Couldn't be More Disappointed in my Flex 3401

ShineTimeDetail

ShineTimeDetail

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So I've been on the fence since I bought this. First off it's a lot of money for a buffer. When I got it I was happy that it felt like a strong machine. I started using it and shards of plastic were coming off the backing plate when I was trying to do heavy cutting. That stopped after a few corrections but now, I was polishing my truck for a car show today and it crapped out on me. I had to finish my van off with my Makita because I didn't have any cyclo pads(Luckily the can is white). This buffer is 6 months old and prob only has 60-80 hours of run time on it. Very upset!
 
Man, that would disappoint me as well.

Hope you get it fixed some how, because I think its a great machine.
 
You can never go wrong with your Makita. All the power tools they manufacture are top notch. Yesterday I was installing a fan on my back porch and dropped my Makita cordless drill off of a 10 foot ladder onto concrete. No damage at all.
I almost always use my Makita for correction and finish off with my PC
 
"Disappointment" and "Flex" usually aren't used in the same sentence. We've had a fleet of 3401s, PE14s and 3403s out in the Show Car Garage for several years and every single machine has been used and abused, and they're all still running strong.

Have you contacted FLEX yet? The 3401 is backed by a 1-year warranty.

Give them a call Monday, they're very helpful.

Flex North America - Contact Us

:dblthumb2:
 
When you manyf. Thounds of tools a day , you going to get a few bad ones. There warranty is amazing!!!!
 
Sorry to hear that give Flex a call their machines and customer service is awesome .
 
So sorry to hear this! I love mine and hate to see you got a bad one :(
 
arkus said:
why ?



are u still getting the mudstain?
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I feel the 3401 tries to control you, and it should be vise-versa. It feels like a "freight train" compared to my traditional DA


Bought the Stang. Looked at Camaro's, no thanks. The '13 5.0 is a bit faster than the Camaro SS. Plus, I didn't want to go back to an LS3. I wanted something different. I got the 3.73 gear option with my 5.0 which is awesome! Also, got the brembo brake and wheel option. The 5.0 is very powerful!
 
congrats on your car !
I saw a new silver one and it looked very nice .
Enjoy it .
 
luv a shine said:
When you manyf. Thounds of tools a day , you going to get a few bad ones. There warranty is amazing!!!!
Click to expand...

how is the warranty amazing ? if its for 1 year. lol

anything after that is a service charge.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
I feel the 3401 tries to control you, and it should be vise-versa. It feels like a "freight train" compared to my traditional DA


Bought the Stang. Looked at Camaro's, no thanks. The '13 5.0 is a bit faster than the Camaro SS. Plus, I didn't want to go back to an LS3. I wanted something different. I got the 3.73 gear option with my 5.0 which is awesome! Also, got the brembo brake and wheel option. The 5.0 is very powerful!
Click to expand...

I completely agree about the Flex. Mine is sitting as well after doing a couple panels with it.

The reality, which i have to admit though is that I really didnt give it a fair shake. I just hated the feel right away and was really closed minded about it. I feel like the throw on the orbit is gigantic which is the real issue i did not like.
 
I'm very surprised that you're having this kind of trouble with your Flex 3401. I couldn't ask for a better polisher. Get a hold of Flex and hopefully they'll make it right....

Who did you buy it through?
 
mg6045 said:
I completely agree about the Flex. Mine is sitting as well after doing a couple panels with it.

The reality, which i have to admit though is that I really didnt give it a fair shake. I just hated the feel right away and was really closed minded about it. I feel like the throw on the orbit is gigantic which is the real issue i did not like.
Click to expand...
I tried so much to like the 3401, but it's just not gonna happen.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
I tried so much to like the 3401, but it's just not gonna happen.
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From memory you tried so much to like the zee, pe 14, 3401 and other things.

You may need to considser a different approach, the problem may not be in all these gadgets, maybe somewhere else.

:props:
 
Danube said:
You may need to considser a different approach, the problem may not be in all these gadgets, maybe somewhere else.

:props:
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Has nothing to do with my technique, if that's what you're implying. We all have our preferences. Just because everyone and their Mom praises the 3401, doesn't mean I have to. It's a very capable tool, I just don't like using it. As far as the PE-14, well, I haven't mastered a rotary, and have no desire to. As long as I get the desired results, it doesn't matter what tools I use.
 
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