3 inch Flex DA Orbital

2old2change said:
Have you purchased this machine yet ? If so what are your thoughts ?
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Which one are you referring to; the Flex or the Metabo?

I have the Flex XC 3401 VRG and the quality is tops. I have absolutely no regrets spending the extra cash over the Porter Cable or Griot's.

As for the Metabo, its on my shopping list pending more background information on it.

As for the Griot's polishers, I have to wonder why they list them as "upgraded". What was wrong with the last one???
 
BobbyG said:
Hey Johny,


I got one for Christmas but haven't used it yet, what made you return it?
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Bob, I PMed Johny and ask why as well.

According to him, "Lack of power for sure. Just apply a little pressure and it will stop rotating. Feel cheap too. Not worth the price".

Obviously it will have less power needed since it is driving a 3" pad.

As for it not rotating, if it isn't a true dual action polisher, apply enough pressure and and those that aren't true DA, will stop rotating.

Price, well when you see Harbor Freight being able to sell an angle grinder for $20, you have to wonder how the Griot's that is made in China has to cost any more.
 
Mirror Finish said:
According to him, "Lack of power for sure. Just apply a little pressure and it will stop rotating. Feel cheap too. Not worth the price".

Obviously it will have less power needed since it is driving a 3" pad.

As for it not rotating, if it isn't a true dual action polisher, apply enough pressure and and those that aren't true DA, will stop rotating.

Price, well when you see Harbor Freight being able to sell an angle grinder for $20, you have to wonder how the Griot's that is made in China has to cost any more.
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I have both the Griot and the Metabo 3" electric polishers, they both have adequate power to turn 3" pads.

Any random orbit polisher whether it be "True dual Action" dual action or whatever will stop rotating under enough pressure. The only type of DA polisher that won't stop rotating is the forced rotation polisher like the Flex 3401.

An angle grinder is always less expensive to manufacture and sell than a DA tool as it has less parts is simpler and runs smoother. Harbor Freight makes a DA that is often on sale for $49.95. Harbor freight makes tools by the millions and sells them for less. You will better compare a Griot tool to a Milwaukee or Makita.

Assumptions derived from opinions are a dime a dozen. Try the tools yourself, then decide where to spend your money. :xyxthumbs:
 
I have a 3" GG and while yes, the power is the first thing you notice (or rather you don't notice), it does spin a 3" adequately. Put it on 6 and use light to medium pressure and a compound and it can even do pretty good paint correction.

FWIW, I like the 3" because it is able to be used in places where other DA's are simply to big.
 
Mirror Finish said:
Those are what many call a "true" DA polisher.
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Cool, we are on the same page Im the MAN

My Metabo 3" came in a DeltaKit headlight refinish system. The 3" polishers are really nice for sanding headlights. The 3" papers used with the Meguiars interface make short work of headlight repair.
 
I purchased and use both Griots 6" and 3" DA Polisher. I have had no problem or regrets with either purchase. I use the 3" more than the 6" because it is lighter, gets into curves and smaller places than the 6" can. In fact if I could only use one, it would be the 3" DA.
 
spence said:
I purchased and use both Griots 6" and 3" DA Polisher. I have had no problem or regrets with either purchase. I use the 3" more than the 6" because it is lighter, gets into curves and smaller places than the 6" can. In fact if I could only use one, it would be the 3" DA.
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WOW!! Are you polishing motorcycles only.
 
Rsurfer said:
WOW!! Are you polishing motorcycles only.
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No, I own a 2001 Acura CL and a 2012 Accord both black. If I am working on a scratch or swirl with UC (which removes clear coat) I want to remove the least amount possible amount of clear coat. Thus I use the 3" DA instead of the 6" DA. Now when I finish it off with SWIRL X or 205 I may or may simply exchange 3" pads or unplug my 3" DA and use the 6" DA depending on how flat the panel is. But basically I feel removing the least amount of clear coat when making a correction is best in the long run. I am especially nervous going over creases with a DA and an aggresive polish. In addition when I am trying to polish or wax around the car's Acura Logo I can get in much closer with the 3" DA than the 6"DA.

I am a hobiest and not a profesional and I enjoy it, so a little extra time is OK with me.
 
spence said:
No, I own a 2001 Acura CL and a 2012 Accord both black. If I am working on a scratch or swirl with UC (which removes clear coat) I want to remove the least amount possible amount of clear coat. Thus I use the 3" DA instead of the 6" DA. Now when I finish it off with SWIRL X or 205 I may or may simply exchange 3" pads or unplug my 3" DA and use the 6" DA depending on how flat the panel is. But basically I feel removing the least amount of clear coat when making a correction is best in the long run. I am especially nervous going over creases with a DA and an aggresive polish. In addition when I am trying to polish or wax around the car's Acura Logo I can get in much closer with the 3" DA than the 6"DA.

I am a hobiest and not a profesional and I enjoy it, so a little extra time is OK with me.
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Do what works for you, but polishing two black cars with a 6" will not remove any more clear coat than using a 3".
 
2old2change said:
On a trip to Nick Chapman's in Dallas a few years ago I had the chance to try the Metabo and the 3" griots.

IMO the were as close to identical as possible in performance. There was no advantage of one over another.
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I agree. I've owned a Metabo, actually Kevin Brown gave it to me years ago... the 3" GG looks very much like it and they both operate pretty much the same.



2old2change said:
The griots has its place but will disappoint some for not having the raw power of the 6" machine.
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I've used the 3" GG to remove sanding marks, what I always tell people is you have to use expert technique with this tool and by that I mean you have to hold the pad flat to the surface for maximum pad rotation.

The below was done using only a medium cut polish, I could have done it faster with a compound.

Also, at the time I wrote the below article MF pads were not mainstream and we also didn't have all the cool abrasive technology around. The 3" Griot's does work well with the LC Ultra Fiber Microfiber pads.



Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher - Extreme Demo - Warning!

pushingtheEnvelope003.jpg




:D
 
In this thread we used some beta MF pads for tight areas and thin panels...


1954 Ford F-100 - Extreme Makeover - Process and products used



This is me tackling the iconic front grill using the Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher using an Optimum 3.25" Microfiber Pad with Hyper-Polish.

I now the question everyone wants to ask and here is the answer...

YES the 3" Mini Polisher was able to maintain pad rotation. I started with the upper potions and worked downward and wiped the residue off as I worked... look how shiny and glossy the paint is after using the 3" Mini Polisher. The 3" Mini Polisher also makes a great Dampsander for spot repair.

54Ford86.jpg


54Ford87.jpg





:xyxthumbs:
 
I just wish there was a smoother, quiter, and more powerful 3" DA. I know it's alot to ask for, but it could be done.

The GG 3" is just so noisy, and such a pain to work with. The vibration is killer.
 
Mirror Finish said:
That is what I am looking for...a complete redesign from the ground up. A completely new Flex in the size of the Griot's but not a toy.
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3" Flex DA polisher in the size of GG would be a must have.
 
If you're still looking for a super quality 3in electric orbital, and you're not too concerned with the price, check out the festool rotex 90
I used festool tools when I worked at my uncles Porsche repair shop in Germany. When I was looking for a small polisher I remembered the Festool company and found the rotex 90.

It's the best small buffer I've used. Almost no vibration but powerful. It is a dual mode polisher as well. You can switch it from forced rotation to free spinning orbital with a knob on top. Another nice feature is the small vacuum port on the back to reduce dust. It comes in handy if you ever need work with dusty compounds.
It's made in Germany as well. It isn't cheap though by any means. I paid $350 for mine.
 
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