Time to move to Flex?

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wormser

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Ok, so I got a PC 7424 just over a year ago as a newbie. Unfortunately, the thing died over the weekend after only a few uses. Since it's three weeks over the one year warranty Porter Cable won't help.

So do I wait for the new PC to come out or move to the Flex? I'm not happy that the PC died a little over a year old but I think I just got a bad one. It looks like many here have had there PC for a long time. Is the Flex worth the extra money?
 
I own a 7424 and I've used a Flex. While I don't know a whole lot about the new Porter, my next big buy will be a Flex.
 
I have not used a PC. I bought my Flex two weeks ago based
on the recommendations from everyone saying that I would
just turn around next year and end up spending more money
getting the Flex. I have to say that if you are not a pro detailer in business, where the speed of a rotary is necessary, the Flex
is an amazing machine. My black thunderbird had serious
spider webbing, marring, rids, oxidation. I started on the
trunk using the LC foam wool Pad with 3M perfect-it II
rubbing compound and was not impressed. Moved to orange
pad and still didn't get it. Finally I used a white pad and then
finished with Menz FP using a blue pad and it looked like a
mirror. Did I get all of the RIDs out? No but that was because
I am new and don't really know what I am doing. I would
say one of the front fenders took me about 10 minutes for
the actual polishing part of it. That's 1st step and 2nd step (3m
and then FP) I don't know if that's fast but it was faster than
I thought it would be and I was extremely happy with the results.
By the way the 3M is not as user friendly as the Menz product.

The only con I can see right now is that inability to use smaller
pads like you can with the PC and the inability to use scrub brushes
to do carpets.
 
Not knocking the Flex as its a must have product, but have you considered having the PC looked at. I have heard of several repairs that are quite cheap and effective. Did you contact Porter Cable and offer the amount of use machine had, and offer to mail to them to review ???
 
Yes, I did contact Porter Cable. They wouldn't offer to look at it other than to take it to a repair center for repair. I am going to run by one to have them look at it, but I don't have much faith. The 4 screws that connect the handle and the head which are hidden by the plastic cover came loose. I took that plastic cover off and tightened them back up, turned it on, it smoked and puff.....it was done.

I think even if I get it fixed, I won't tell the wife cause she tells me a Flex may be in the budget for fathers day.:D

Oh and I will say when I contacted Autogeek to check about the PC, they were very helpful providing me with contact numbers and my original invoice. So two thumbs up to your customer service.
 
you can usually alway push customer service, i wouldnt give up on the pc. you might just get a new one, that one fixed or something and just be out s/h and then still just buy a flex, no reason in wasting a good machine that most likely can be fixed. just what i would do. pitch a big enough fit :) sqeaky wheel gets the oil
 
I would get the pc fixed and buy a Flex. I have a Flex and love it, but also wish i had a pc for various tasks, (smaller pad options FLEX :mad:;)).
:buffing:
 
Have your wife buy the flex for you .Then complain enough to porter cable to have them fix or replace the PC just don't tell your wife and you may just end up with both:cheers:
 
detail viking said:
I would get the pc fixed and buy a Flex. I have a Flex and love it, but also wish i had a pc for various tasks, (smaller pad options FLEX :mad:;)).
:buffing:
Click to expand...

:iagree:The Flex is great (I just found out!), but I also recently discovered the effectiveness of the 4" pad. I'm glad I have the PC just for that.:righton:
 
detail viking said:
I would get the pc fixed and buy a Flex. I have a Flex and love it, but also wish i had a pc for various tasks, (smaller pad options FLEX :mad:;)).
:buffing:
Click to expand...
I have to agree about gettinng the PC fixed. I have a PC and the Flex, and as much as I love my Flex, the PC comes in very handy all the time. It's nice to have both machines to relay on.:D
 
One thing: buy the Flex
72l1082.jpg
:righton:
 
If I were to move into a flex from a PC... which model flex do you recommend?
 
I just took a tin full of pocket change to the local Coin Star. Jackpot! Almost have enough to get my Flex!!! :buffing:
 
That depends on whether you want a DA or a Rotary. I have the DA and I couldn't be happier. Works great and is not as slow as some make it seem. The only thing I don't like is that there is no brush
option and the only option for smaller pads is the edge system and
4" pads.
 
CakeDaddy said:
If I were to move into a flex from a PC... which model flex do you recommend?
Click to expand...

IMO the 3401 is the only way to go. It's just about as effective as a rotary while still remaining very safe...it's basically the only polisher I use. :cheers:
 
I dropped my UDM this weekend (tripped over the extension cord and fell on the floor). The boss with screw holding the rear cap on broke. I can fix with duct tape etc and it works fine but for some reason I am not that upset...I just think about a Flex.
 
Bunky said:
I dropped my UDM this weekend (tripped over the extension cord and fell on the floor). The boss with screw holding the rear cap on broke. I can fix with duct tape etc and it works fine but for some reason I am not that upset...I just think about a Flex.
Click to expand...

I might be getting a Flex as well.
 
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