porta cable or flex for a nube

unclestu

unclestu

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Hi,
I am a nube to auto detailing and never used a buffer before. I want to do purchase a buufer and am not sure which machine will be the right choice for me. I will be useing it on a 2009 black 911 and 2009 navy blue escalade. Which buffer would you recommend the flex 3401 or the porta cable 7424xl?

Thanks,

Unclestu
 
The flex will save you time on both cars, espeacially the caddy.
 
If you have some experience with power tools and have the money, get the Flex. If you have next to no experience with power tools, you might consider getting some experience with the Porter Cable XP first.
 
I have some experiance with power tools (drills and saws). With the flex being a direct drive as opposed to the porta cable would you say the learning curve for the flex minor. I do not want to burn the paint but i don't want to buy a tool that I will outgrow in a short period of time.
Any other advise on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Unclestu
 
I own both a PC and Cyclo, the Cyclo being the preferred machine because it is so much more powerful. Recently I was able to use a Flex for some serious paint correction. It did the correction in 1/4 of the time the PC would have taken and roughly 1/2 the time of the Cyclo. There are times where the PC comes in handy but your choice should be Flex hands down. You bought a Porsche instead of a Focus right? Why start the paint maintenance with a Focus machine when the Porsche is readily available? You'll not regret getting the Flex.
 
Ok, some people have very little expertise with tools, so I had to be sure as to where you are coming from. With the Flex, because it cuts about twice as fast as the PC, you can go through edges if you are really careless. Sounds like you can handle the Flex, though. I actually learned on a Rotary at an ROP class held at a local High School. There, I learned on cars they painted at their body shop. Great experience. Best to practice on junk cars or parts, or at least just polish most of it out with the buffer and finish the last bit by hand for extra safety until you really get a feel for what the buffer can do before you decide to take it to the nth degree with the buffer alone.
I would get the Flex then, if I were you.
 
IMO, if you have only 2 cars to maintain and they are in decent shape, why buy an expensive machine that you will be using once or twice a year if that. Sure it will take you longer in the beginning to get the marring out, but once removed and with proper washing and drying techniques your paint will only need minor correction ie. a mild polish occasionally. You don't need a flex for that. On the other hand, if you are maintaining several cars or planning on doing this as a part-time job, then yes, get a Flex.
 
neither is a bad choice, comes down to the amount you want to spend and likely how often you plan on using it. The Flex offers a tremendous machine at a higher cost, but the new PC-XP and Griots buffers both offer tremendous value.
 
Never know someone may come over to your place and see how great of job you did on your own cars and want you to shine them up.Go with the flex.
 
If the man has two brand new autos of that expense then getting the proper machine to do the job shouldn't be a problem financially......and he doesn't want to have to step up down the road. With that in consideration the Flex is the way to go.
 
Rsurfer said:
IMO, if you have only 2 cars to maintain and they are in decent shape, why buy an expensive machine that you will be using once or twice a year if that. Sure it will take you longer in the beginning to get the marring out, but once removed and with proper washing and drying techniques your paint will only need minor correction ie. a mild polish occasionally. You don't need a flex for that. On the other hand, if you are maintaining several cars or planning on doing this as a part-time job, then yes, get a Flex.
Click to expand...

I, too, only have two cars to maintain and one of the two is a garage queen (as in 1,400 miles in 8.5 months!). I found myself using the Flex more than twice a year on each as the Flex is really good to apply my sealant and to buffer off the Fuzion wax.

I will do a correction once a year and polish three times a year when I seal my car (with a double coat winter seal). I wax about every five to six weeks whether it needs it or not.:D

I first used the PC in woodworking 20 years ago and the vibration would cause me problems. Today I have arthritis in my hands, which is NOTaffeccted by the Flex, so the choice of a Flex was the right one for me. Your mileage may vary.

Given the minor difference in cost I'm glad I purchased the Flex.

Regards,
GEWB
 
One thing to consider is what brand and size pads you want to use. For instance if you want to use smaller than a 6.5 in. lake country ccs smart pad I don't think you can. Safely for the paint anyway. I think the only way to use smaller than a 6.5 in. pad is to buy the edge backing plate for it but then you have to use edge pads with it. Just one thing to consider.
 
gewb said:
I, too, only have two cars to maintain and one of the two is a garage queen (as in 1,400 miles in 8.5 months!). I found myself using the Flex more than twice a year on each as the Flex is really good to apply my sealant and to buffer off the Fuzion wax.

I will do a correction once a year and polish three times a year when I seal my car (with a double coat winter seal). I wax about every five to six weeks whether it needs it or not.:D

I first used the PC in woodworking 20 years ago and the vibration would cause me problems. Today I have arthritis in my hands, which is NOTaffeccted by the Flex, so the choice of a Flex was the right one for me. Your mileage may vary.

Given the minor difference in cost I'm glad I purchased the Flex.

Regards, GEWB
Click to expand...
The Flex suites you well, but for others it may not justify the cost. 2.5 times the cost is not a minor difference for some. A survey was taken recently on applying waxes and removal. More than 80% of Auto Geek's perferred to apply and remove by hand. I realize that it's easier for you by machine, but your the minority.
 
Seeing that you have two high end cars to maintain, cost is probably not a factor in your decision to buy either a PC or a Flex. You also said you would rather buy a superior machine now then have regrets later and with those words in mind, you have answered your oun question. The Flex is the way to go for you. As with any new tool that you are not totally comfortable with, take your time and read about it, get a feel for it and don't start out using it in speed 5 or 6. You'll be happy with the purchase. Good luck.
 
My thanks to everyone for all of your help. It seems that the flex is probably a bit more machine than I actualy need right now as my cars are new. But I guess I rather have it and not need it as opposed to need it and not have it.

Any thoughts on whether to use Fuzion or Souveran paste wax over wdgps3.o. My cars are black and black navy blue. Which wax would you use as a final layer over the wdgps?

Thanks again to everyone

Unclestu
 
sorry about the typo. it should read black and navy blue.
 
unclestu said:
My thanks to everyone for all of your help. It seems that the flex is probably a bit more machine than I actualy need right now as my cars are new. But I guess I rather have it and not need it as opposed to need it and not have it.

Any thoughts on whether to use Fuzion or Souveran paste wax over wdgps3.o. My cars are black and black navy blue. Which wax would you use as a final layer over the wdgps?

Thanks again to everyone

Unclestu
Click to expand...

I would use the Fuzion. It has anti-static properties so the dust won't settle on the cars as much, so they will look cleaner, and thus better, longer. Fuzion also lasts 2-3 months, whereas Souveran only lasts 2-3 weeks. Souveran would make the paint look richer and deeper, yes, and if you are willing to reapply it frequently, and keep the dust off of it on a regular basis, then Souveran might be your choice.
 
FLEX!!!!!!!! :righton:

unclestu said:
Hi,
I am a nube to auto detailing and never used a buffer before. I want to do purchase a buufer and am not sure which machine will be the right choice for me. I will be useing it on a 2009 black 911 and 2009 navy blue escalade. Which buffer would you recommend the flex 3401 or the porta cable 7424xl?

Thanks,

Unclestu
Click to expand...
 
I've got both the PC and the FLEX along with a rotary. Based on ease of use, cost vs. quality and speed I would go with the FLEX if I had to pick just one machine. Far superior to the PC in every catagory with the exception of limited pad size. FLEX and the Kompressor pads is the way to go IMHO.
 
Go With the Flex I had both machines Flex is far superior. If You unsure about how to Go to bodyshop or Junk yard get junk fender or hood And practice. Better mess up on junk then one those rides.Just rember Hold onto flex on vertical parts the forced rotation can pull out of your hand if your dont have a good grip. With the right pads and polish/cleaners you should'nt have any problem. Remember Wash,Clay,Polish&Protect. Clay the car even if there right of the lot you'll be amazed at what on your car&truck
 
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