PE8 Review w/ Pictures of work

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Velocitybts

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I am quite surprised there are no threads for the new Flex mini PE8. I can't be the only one out there that got delivered one. First let me say upon opening the machine the fit and finish is as expected from Flex. The body is well built and it fits in your hands great. The machine is light, comfortable and easy to use. I could see it easily be used for anything you throw at it. VERY VERY quiet also. You could talk easily with someone while using it. This is a exceptional add on machine.

NO new rotary user should have this as his only machine. Get experience with a DA first. Then add this and use it sparingly and on slow speeds so you don't burn the CC somewhere. It can be done easily. Small pads are hard to control using higher speeds and that takes at least some experience. Just a warning to those that are not aware of this.

Now onto the work. I have had several Mercedes personally and the hardest areas to paint correct is around the rear of the trunk, license plate area and around the smaller areas on top of the emblems. I bought this due to the upcoming 1" and 2 " pads being available. I figured with the extensions using the machine would be perfect to use instead of using a large, and I mean large rotary in those areas tilted up on edge due to pad size. I feel a DA buffer cannot quite make these areas perfect due to pad size again, and not being able to tilt it up and achieve the same great results. I ended up buying the 1" and 2" backing plate with 2 pads each of the orange cutting and green polishing pads.

Here are the combinations I used to achieve the results. Pictures speak for themselves. The paint on the trunk was OEM and hard as a rock CC. The side of the bumper (re-sprayed 3 weeks ago and scratched by a applicator pad) was super soft CC.

PE8 w/ Yellow 3" cutting pad w/ FG 400 - Pwr 2.5
PE8 w/ Orange 1" cutting pad w/ FG400 - Pwr 2.5
PE8 w/ Green 2" polishing pad w/ SF4000 - Pwr 2
GG 3" w/ White 3" polishing pad w/ Rupes Diamond - Pwr 3.5 - 4

I wasn't sure what power to use. I first spread the product on 1, then did speed it up to 3.5 just to see and wow the 3" pad was fast. Too fast IMO so I cut it back to 2.5 and did 5 section passes with normal hand pressure lightening it as I finished. I made sure the little pads were flat the whole time. The finish didn't heat up that bad either. I got the expected holograms which are shown in the pics. Deeper scratches were taken out with ease. When using the green 2" pads I didn't go over 2 and that achieved the results I wanted. You will see I didn't totally prime the pads due to unwanted poss sling. I am assuming that the larger the pad the higher speeds would be used, but I don't need it for anything larger than a 3". The Flex 3401 does large perfectly.

Trunk was totally done with 2" orange w/FG400, 2" green w/SF4000, and the GG3" white polishing w/Rupes Diamond.








Rear side bumper was done with PE8 and yellow cutting 3" w/ FG400, GG3" rupes yellow polishing w/SF4000 and GG3" white polishing w/ Rupes Diamond.










Top of trunk by emblems and across was the PE8 1" orange w/ FG400, 1" green w/SF4000 = same for 2" on the open areas, followed up by the GG3" white polishing w/ Rupes Diamond to take out any possible hologram lines.





I am thoroughly pleased with this purchase. I couldnt ask for a better rotary to have. Lightweight is a super plus and quiet is nice. Now I have all the tools I could ever need and to tackle anything that is thrown at me. I originally made the decision between this and the Rupes 3". Since I had the GG3" I figured anything difficult to remove with the GG could be done with the PE8, and the GG clean it up. I totally feel I made the correct decision. Hope this helps out some other members.
 
Awesome work bud. I love my PE8. The power switch and deciding on what speeds to use took me some time to get used to, but once you get the hang of it it's a very versatile tool for precision polishing.
 
Here in D.C. with no access to a garage....I'll have to wait to early Spring to try it out on the CL65!!!
 
Awesome review!! I have the PE-8 and this is my 1st rotary experience. I work with the Flex 3401 so the transition was easier than I thought. The reason being the 3401 is a forced rotation similar to a rotary.

I used speed setting 1 and I can apply a wax or a sealant real easy. It is similar to a speed setting to 2 - 2.5 on a PC.

I am very thrilled about your review. I am too impressed with the build quality and it is very smooth and easy to operate and quiet. I have used the PE-8 for about 5 to 10 minutes in a "feel out" process. So far I am extremely impressed.

My main concern was I never used a rotary before, however, that quickly became a "non issue" if you are used to using the 3401. Additionally, the PE-8 is light enough to be very maneuverable and I have had enough experience to not worry about "burning the paint".

I will be working on my passenger side mirror soon as my GF (on second thought) MY FAULT for preservation of life got scraped and there was some paint damage. I will be spot painting and buffing everything to become perfect again. What a better way to use the 1" and 2" Pads.

Your review is spot on and again thanks for your review! I think my tools are complete with the addition od the PE-8.

As long as I know my limitations (lack of experience with a rotary) and aware what a rotary can do; I should be fine. Once I get better at handling the PE-8 I am sure it will become 2nd hand nature like the Flex 3401 VRG. It reminds me of going from PC7424 XP to the Flex 3401 and now the Flex 3401 to the PE-8.
 
Great review! I guess I better get off my butt and order one to add to the collection :props:
 
I have been trying to find a reason not to buy a PE8 polisher. After trying one out at Mobile Tech today I don't think I am going to find one. The PE8 is a really nice tool that has to be used to be really appreciated.
 
xabo said:
Here in D.C. with no access to a garage....I'll have to wait to early Spring to try it out on the CL65!!!
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I am likely going to be somewhere IVO Alexandria soon, for the next 6-9 months for work. I am looking at renting a house, specifically due to having a garage, and access to washing a car. I was there in Oct and Nov with my Maserati and could not in a 30 mile radius find a self wand car wash, just to get it where I could hand wash it and dry with a towel (I hate using a towel). I couldn't anywhere. So that is a major issue with me moving up there. Hate to get a house just for me, but my OCD addiction to polishing ( i get random clients for high end paint corrections also) and a good way to relieve stress would drive me nuts if I couldn't wash it every few days. So if I am there, make sure you pm me and a garage would be available. :)
 
Velocitybts said:
I am likely going to be somewhere IVO Alexandria soon, for the next 6-9 months for work. I am looking at renting a house, specifically due to having a garage, and access to washing a car. I was there in Oct and Nov with my Maserati and could not in a 30 mile radius find a self wand car wash, just to get it where I could hand wash it and dry with a towel (I hate using a towel). I couldn't anywhere. So that is a major issue with me moving up there. Hate to get a house just for me, but my OCD addiction to polishing ( i get random clients for high end paint corrections also) and a good way to relieve stress would drive me nuts if I couldn't wash it every few days. So if I am there, make sure you pm me and a garage would be available. :)
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Cool beans..........................Thanks
 
In general, would a small rotary like this be ideal for headlight and lens restoration? Or would you opt for a 3" DA?

Thanks for the review! Excellent work, good pad/ product selection. This is a good display of skill, sir.
 
Belphegor said:
In general, would a small rotary like this be ideal for headlight and lens restoration? Or would you opt for a 3" DA?

Thanks for the review! Excellent work, good pad/ product selection. This is a good display of skill, sir.
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Absolutely would be great, especially with the 2" pads. This also is a great tool for use on glass polishing too. At 200.00 its is a steal.
 
"I was there in Oct and Nov with my Maserati and could not in a 30 mile radius find a self wand car wash."

You're not gonna' find one in Va...........(may have something to do with the environment). You'll have to travel down the Beltway to Md. where you'll find a couple just inside the Beltway. Try Yelp.....
 
xabo said:
"I was there in Oct and Nov with my Maserati and could not in a 30 mile radius find a self wand car wash."

You're not gonna' find one in Va...........(may have something to do with the environment). You'll have to travel down the Beltway to Md. where you'll find a couple just inside the Beltway. Try Yelp.....
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I think I might have found one, 95 east/north just across the Potomac bridge called Sams World or something similar. Its Sams something. I cant find a decent house in Alexandria or within 10 miles south (with a garage) area for less than 2500-4k a month, so probably go with a apt in Alexandria that has a underground garage. Sucks for my OCD but maybe I can find a High End detail shop that could use some help, (in my spare time) and then just try and keep it as clean as I can.
 
Velocitybts said:
I think I might have found one, 95 east/north just across the Potomac bridge called Sams World or something similar. Its Sams something. I cant find a decent house in Alexandria or within 10 miles south (with a garage) area for less than 2500-4k a month, so probably go with a apt in Alexandria that has a underground garage. Sucks for my OCD but maybe I can find a High End detail shop that could use some help, (in my spare time) and then just try and keep it as clean as I can.
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I believe you're speaking of Sam's Carwash. It's across the Woodrow Wilson bridge......take the Rte. 5 (Branch Ave.) exit towards D.C. 5 lights down on the left. They have both full and self service.
 
I wonder, technologically, what is involved in making a tool that will operate at lower RPM's and why FLEX didn't design the PE-8 to go down to 600 RPM like the PE-14?
 
Is it possible to modulate the speed of an electrical tool by changing the frequency supplied to its synchronous-motor (if so equipped)...via: Vari-Speed (Range) switches?

What, then, would be the cost differences associated with providing "one range of variabity"...versus that of another?


Bob
 
allenk4 said:
I wonder, technologically, what is involved in making a tool that will operate at lower RPM's and why FLEX didn't design the PE-8 to go down to 600 RPM like the PE-14?
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Allen,
I am not sure what RPM the PE-08 is running per setting 1-6. However I would guess that setting 1 is likely 600 or so. Its pretty slow, and 2-3 steps it up decent. Small 1-3" pads I think you need slow to use them. A large 6-7" pad on setting 4-5 is pretty darn fast also. I am sure there is a chart somewhere saying speeds vs rpm's.
 
allenk4 said:
I wonder, technologically, what is involved in making a tool that will operate at lower RPM's and why FLEX didn't design the PE-8 to go down to 600 RPM like the PE-14?
Click to expand...
I wpuld not want the PE8 any slower, Some simple math calculates a 6 1/2" pad spinning at 600 RPM has the same edge speed as a 3" pad spinning at 1300 RPM. 12246 IPM
 
Velocitybts said:
Allen,
I am not sure what RPM the PE-08 is running per setting 1-6. However I would guess that setting 1 is likely 600 or so. Its pretty slow, and 2-3 steps it up decent. Small 1-3" pads I think you need slow to use them. A large 6-7" pad on setting 4-5 is pretty darn fast also. I am sure there is a chart somewhere saying speeds vs rpm's.
Click to expand...

The minimum speed setting on the PE8 is 1,300 RPM. Maximum is 3,900 RPM


The PE14 will soft start and run at 400 holding the trigger. Runs at 600 RPM with trigger locked and goes up to 2,100 RPM

The Makita will run from 600-3,000 RPM

I wonder why they don't make them all with the ability to run at the wider speed range


Feslopes explanation makes sense, but I have heard that it is difficult to avoid holograms with small pads on a rotary


I will be interested to see a showdown between a PE8 and a "Hernandez Polisher"
 
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