Flex 3403

Anthony@zerboautoworks

Anthony@zerboautoworks

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I'm looking to buy the Flex 3403 and had a couple of questions for the guys that use one.

1. Do you guys use the 6" or the 5" BP?

2. What are the best pads for the 3403?

3. Is there a difference in power from the 3403 and the PE-14?

Thanks guys
 
I had a 3403 a few years ago. Both the PE-14 and 3403 runs hot, but the 3403 went into thermal shut down a few times on me.

Despite the 3403 being significantly cheaper, I find the starting 1100rpm too high vs the 600rpm on the PE-14.
 
I have a 3403 that worked flawlessly on the 2 cars I've tried it on. I used the Lake Country CCS 5.5 pads on a 5" backing plate. Even when doing some heavy compounding with pressure, I had no overheating issues despite running it at lower speeds.

That said, it is more powerful than I really needed as a hobby detailer. I just wanted to try something new and I had never used a rotary before. I like the soft-start feature, and the speed control seems very precise.

If you are interested in a slightly used one, I'd probably part with it as my random orbital polishers are sufficient for the minor corrections I ever do on my own cars.
 
Well after doing a little research I'm not to happy with the starting rpm at 1,100 I believe it was.
 
Hi Anthony:

Here's a link to the FlexUSA website

http://www.flexnorthamerica.com/products_7_1787053013.pdf

Down towards the bottom there's a graphic showing the recommended uses for the 3401, 3403, and the PE14-2-150.

I think the 3403 and 3401 were designed to augment each other, where the PE14-2-150 was designed to cover the entire spectrum of requirements.

I did a lot of research before I ended up with my 3401. Seems that if you already have a 3401, the 3403 is a nice complement. But, if you want one machine that does everything, it's the PE14-2-150.

Jim
 
jgg85234 said:
Hi Anthony:

Here's a link to the FlexUSA website

http://www.flexnorthamerica.com/products_7_1787053013.pdf

Down towards the bottom there's a graphic showing the recommended uses for the 3401, 3403, and the PE14-2-150.

I think the 3403 and 3401 were designed to augment each other, where the PE14-2-150 was designed to cover the entire spectrum of requirements.

I did a lot of research before I ended up with my 3401. Seems that if you already have a 3401, the 3403 is a nice complement. But, if you want one machine that does everything, it's the PE14-2-150.

Jim
Click to expand...
I won't argue but a rotary even one that goes down to 600rpms is not a do everything polisher. If working on automotive finishes a great way to go is the 3401 and the 14-2. If I were to only pick one it would be the 3401 for most detailers. Don't get me wrong the 14-2 is top of its class in my book and I do use rotaries maybe more than the average detailer but with the addition of the 3401 my RB gets used a lot less.

Anthony@zerboautoworks said:
Yeah I'm leaning more to the PE-14
Click to expand...
Good move many before you have gone this way. IMO despite being more expensive it's the best RB for paint work.
 
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