Secret meeting with the Flex Engineers!

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Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.

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Secret meeting with the Flex Engineers!


Upon our arrival on Thursday afternoon, we were welcomed to the Flex Corporate Offices and then introduced to most of management and key personal.

FlexEngineerMeeting01.jpg



Antique Flex angle head buffer in the lobby...
FlexEngineerMeeting02.jpg



After introductions we had what I think was one of the best parts of our trip and that was a chance to meet with and discuss power tools with the Flex Engineers. Sorry but no pictures of the actual meeting as it was private but here's the skinny... both Nick and I had a chance to talk one-on-one with all the top engineers at Flex including Dirk Rock, the engineer behind the Flex PE14

This was our opportunity to share our thoughts about tool design and the direction and needs of both the enthusiast and professional markets. It was truly an honor to sit and discuss tools and technology with the Flex engineers. I brought along two Brinkmann Swirl Finder Lights and gave one to Dirk since his job includes testing the paint polishing tools on painted hood panels in the training room.

Sorry but I can't share what we discussed nor any pictures of Nick and I with the engineers, but here's the meeting room...
biggrin.gif



FlexEngineerMeeting03.jpg



A sample of some of the different types of tools Flex manufactures for different industries besides paint polishing.
FlexEngineerMeeting04.jpg


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Fun shot of a Flex mouse pad!
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It was a great meeting and we wish we could share what we discussed but alas we we're sworn to secrecy...


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Don't worry Mike, I believe in reincarnation. Shoot me a PM when you're ready. :props:
 
That's OK Mike & Nick, I'll just keep clicking on the "whats new" link at the Autogeek store. I'm sure there will be something showing up there in the future. Maybe a rotary like the 3403 with the adjustably of the PE 14?:buffing: Or a private lable (like the Griots) Autogeek DA built by Flex????? See what the mind can do!
 
Mike, what are those long-handled devices on the right in the display case?
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Mike, what are those long-handled devices on the right in the display case?
Click to expand...

They are drywall sanders, they are called Giraffes! Flex actually makes a lot of tools besides paint polishers that most people don't know about including myself and Nick until we visited Flex where we were introduced to their complete line.


See more information in this thread...

Germany Flex Plant Tour Pictures



:)
 
Is that a Flex vacuum next to the tools as well?
 
WOW Mike, talk about a kid in a candy store!! I know you have skids of Flex products in Stuart but to see where it all comes from has to be a real treat! :props:
 
Great stuff Mike. It looks like you and Nick had a blast !!! I can't wait to see what is on the horizon for Flex.
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
After introductions we had what I think was one of the best parts of our trip and that was a chance to meet with and discuss power tools with the Flex Engineers.


Both Nick and I had a chance to talk one-on-one with all the top engineers at Flex including Dirk Rock, the engineer behind the Flex PE14

This was our opportunity to share our thoughts about tool design and the direction and needs of both the enthusiast and professional markets.
Click to expand...


***Update***


While at this meeting back in October of 2011 the ideas Nick and I shared with the FLEX Engineers was for a free spinning orbital polisher.

At that time the long orbit stroke polishers had not been introduced yet as this was October of 2011 that's approximately 4.5 years ago.

Back then my suggestion was for the Mercedes-Benz version of the Porter Cable. I like the PC for all types of detailing duties like machine decontamination, compounding, polishing, waxing, machine sanding and machine scrubbing. That's a lot from a single tool.

It looks like the FLEX Engineers decided to go to the larger stroke design for an orbital polisher and I defer to them since they are Engineers.

The good news is FLEX is introducing a free spinning orbital polisher and it's here!


FLEX_XFE_7-15_150_011.jpg




On Autogeek.com


By itself...

FLEX XFE7-15 Long Stroke Orbital Polisher

Or in a kit...

FLEX XFE7-15 Long Throw Orbital Starter Kit – Choose Your Pads!


:dblthumb2:
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
***Update***


While at this meeting back in October of 2011 the ideas Nick and I shared with the FLEX Engineers was for a free spinning orbital polisher.

At that time the long orbit stroke polishers had not been introduced yet as this was October of 2011 that's approximately 4.5 years ago.

Back then my suggestion was for the Mercedes-Benz version of the Porter Cable. I like the PC for all types of detailing duties like machine decontamination, compounding, polishing, waxing, machine sanding and machine scrubbing. That's a lot from a single tool.

It looks like the FLEX Engineers decided to go to the larger stroke design for an orbital polisher and I defer to them since they are Engineers.

The good news is FLEX is introducing a free spinning orbital polisher and it's here!

:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the follow up Mike. Was always curious how it went.

Glad to see what Flex did with the idea of a free spinning DA polisher and where they took it. Rather than just copy the PC and put it into the market it looks like they over engineered the tool (as Germans are known to do) and gave use something truly useful.

I really like how the rear controls are the same as the other machines and features the plunger style trigger with locking mechanism to set it and get to work. Not to mention the elongated rotary style body for extended polishing sessions.

Well done Flex! :props:
 
Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
Thanks for the follow up Mike. Was always curious how it went.
Click to expand...


Have to say... when I first heard from Bob Eichelberg FLEX was going to introduce a free spinning orbital polisher I was caught off guard.

My personal opinion is that I like that there are lots of tool options on the market today as compared to 10 and 20 years ago there was really only three options,

Rotary buffer
Orbital polisher - the old large clunky models
Cyclo polisher


:)
 
Awesome!!! :props:

What a great thread. :buffing: I have never seen this one before but damn! What a beauty!

Appreciate the :bump: on this one Mike!


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:
 
Still waiting for the VRG replacement/update/newer version, I wonder what on earth happened to that ?
 
Mike Phillips said:
Back then my suggestion was for the Mercedes-Benz version of the Porter Cable. I like the PC for all types of detailing duties like machine decontamination, compounding, polishing, waxing, machine sanding and machine scrubbing. That's a lot from a single tool.
Click to expand...


Shared here in post #5


Rupes 15 III vs. Gear Driven DA’s



:buffing:
 
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