The Eagle...errrr....FLEX PE8 has LANDED!

Got my PE-8 today and toyed with it for a few minutes. IMO, it seems to be a little heavier than 4 LBS. I do not know as I did not weigh it.

As for the trigger control, it is on the side. The button on top locks the trigger at the speed you want.

To me the side trigger is naturally located by your thumb for on and off. But I believe it is designed for the "right-hand".

Turned it on a couple of times and I can tell you this....very smooth!! Because it is a rotary very little (or in my case) no vibration at all. And terms of noise....very quiet compared to a Flex 3401, PC7424 XP or the GG 3".

In terms of build quality....OUTSTANDING!! Solid little machine. I am gonna polish/wax my GF ride this weekend.

But initial impressions....are excellent. I was concerned about the location of the trigger, however, I feel that it will not be a problem as it is "naturally" located near your "right" thumb to turn on or off. So far based on my toying with it is a "NO ISSUE".

I will know more over the weekend and give you my comments. I will try to post pictures too.
 
If you have no prior experience with a rotary polisher, would getting one of these be a bad idea? I have done a few vehicles with a PC and will soon be using my new 3401, but don't have any experience with a rotary. I was thinking one of these would be perfect for motorcycles.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
Got my PE-8 today and toyed with it for a few minutes. IMO, it seems to be a little heavier than 4 LBS. I do not know as I did not weigh it.

As for the trigger control, it is on the side. The button on top locks the trigger at the speed you want.

To me the side trigger is naturally located by your thumb for on and off. But I believe it is designed for the "right-hand".

Turned it on a couple of times and I can tell you this....very smooth!! Because it is a rotary very little (or in my case) no vibration at all. And terms of noise....very quiet compared to a Flex 3401, PC7424 XP or the GG 3".

In terms of build quality....OUTSTANDING!! Solid little machine. I am gonna polish/wax my GF ride this weekend.

But initial impressions....are excellent. I was concerned about the location of the trigger, however, I feel that it will not be a problem as it is "naturally" located near your "right" thumb to turn on or off. So far based on my toying with it is a "NO ISSUE".

I will know more over the weekend and give you my comments. I will try to post pictures too.
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What are the RPM? Looked on AG web site, but it didn't say.
 
They have a Speed setting from 1 to 6 but was at work so I did only a couple of trigger pulls. I intend to wax my GF ride as the final LSP with the PE-8. From what I could tell it should be fine. I will know more this weekend. I just gotta find my camera for pics.

The PE-8 is a small rotary not a big one like a Makita or PE-14. I am hoping that will be a benefit to a noob like me.

I do want you to know...SO FAR it seems it will rock. BTW, I have NO experience in a rotary so I will take it easy on the correcting stuff. It is lighter than the PC and Flex 3401 so I am guessing I can't screw it up that bad....I HOPE!! I will be using conservative settings at 1st maybe 1 to 3 speed settings depending how it feels.

Funny, I can wet sand, correct/polish with a DA but have no clue how to work a rotary. That will change this weekend.

I am hoping my experience with detailing as well as common sense make this a successful journey.
 
I'm surprised that the manual doesn't show the rpm in relation to the dial numbers.
 
Rsurfer said:
I'm surprised that the manual doesn't show the rpm in relation to the dial numbers.
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LMAO!! I didn't read the manual yet. I probably won't either I am too LAZY!!! However, since you are interested I better read it!! I do not want you to kick my AZZ!!!....JK

I will read it and post some info tomorrow!!! I hope the manual has pictures. I didn't even bother opening it!!...

PEACE!!
 
i have to check...are the lil pads and plates available yet?

oops, ok, i see they are in the store. so neat.
 
The book lists the speed 1300-3900 rpm but no specific speed assigned to the corresponding number on the wheel. It definitely has the Flex quality but I'm a little concerned with the side switch. I'm not going to gripe until I actually use it this weekend.
 
OK I read the manual. The PE-8 Weighs about 4.2LBS or 1.9 kg. The RPM Range is from 1,300 to 3,900. Figure about 430 - 500 RPM difference for each level. So level 1 is about 1,300 RPM Level 6 is about 3,900 RPM

The Side Switch (thumb switch) can lock by pushing forward and pressing down the top part of the switch to lock it.

To release is the opposite. Press the back of the switch to release and pull away to stop it.

The top button is used to lock the spindle so you can change the BP as well as tighten them. I was mistaken earlier.

Rsurfer any other questions? (LOL) JK again! BTW, I can't explain the Rotary itself, however, the feel and the balance of the rotary oozes quality. It is hard to explain you just need to feel it to understand.

For those that have the Flex 3401 VRG (I do) can understand what I mean. The PE-8 is smoother and more quieter than the Flex 3401. It's also a smaller machine which contributes to that.

Overall, so far I am really impressed!! The thumb switch is (so far) very easy to adapt to. I will know more after this weekend....barring any weather.

FYI to all that are looking at getting this. So far I am impressed!!
 
1300 RPM with a 1" or 2" foam pad sounds like trouble
 
Rsurfer said:
I wonder why they designed it with such a high start RPM? The PE 14-2-150 starts at 600rpm.
Click to expand...

There must be some application other than polishing paint that accounts for the majority of sales for the PE-8
 
allenk4 said:
1300 RPM with a 1" or 2" foam pad sounds like trouble
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I tried it and at speed 1 with a red foam pad and no issues at all. At speed 1 waxing (it rained today so not much real time).

When the weather improves I will be able to tell. At speed 1 it (as far as I can tell) is equivalent to speed 2 or 2.5 on the PC7424XP.

However, that being said, once I spend some real time on the PE-8 I will have a better idea.

I can tell you this it is very smooth and very quiet compared to a DA.


But the little time I have spent on the PE-8 is real good so far. I will do another update.
 
The issue with the small pads and 1,300 RPM will not be that you can't physically control the machine

The issue may be uncontrollable holograms
 
Why are you waxing with a Rotary?

Assuming you were just dying to use the new machine
 
allenk4 said:
Why are you waxing with a Rotary?

Assuming you were just dying to use the new machine
Click to expand...

You are correct! I was dying to try out the machine!!...LOL So far the 1,300 RPM is not an issue. The PE-8 weighs about 4LBS + so very easy to control. This is my 1st venture with a rotary and I can tell you that it is way more smoother than any DA because of no oscillation. It is quieter too.

What I am learning is that if you are pretty adept at using a DA (PC, GG, Rupes) especially the Flex 3401 VRG (which I use and forced rotation) the learning curve is fairly easy. So far I have not encountered any issues against the PE-8. No holograms (how can a non abrasive wax cause that)?

In fact, just the opposite. I am really digging this little machine. I was curious if I could apply wax and it is fairly simple and easy. Again, I calculate a speed setting of 2 - 2.5 with a PC7424XP. The same for the Flex 3401.

My guess is that the people that use only a free floating DA (PC, GG or equivalent) may take a little longer to get used to it as the Pad will not stop rotating period! Flex 3401 users will adapt quicker.

One more thing that I like is the trigger on the side. You use your THUMB to control the trigger. Very easy to adapt and no issues with the trigger. Very easy to lock and you can adjust the speed with your other hand or same hand with practice. No issues with the trigger.

Again, this is INITIAL impressions. I am hoping when It stops raining I can use it significantly more.

My guess any detailer on this site can adapt to the PE-8. Do I think I made the right choice and my answer is a big yes! IMO, the PE-8 is small enough and light enough to where you can't do any serious damage to your paint. This is also a great stepping stone to a larger Rotary if you so decide. :buffing:
 
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