it rained this whole weekend in all places Southern California!! I will be polishing my GF ride when the weather improves to test the PE-8.

But overall, I am very happy with my purchase.
 
Rsurfer said:
IMO waxing with a rotary at 1300 rpm with a 4" pad, would not be the best option.
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Look, people are allowed their own opinions and they don't always have to coincide with yours.


Bob
 
IMO, waxing with a DA is more ideal than using a rotary.

...."IMO"- in my opinion vs. "AMOF" - A matter of fact
 
SonOfOC said:
IMO, waxing with a DA is more ideal than using a rotary.

...."IMO"- in my opinion vs. "AMOF" - A matter of fact
Click to expand...

I wax with a DA all the time. I have my PC7424 XP set up with a 3" Pad. Right now I am just experimenting with the PE-8 right now. Soon, I will try correcting.

But so far, it is doing a commendable job with what I have thrown at it so far. Waxing is no issue with it either.

The PE-8 is lighter, quieter and built better than the PC. Will I apply wax with the PE-8...absolutely. Again, we have a new toy to experiment with and so far it is passing all my tests.

I am actually considering using the PE-8 to work on a toilet with a dirty ring. I am gonna compound/Polish and seal the toilet ring to see the results...who knows what I will throw at the PE-8 but so far I am impressed.

Either way rotary or DA it is a fun little machine. I am sure more comments will come as more people will be able to try it out.
 
ordered 1" and 2" pads and associated backing plates last night. the pads are priced WAY crazy but whatever. the one good thing about sticking to my OPT bandwagon for so long is i have a very refined and concise arsenal, so when i need to splurge on stuff like this i don't feel as bad. i'll assess quality and such when they arrive. i hope B&S jumps on this bandwagon and makes their own version of the little pads for a better price lol.

either way i'm stoked someone came out with this sort of combo because i think it was such a logical progression - some of the smallest or thinnest areas can be such sore thumbs if they aren't corrected.
 
So here's my question, I have a flex 3401 & a PC does the pe8 make sense? It's seems intriguing.
 
tpr1634 said:
So here's my question, I have a flex 3401 & a PC does the pe8 make sense? It's seems intriguing.
Click to expand...

I will take pics of my 3401 and the PE-8 together. I have a toolbox that both fit nicely with all the backing plates (for both). I will be getting the 1" and 2" BP w/Pads. I already have the 3" BP and numerous 3" & 4" Pads for the PE-8.

All I can say is based on my limited experience toying around with the PE-8 is it worth it? YES!! If you use the Flex 3401 going to the PE-8 has been an easy transition (so far). You are used to the forced rotation and when you move to the PE-8 there is a big difference in terms of less noise and way smoother too!

I would also recommend the 5/8" BP extension piece. I will post pics by tomorrow.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
I will take pics of my 3401 and the PE-8 together. I have a toolbox that both fit nicely with all the backing plates (for both). I will be getting the 1" and 2" BP w/Pads. I already have the 3" BP and numerous 3" & 4" Pads for the PE-8.

All I can say is based on my limited experience toying around with the PE-8 is it worth it? YES!! If you use the Flex 3401 going to the PE-8 has been an easy transition (so far). You are used to the forced rotation and when you move to the PE-8 there is a big difference in terms of less noise and way smoother too!

I would also recommend the 5/8" BP extension piece. I will post pics by tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Thanks........
 
Got mine ordered up. Looking forward to getting it and trying it out. Will be posting a review and feed back as well as possibly a video.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
My guess any detailer on this site can adapt to the PE-8.

Do I think I made the right choice and my answer is a big yes! IMO, the PE-8 is small enough and light enough to where you can't do any serious damage to your paint.

This is also a great stepping stone to a larger Rotary if you so decide.
Click to expand...


Great summary in those last three sentences. Thank you for sharing with others your experience with the new Flex PE8.


:dblthumb2: :dblthumb2: :dblthumb2:
 
the little pads and BPs arrived today.

3" Griot's plus 4" and 5.5" B&S pads there for size comparison. hilarious.

mwabew.jpg
 
Got mine in the mail today...

First impressions.....

Do not like the power switch on the side. Remind me of the old Generation GG6 polisher I had and hated it being on the side. Needs to be on top for better control and easier to access. Very poor design as for that part goes. Not well thought out IMO...

Now once you get it plugged in and are ready to work the switch is kinda funky how it goes on.... Its got like a locking mechanizm that you have to lock into place to get it to stay on. You can not just slide up for on and back for off...

That is my BIGGEST grip about the machine and I hope Flex fixes that real soon or another maker comes out with something similar to it real quick.

Now lets get to the good about the machine....

Ive been looking for a electric powdered machine that is designed and made for small pads, most all cars have those small and tight hard to reach areas and having a machine that has 1, 2, and 3 inch pads is a much have for any professional detailer.
Its quiet. BIG plus!
Its a little on the heavy side.... But nothing I can't get used to.
Very smooth running as some have mentioned...

Until I can get out and start doing some correction this weekend I won't have any other feedback.
 
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