First full job using my XFE7

DaveT435

DaveT435

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First full job using my XFE7


Not a great experience.


I detail as a hobby. When I detail other people's vehicles I collect very little over the cost of products. So when I have to pay for a panel respray because a brand new tool breaks it doesn't make me very happy.

Other than a 15-20 minute test this is the first full job I was using this machine on.

The 6" backing plate broke and I ended up gouging the paint. Knowing the 90% of the time you have these types of failure it's cut to heat the first thing I did was put my hand flat on what was left of the backing plate. It was warm, but I had no problem keeping my hand on it.

Of course I'm sure Flex isn't going to do anything and I understand that, they weren't here when it happened so there is no way they could know for sure, unless there there is a history of this problem.

Well I bought this machine and a Rupes 15 Mark II with plans to keep the one I like best. Guess I know which one I'll be selling.


Broke_BP_01.jpg


Broke_BP_02.jpg




:dunno:
 
Whoa. That's not good. Sorry man. Seeing this makes me a little nervous using my XFE-7 now...
 
I love the machine, especially the size and how quiet it runs. But this is unacceptable. Maybe Flex has a way to determine what caused it?? I haven't been on here much to know if others have been having this problem.
 
Man this is rough. I have had mine for a couple months now and done about 4 full cut/polish jobs, as well as a number of "polish only" sessions. Many times the machine is around speed 4-5, sometimes as high as 6. I run a 5" BP. DaveT435, your initial review actually helped me make my decision to go XFE (and the fact that it matched my 3401 and PE14 :))

Angus said:
Whoa. That's not good. Sorry man. Seeing this makes me a little nervous using my XFE-7 now...
Click to expand...

I honestly wouldn't worry about catastrophic failure. My wife drove a (reliable) Mazda 3 for about three years, when out of the blue, BOOM- piston through the engine block. The XFE is an awesome tool- its just hard to see people having problems with the first generation, and now gen 2. Seems like many of the tools are still functioning great. Love to see some more people (with more hours on these) chime in as well!
 
Ouch... Sorry to hear that David. Sucks it happened on your first use.
 
Any manufactured product is going to have a percentage of defects, it's unavoidable. I assume Flex's percentage is extremely low. There is a lot I like about this machine. You don't really appreciate the quietness until you plug a Rupes in immediately after using the XFE7.
 
I've had my 3401 and PE14 for several years now. Because of their quality and durability I am a fan of Flex products. I have been interested in the XFE7 since last year and have been contemplating adding it to my collection since I do not own a large throw polisher. I will not be considering it anymore because of the issues with the XFE7 since it was first introduced and then reintroduced in its current inception. I would either purchase a Rupes or Griot's instead. It appears that there are issues at Flex with the XFE and also the XCE taking so long to be produced/released.
 
The original versions of the xfe had a defect. Lots of peoples broke, with no word on the forums for a recall on them either...
 
I find it interesting that it appears their is no representative from Flex frequenting the forum.
 
JeffM said:
The original versions of the xfe had a defect. Lots of peoples broke, with no word on the forums for a recall on them either...
Click to expand...

for real? wow, thats kind of absurd....and people give the Rules dudes crap.
 
cleanmycorolla said:
for real? wow, thats kind of absurd....and people give the Rules dudes crap.
Click to expand...

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

Or Griots..... remember when they came out with the BOSS system and all the hate spewed on the forum because it was made in China.
Yet Flex had to come out with a free spinning da because of Rupes and Griot's and all the other free spinning da's out there. They were missing out on that entire market.
 
reason why I won't buy the 12mm mini when it comes out..nor will i consider this again till they re release as version 3...this is pretty sad
 
sorry to hear about that incident :( . i wonder why they didn't use a one bolt backing plate like the rest of the long throw DA's out ...
 
custmsprty said:
I find it interesting that it appears their is no representative from Flex frequenting the forum.
Click to expand...


Just to point out, you also don't see anyone from any of the other tool manufactures either,

There's no one I've ever seen on the forum on a regular basis or ever at all from,

DeWALT
Makita
Cyclo
Porter Cable



Once in a while Jeff Brown will be here from Griot's. We used to see RUPES staff on the forum like Todd Helme, Dylan or Jason Rose, but I rarely see anyone from RUPES on this forum any more?

Note: Todd Helme was on recently sharing information about the new tools RUPES introduced and this is greatly appreciated.




VISITOR said:
sorry to hear about that incident :( .

i wonder why they didn't use a one bolt backing plate like the rest of the long throw DA's out ...
Click to expand...


I was told the reason they went with 3 anchor points instead of a single anchor point in the center of the tools was to provide more lateral support for the backing plate and how it attaches to the rotating assembly. This design would/should mean less backing plate flexing when someone is pressing down on an edge of a buffing pad.


:)
 
DaveT435 said:
The 6" backing plate broke and I ended up gouging the paint.

Knowing the 90% of the time you have these types of failure it's cut to heat the first thing I did was put my hand flat on what was left of the backing plate. It was warm, but I had no problem keeping my hand on it.
Click to expand...


Hi Dave,

You know when I first saw this thread I thought it was going to share your positive experience because it's a great tool for it's category. I've been using them myself, using them on our TV show and teaching them in our classes and I've never seen this happen before.

I know FLEX would like to know about this as they are a responsible company and if there is a performance issue with any of their tools or tool related components then it's important to document and take action if and when neccassary.

I'll send the link to this thread to FLEX today.


Here's your pictures


Broke_BP_01.jpg


Broke_BP_02.jpg



Has the body panel been repainted yet?

If so, what was the cost?



:)
 
Hey Mike,
No the body panel hasn't been repainted yet. It took three months to be able to get the car for a couple days. I would expect it's going to be a few weeks before it will be able to be dropped off at the body shop. I've had a 3401, PE14, and PE8. I know Flex is a quality product.

I appreciate you passing this along. Whether they do anything about it or not I'm interested in hearing their thought. I understand if they don't want to do anything about it. Short of them being here when it happened I don't know if there is any way they'll know what happened for sure. If you want a close up of the two pieces I can do that.
 
DaveT435 said:
Hey Mike,

No the body panel hasn't been repainted yet. It took three months to be able to get the car for a couple days. I would expect it's going to be a few weeks before it will be able to be dropped off at the body shop. I've had a 3401, PE14, and PE8. I know Flex is a quality product.

I appreciate you passing this along. Whether they do anything about it or not I'm interested in hearing their thought. I understand if they don't want to do anything about it. Short of them being here when it happened I don't know if there is any way they'll know what happened for sure. If you want a close up of the two pieces I can do that.
Click to expand...


Like I said,

Give me a call. FLEX was very nice in their reply back to me and asked me to get the below.


1: They would very much like to get this backing plate back and send it to the factory for the engineers to inspect.

2: Asked me to send you a new replacement backing plate ASAP.

2: Asked me to get your first and last name and shipping address. (I need it too).


You can PM me, e-mail me and/or call me

[email protected]


1-800-869-3011 x206


:)
 
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