Polisher Recommendation for Beginner

mchess1

mchess1

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Hello all,
Been a forum member for a year now and have been doing everything by hand.

Time to break down and get a machine to do the heavy lifting and have really been struggling with what to get.

Read Mike's excellent write-up on the Chevy today. One of his quotes about the Flex was

"If you're new to machine polishing my honest opinion is you'll find learning to machine clean and polish easier with a PC style Dual Action Polisher. Note I didn't say you'll find a PC style Dual Action Polisher BETTER, I typed... easier. "
Click to expand...

Now, I have been back and forth on the PC, Griots and Flex. Heck, I could even throw the Megs in there. Originally thought the Flex was out of my price range, but lots of posts saying "get the Flex and save yourself the upgrade money down the road." So I start considering the Flex and then Mike says the above.

So back to the start.

Is it better to get a cheaper "easier" machine and spend the extra dough on pads?

Is it better to go with the Griot's to turn a 6.5" pad vs the 5.5" the PC seems comfortable with?

Is it better to take on the learning curve and save the long term money on the Flex?

Since the Flex has the forced rotation, can you only use 6.5" and up sized pads on the machine? Is there a smaller plate for 4" pads on the Flex?

Lots of questions, but when on a budget you don't want to make the wrong choice. The answer from many is "you can't go wrong with any of them." I'm just not that type of shopper. The machine will be used strictly on my car and my wife's minivan. No desire to do this as a job.

I would appreciate any feedback on the above questions.
 
I would just go for the flex. Is is faster than the PC. It does take practice with anything you use. I use the 6.5 pads with my flex. There is a edge adapter for the flex. It will let you use smaller pads. I still use my PC with 4" pads in tight areas and bumpers.

I've heard the new PC is more powerful, but I haven't used it.
 
If you have the means just get the Flex with The Edge adapter. You well never be sorry.
 
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i third the Flex . . . . though i personally don't have one . . . . . it m akes more sense to pick it up from the get go then to purchase a PC and then step up and have to pay more for the Flex
 
Hi I am new to machine polishing as well. I was faced with the same decision and opted for the Flex after I saw a video comparison between the Flex and the PC (it is on YouTube). After having read Mike's wonderful post I used my Flex for the first time today and I regret having waited so long. Yes it is more powerful than the others and yes the fact that it is a forced rotation machine does mean that it has a tendency to try to walk on you if the pad is not kept flat on the surface. It is no big deal just keep your mind on the job at hand and you will be fine. If you know what to expect from the tool than it is easy to correct your technique accordingly. Just pay attention to what the machine is telling you and you will be fine. If it starts to try to walk on you just correct you positioning and don't be afraid to move on your feet with the machine as opposed to standing in a fixed position and stretching your arms out to reach for the area that you want to polish. I found that it is better to keep your body over the machine when ever possible. For me the learning curve for this machine was the time that it took to polish the initial test section on the hood of my black 2009 Porsche 911 turbo, and that baby is all about curved surfaces.
As far as smaller pads I agree with Loudog. AG sells the 3m Edge adapter for the Flex for about $49.00 and with that you can use the Edge quick release pads and the 4" Cyclo pads as well. Just remember that ultimately the level of success that you achieve will be determined by the degree and quality of your prep work. Not the machine that you use. Good luck:buffing:
 
i was debating this myself when I had to choose which one to buy.
Guess which one won?........ the Flex.
If you use Mike's tips on how to control the flex you'll notice its quite easy to work with, especially once you get a hang of it. Key is to keep the pad flat on the surface of the paint. Plus the machine just feels so powerful and well built! Its almost like having the power of a rotary in your hands. Should you need smaller pads you could always buy the edge adapter later on, but i can assure you that you will not be dissapointed with the purchase of a flex.
 
I too was looking at the Flex. It seems to be a great product. I currently have an older PC, still works great, but wanted something with a little more power. After doing a lot of research, I ordered the new Griots from AG yesterday. I have a lot of pads and backing plates already for the PC and since the are compatible with the Griots that played a part in my decision. Along with Mike's comments on the power of the new Griot's. Time will tell if it was a good decision.
 
loudog2 said:
I've heard the new PC is more powerful, but I haven't used it.
Click to expand...


I've used all the new polishers and the Griot's ROP and PC 7424XP do have more than enough power to tackle some seriously neglected paint especially using pads on the smaller size like 5.5" and good technique. The 'good technique' is always going to be a huge factor with any tool but with tools that have a clutch it's very important because if you put too much pressure on an edge of the pad it will stop the rotating and thus stop the defect removal.

I will stick by what I posted about the Flex in comparison to the new generation PC style polishers. The Flex offers a lot more power because it has a more powerful motor and because it's forced rotation, no clutch. The PC style tools are however going to be easier to learn and master for a person new to machine polishing.

If you're background is with a rotary buffer, then learning and mastering the Flex 3401 will take a few minutes with the key to success to keep the pad flat whenever you can.

The PC style tools offer the ability to switch to different size pads while the Flex 3401 is locked into the factory backing plate and thus pads that fit it, and the Edge adapter and their selection of pads. At least at this time, this industry is always changing so who knows what we'll see next month or even next week.

If I was new to machine polishing and not looking at this as a business where I was going to be tackling a wide spectrum of conditions of paint to correct, then I would opt for the PC style to start with, that' just one man's opinion.

The best thing to do would be to test both tools out and see which one you like best before making a purchase and that's one of the things people can do at our classes in the future. Of course, that doesn't help everone...


:)
 
Maybe the best bet is to just try them. I am going to attempt to sneak into that Porsche club event if you open up some slots.

Then I can impulse buy on the way out!
 
MY thinking on this would be that the PC-XP would be my first consideration for a polisher purchase. Outside of counting the advantages and disadvantages of the Flex vs PC thing. A PC-XP can be had for 119.99. The Flex XC-3401 is 299.99 The PC-XP is a capable machine. User friendly and has a shorter learning curve in my opinion.
You can have a Orbital and a Circular polisher for the price of 1 Flex-3401. That being said I think the PC is a more logical choice for
a beginner. If buffing is not your cup of tea, your only out 120 bucks.
The PC is a good machine and is reliable and is capable of considerable correction. If then you desire to have better capabilities, then you could purchase a circular polisher and have the capability of both style machines. Heavy paint removal or light polishing. Nothing more that logic has caused me to want anyone making this decision to
ponder this scenario before making the purchase.
 
belcherm58 said:
MY thinking on this would be that the PC-XP would be my first consideration for a polisher purchase. Outside of counting the advantages and disadvantages of the Flex vs PC thing. A PC-XP can be had for 119.99. The Flex XC-3401 is 299.99 The PC-XP is a capable machine. User friendly and has a shorter learning curve in my opinion.
You can have a Orbital and a Circular polisher for the price of 1 Flex-3401. That being said I think the PC is a more logical choice for
a beginner. If buffing is not your cup of tea, your only out 120 bucks.
The PC is a good machine and is reliable and is capable of considerable correction. If then you desire to have better capabilities, then you could purchase a circular polisher and have the capability of both style machines. Heavy paint removal or light polishing. Nothing more that logic has caused me to want anyone making this decision to
ponder this scenario before making the purchase.
Click to expand...

QFT

All the above makes sense with one slight amendment: you wouldn't necessarily need to be out $120 at any time as you could always flip it on FleaBay or maybe sell it to someone here that will be looking for one at such a time and would like to save some $$s.

I'm going to pull the trigger on a DA purchase before this week ends. I'm new to working with a power tool for auto detailing and have a new car at home: I'll be going the safe route and picking up the Porter-Cable.
 
MisterShark said:
QFT

All the above makes sense with one slight amendment: you wouldn't necessarily need to be out $120 at any time as you could always flip it on FleaBay or maybe sell it to someone here that will be looking for one at such a time and would like to save some $.

I'm going to pull the trigger on a DA purchase before this week ends. I'm new to working with a power tool for auto detailing and have a new car at home: I'll be going the safe route and picking up the Porter-Cable.
Click to expand...


If you plan to make a PC-XP, I am sure you will be happy. I have the original issue. I have buffed a bunch of cars back to a nice finish. I have the original and the only suggestion I will give for that model is to use the 5.5" pads you can apply more pressure to the pad and not stop the rotation. The XP model has a more powerful motor and that is not an issue with it on 6.6" pads. I used 6.5" pads on my original until very recently. It took longer to make some corrections as you could not apply the right amount of pressure without stopping the rotation. I read on the forum that members were having much better luck with the 5.5" inch combinations and the original PC. I tried it and that was the correct pad size for that machine. I have also been dabbling with a circular polisher. I like the speed that corrections come with it. You must learn to use them, you can burn through the paint on corners and such much easier with a circular. I still use my PC and plan to keep it. I will use the circular polisher when heavier correction is desired. Therefore I have 2 options and 2 machines for the price of 1 Flex. :dblthumb2:
 
I have both machines, though not extensive experience with either. I suggest that the most important criterion is the number of cars you anticipate polishing. If you are only working on your personal car(s), then it really doesn't make great sense to invest in the Flex. Yes, you might save a little time, but you are also limited by the inability to use small pads for narrow areas. If I were buying my first machine, I think I would go with the PC-XP or the new Griots, which is apparently a bit more powerful than the XP. I would then use the money saved and buy myself a goodly number of pads and a small backing plate. FWIW.
 
belcherm58 said:
You must learn to use them (circular), you can burn through the paint on corners and such much easier with a circular. I still use my PC and plan to keep it. I will use the circular polisher when heavier correction is desired. Therefore I have 2 options and 2 machines for the price of 1 Flex. :dblthumb2:
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Definitely don't wanna learn the hard way with my first new car in 15 years.

akimel said:
If you are only working on your personal car(s), then it really doesn't make great sense to invest in the Flex.
If I were buying my first machine, I think I would go with the PC-XP or the new Griots, which is apparently a bit more powerful than the XP. I would then use the money saved and buy myself a goodly number of pads and a small backing plate. FWIW.
Click to expand...

My thoughts and my plan of action exactly.

Thanks for the great advice gents! :xyxthumbs:
 
I own all of the machines PC original and new XP, Flex 3401,and a few Rotaries. For a begginer I would recommend they start with a PC,The new Griots machine over a Flex .For the same reasons Mike mentions. It will be eaier for a newbie to learn to master before they tackle a more powerful unit.The PC,Griots machine will always be a useful unit even if they desire to move up .As it can be used for tight spots ,carpet and upoulstery cleaning,Glazing and or wax application and removal .
 
I was researching the same thing. I have a Makita and use it but was looking at a DA for the convienance and ease of use. I talked with Mike this morning and he asked me what I plan to use it for. I explained that I have a 1995 T-Bird (bought it new) that I handed down to my 16 year old daughter. We had it painted last month and the paint had some minor orange peal. We wet sanded and I buffed it out, a 95 T-Bird is a lot of car. While I (notice "I") was buffing I got to thinking "this aint my car no more why am "I" buffing?" Well I can't turn her loose with the Makita on fresh paint so I finished buffing. Now that the paint is more that a month old we are ready to buff, polish and wax. I figure while I am buffing She can follow behind with a DA. So the dilemma... which DA? I asked Mike, he said with a little coaching the XP was safe enough to turn her loose with. So the XP it is. Did I mention the T-Bird has a 4.6L and she is only 16. If you see a shiny cobra blue T-Bird on the east side of Orlando give her plenty of room.
 
ron.logan said:
I have a 1995 T-Bird (bought it new) that I handed down to my 16 year old daughter.
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What a nice Dad!


ron.logan said:
I figure while I am buffing She can follow behind with a DA. So the dilemma... which DA? I asked Mike, he said with a little coaching the XP was safe enough to turn her loose with. So the XP it is.
Click to expand...

If she has you for her inspiration and will invest a little perspiration that T-bird is going look better than new again.

ron.logan said:
Did I mention the T-Bird has a 4.6L and she is only 16. If you see a shiny cobra blue T-Bird on the east side of Orlando give her plenty of room.
Click to expand...

Now how does that Beach Boy's song go?


:laughing:

Video Resources

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