PE14-2 or 3401

SDS97_7.3

SDS97_7.3

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I know it will come down to personal preference but Id like to hear some input. I have no problems using circulars as I use stuff like that all the time, but I like the forced rotation of the 3401. I will be using it on an F350, F250, Explorer, Cougar, La saber, and a 24ft Boat. All on a fairly regular basis. Thanks Steve
 
SDS97_7.3 said:
I know it will come down to personal preference but Id like to hear some input. I have no problems using circulars as I use stuff like that all the time, but I like the forced rotation of the 3401. I will be using it on an F350, F250, Explorer, Cougar, La saber, and a 24ft Boat. All on a fairly regular basis. Thanks Steve
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Well you are talking about two completely machines. the flex 3401 is a forced rotation dual action polisher. The flex pe14-2 is a Rotary polisher. they operate completely different. Picture the 3401 as a porter cable but on steroids. its a dual action polisher but that pad wont stop rotating at all like a rotary. BUT it isnt a rotary. Im a rotary guy so my vote would go for the pe14-2. i just love how fast and easy it is to correct with a rotary. The finish of the rotary is also amazing and cant be beaten. But it does take alot of practice to master a rotary since you have the chance of creating holograms and swirls. But with practice all that can be taken care of easily. So if you are expecting to whip out the machine out of the box and expect to get show car results with a rotary, that wont happen unless you know how to use a rotary correctly. Now in the other hand, if you whip out the 3401 out of the box and get to work, you will achieve great results that you will be very pleased with. So i say that if you know how to operate and get good results with a rotary, get the pe14-2. if you dont have that much experience with a rotary then get the 3401. you will be able to get good results with very little effort. good luck in your decision! :xyxthumbs:
 
I would recommend both for the list of cars and boat
 
I bought both, just not at the same time.

Now I hardly ever use my other polishers, DA's, and even my Cyclo.
 
oldmodman said:
I bought both, just not at the same time.
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Same here. :props:

Collection_RD17.jpg
 
Either tool or both would be good choices...

If you go with the PE14 pick up either a PC or a GG too so you can always ensure you're leaving a hologram-free finish plus machine applying your waxes, you don't want to machine apply wax with a rotary and with a PC or GG you can do vertical panels with one hand.

DA style tools also work great for simple jobs like applying a one-step cleaner/wax to a daily driver when you don't feel like or don't want to do a multi-step process.

Another reason is the trend is for companies to bring out more new pads and chemicals for DA polishers...


And... you'll love the PE14, it is hands down the nicest rotary buffer I've ever used.

:)
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Either tool or both would be good choices...

If you go with the PE14 pick up either a PC or a GG too so you can always ensure you're leaving a hologram-free finish plus machine applying your waxes, you don't want to machine apply wax with a rotary and with a PC or GG you can do vertical panels with one hand.

DA style tools also work great for simple jobs like applying a one-step cleaner/wax to a daily driver when you don't feel like or don't want to do a multi-step process.

Another reason is the trend is for companies to bring out more new pads and chemicals for DA polishers...


And... you'll love the PE14, it is hands down the nicest rotary buffer I've ever used.

:)
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I have the PE 14-2 for all of my rotary needs and the GG for everything else... I love them both and use them both a lot!
 
The 3401 also gives you much less vibration and much smoother performance than the other D/A machines.

I have both machines you mention and I love the rotary as well but I don't have enough experience with rotary's to comment on that.

I would say get the 3401. After that when you are ready get the PE14-2 as well.
 
I would say grab the PE14-2 and a GG or PC DA machine. IMO you can't really choose one or the other if you want to be prepared for any detailing task you need to complete. There are some jobs that only the rotary will be good for, and others that on the DA will be good for.

As for the Flex DA it is a great machine in terms of build quality, however I have just never been a fan of forced rotation DA machines. I don't like the feeling of being dragged around by it, so I always stuck with either the GG or PC for all my DA needs. Hope that helps!
 
I have a 3401 and a rotory. Used the rotary for a few years now, just get the 3401.

I find my self going to the 3401 on most cases, I really enjoy using it. Its smootehr that othe D/As And Finishes down very well. Plus its alot lighter than my dewalt.
 
Its really as simple as rotary or orbital .... thats the real deciding point.
 
Thanks guys, still having a hard time deciding. If only I had the money to just buy both because I can never have to many tools
 
Tried using a rotary, didn't like it AT ALL!

Since you're experienced with both, tough decision, eh? ;)
 
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