Flex rotary or DA

frankprozzoly

frankprozzoly

New member
Joined
Mar 28, 2014
Messages
1,596
Reaction score
0
I'm gonna upgrade. I have the PC . I bought the new megs buffer and took it back. I didn't really care for it. So I'm gonna get a flex. If I'm gonna invest that kind of money, should I get the rotary and practice with it or is the flex 3401 sufficient
 
Honestly IMHO they both have their place. I have a Rupes 15 and a Flex 3403 rotary. I really only break out the rotary when I want to use "the bigger hammer". Yeah, I know some folks fully finish down with them, but it's not something I've ever felt comfortable with because a rotary can get you into trouble much more quickly.

You're right though, the Megs buffer isn't an earth shattering upgrade from the PC, nor is the Griots. They're both incremental. The Flex 3401 with it's forced rotation or the Rupes 15 or 21 with its long throw are pretty much the decision. If you get the Flex be sure to budget for the changable backing plates. Much more versatility.
 
frankprozzoly said:
I'm gonna upgrade. I have the PC . I bought the new megs buffer and took it back. I didn't really care for it. So I'm gonna get a flex. If I'm gonna invest that kind of money, should I get the rotary and practice with it or is the flex 3401 sufficient
Click to expand...

They are both very nice machines. What level of production will you be engaging in? Will you be compounding boats and really bad paint on cars/trucks? Remember the Black Mustang at Detail Kitty's detail weekend? Something like that really requires the use of a rotary and wool pad as an initial correction step. The 3401 could have gotten it to the point I was able to get it to with the rotary/wool but we'd have needed more than a weekend to finish the car.
 
I'd invest in the PE1. If you do detailing for a main job, it is a godsend to be able to compound out a vehicle as fast as a rotary allows. When time is money, I don't have time to mess around with the DA when it comes to serious removal.
 
The great thing about the 3401 is that its a work horse tat never stops. You can cut like crazy with the machine and even finish down on the softest of paints.

I have put my 3401 through some rough times like polishing for 16 hours a day for 5-6 days. I love my Flex and love the versatility that it offers.
 
Evan.J said:
The great thing about the 3401 is that its a work horse tat never stops. You can cut like crazy with the machine and even finish down on the softest of paints.

I have put my 3401 through some rough times like polishing for 16 hours a day for 5-6 days. I love my Flex and love the versatility that it offers.
Click to expand...


:iagree:The Flex 3401 is a beast! IMO it is the best DA out there. Evan is correct it is a workhorse. Get the Lake Country Backing Plates and the Lake Country 6.5" and 5" Hybrid Pads. You will be very happy.
 
The Flex's Rotaries and DA:
People say that they either love em, or hate em.


•Some things to consider are:
-The pads. Do you already have ones that'll allegedly
do triple-duty on a Flex rotary/Flex DA/PC? Or will
you have to buy a bunch of machine specific ones?

-Backing plate "systems":
Extra costs.

-Learning Curve(s):
There is a learning curve to both types of polishers.

-"Directionality":
For me, and since the Flex 3401 rotates counter-clockwise,
it seemed to take a little more than usual to get used to.

Note:
Perhaps that's just due to me being old, and hard to be taught new tricks...However: That's something that does not presently effect you in the least.


So, I'll suggest:
Why not go ahead and buy them both.
Return the one that displeases you, if
that would be the case.


Bob
 
The new megs seemed to fling more product around. I hold the handle with my left hand and could never click the button that keeps it running. Just didn't seem as smooth as everyone was saying. I'm a hobbyist and want to do friends cars. I want something that will correct faster than the pc. I think I'll go for the 3401. Rotary might be too much. I'll put the 3 in backing plate on the pc and use the flex for everything else
 
frankprozzoly said:
The new megs seemed to fling more product around. I hold the handle with my left hand and could never click the button that keeps it running. Just didn't seem as smooth as everyone was saying. I'm a hobbyist and want to do friends cars. I want something that will correct faster than the pc. I think I'll go for the 3401. Rotary might be too much. I'll put the 3 in backing plate on the pc and use the flex for everything else
Click to expand...

That's not a bad idea. I was going back and forth between my Duetto, 3401, and PC yesterday. I love all of my machines, but the Flex is more my style. Probably because I used to use a rotary. The more I do this, the more I want a rotary again..
 
dlc95 said:
That's not a bad idea. I was going back and forth between my Duetto, 3401, and PC yesterday. I love all of my machines, but the Flex is more my style. Probably because I used to use a rotary. The more I do this, the more I want a rotary again..
Click to expand...

Why the rotary? Is it just the speed of getting it done?
 
frankprozzoly said:
Why the rotary? Is it just the speed of getting it done?
Click to expand...

When I started in detailing in like 2005 or 2006, the rotary was the thing you used to get a great finish. DA had its limits.

Then this market was targeting professionals more than hobbyists so there was a lesser amount of "rotary scaring" going on. DA has been pushed so much because it can be advertised as "paint safe" and "no burn".

Having about a half dollars worth of common sense and understanding will keep you from burning, hitting body lines hard, etc.

Circular polishers like the PE14 ARE faster than DA, even forced rotation DA. For compounding professionally when time is concerned, it is the tool of choice for me by far.

Show me a DA that can remove 7" of pad area with the speed and effectiveness that a rotary brings to the table.
 
I started with a Rupees 21 and still love it but now that I do more production work I've fallen in love with my flex rotary. Next investment will be flex da, I absolutely love the rotary for 3" pads on small areas and cutting RIDs
 
frankprozzoly said:
Why the rotary? Is it just the speed of getting it done?
Click to expand...

Just what I was comfortable with. Considering the compounds and polishes of today, I imagine the results would be even faster, and more importantly, better.

That PC can cut fast with microfiber, and something like m105, but sometimes it's nice to have options.

The 3401 is a great compromise for as well. I get the best of both world's with it.

If I could get a rotary, and a 3401 with a Porter Cable style chassis, I would be ecstatic! Actually, The PE8 might be one of those machines, if It will spin 5, and 6" pads.
 
get the flex 3401 with the lake country interchangeable backing plate system and a variety of pads and you will be set...
 
OCDetails said:
Ahhh... What a great place to show off what I feel is a great example of how fantastic Wolfgang looks! This is 3 coats of the Wolfgang paint sealant. And obviously everything looks better in the shade, but those shaded pictures were just too good looking not to include. ;)
DSC02572.jpg


DSC02444.jpg
Click to expand...

I was looking at that backing plate system. It's nice. I don't think I'd need a 6.5 pad. I'd only use that on my roof and 60% of my hood. That's it
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top