The NEW FLEX PE8 Kompakt Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Garyhw48 said:
I really like the size, the design and the small pad for getting into though spots. When comparing buffer pad size we have to consider the ratio of rpm to inches per second at the outside circumference of the pads. I assume Flex adjusted the speed to compensate for the small diameter.
Click to expand...

Here are some numbers for reference:

6" pad on rotary at 1,000 rpm
2" from center 6mph
4" from center 12mph
6" from center 18mph

I copied this down some time ago, so I can't recall the source


One of the things I really like about my 3401 is the soft start feature, which is great for spreading polishes. I see Mike P spreading on speed 2 and then pausing to increase the speed.of the tool before polishing. I know he does this to make a point and so the guidance can be applied to machines without Soft Start.
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

allenk4 said:
Here are some numbers for reference:

6" pad on rotary at 1,000 rpm
2" from center 6mph
4" from center 12mph
6" from center 18mph

I copied this down some time ago, so I can't recall the source


One of the things I really like about my 3401 is the soft start feature, which is great for spreading polishes. I see Mike P spreading on speed 2 and then pausing to increase the speed.of the tool before polishing. I know he does this to make a point and so the guidance can be applied to machines without Soft Start.
Click to expand...

Excellent, I agree 100%. I assume the same thing when Mike demonstrates the 3401. Like you I hardly ever change the speed setting. When I was working for four days this week the Flex speed stayed between 3 and 4 and I used the soft start to spread product.

I would have liked to use a faster setting but my Wolfgang products dried out too fast. Got the same results when trying Meguiars compounds and several different pads. I found that I obtained the best results at just below 4 on the speed setting. When I used a faster speed I had to lubricate with XMT pad conditioner. There are so many variables when polishing it's hard to assume any hard facts on any of this. We just have to do what works best for each of us.
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
After doing a bit of research on this new machine, I found that Flex just released a model at the Frankfurt AutoMechanika tool show. This one is called the SUPRAFLEX SE 14-2 125.

2nd model in the below pictures.
Exhibitors and products 2014

Now this looks like a much more ergonomically friendly unit and a much better usable rpm range (600-2100) like its bigger brother the PE14. This I would really love to see with the much smaller head like the PE14. Now if only it had a trigger on the bottom side and the thumb wheel on the side.
FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge seit 1922


What do you say Geeks?
Click to expand...

Very cool, are there any plans on these coming to the US?
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Toxix said:
Very cool, are there any plans on these coming to the US?
Click to expand...

I wish I knew further information as I to would love to see this make it stateside. This machine posses almost everything needed for use in 110v. Switch out the internals to our power requirements, Change the head from European M14 threads to our 5/8 threads, and voila. A small ergonomically friendly precision polisher.

And if it's not to much more to ask, a proper trigger on the bottom that can be feathered with the thumb wheel on the side.

Are you listening Flex?
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

That SUPRAFLEX looks like a dedicated sander with a vacuum port

IMO, the housing is too close to the BP for it to be very effective on a concave surface
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

I'm liking this small cutie!. I would imagine though it loses the versatility of the ability of using larger Backing Plates, and Pads, and would thus not perhaps be the ideal tool for dealing with lots of square footage-acreage?

A Switch, versus a Trigger, huh? Hmm, I'm sorta on the fence about this one feature? It's like a Polisher in a DA Body, and I like that. Anyone who has dragged a boat anchor Milwaukee for a few hours, and been "sung to" with the horrid drone like you're drilling for Texas Tea, you come away burnt out, 1/2 deaf, and in dire need of a Chiro treatment-adjustment! :-)

The issue I see with a switch, is an inability to perhaps quickly kill the unit in the case of a fubar, or just a different perception of what we all have basically gotten used to?
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

allenk4 said:
Here are some numbers for reference:

6" pad on rotary at 1,000 rpm
2" from center 6mph
4" from center 12mph
6" from center 18mph

I copied this down some time ago, so I can't recall the source
...
Click to expand...

It's easy to calculate the linear speed (miles per hour) that a given point is suffering on a pad used on a rotary:

(PI X D X RPM X 60)/63360

where:
- PI, or π, is a mathematical constant (the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter), approximately equal to 3.14159;
- D is the diameter in inches of the point of interest;
- RPM is the rotational speed in revolutions per minute;
- 60 to transform minutes to hours;
- 63360 is the conversion inches/miles.

So, in your example, at 1000 rpm, a 4" pad will have its outer edge points doing 11.9 mph (not 4" from center but 2" from center, since that is its radius); a 6" pad 17.85 mph; etc.
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Well, I think this is the first time that I can say that I've been disappointed by Flex. The industry has been moving away from rotary polishers for several years now and this seems like a step backward rather than progress. As others have already commented, I was expecting a DA That would compete with the Rupes 3". I guess only time will tell, but I just don't see these flying off the shelf.
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

RMM said:
It's easy to calculate the linear speed (miles per hour) that a given point is suffering on a pad used on a rotary:

(PI X D X RPM X 60)/63360

where:
- PI, or π, is a mathematical constant (the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter), approximately equal to 3.14159;
- D is the diameter in inches of the point of interest;
- RPM is the rotational speed in revolutions per minute;
- 60 to transform minutes to hours;
- 63360 is the conversion inches/miles.

So, in your example, at 1000 rpm, a 4" pad will have its outer edge points doing 11.9 mph (not 4" from center but 2" from center, since that is its radius); a 6" pad 17.85 mph; etc.
Click to expand...


Yeah....I think everyone got the point


Cool Math thought, maybe you can help me calculate surface area on a vehicle the next time a manufacturer claims you can coat an entire vehicle with only 10mL and then in the next sentence claims 2 micron thickness


Like I said; I copied and pasted it and attributed as such
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

02xtreme07SS said:
The industry has been moving away from rotary polishers for several years now and this seems like a step backward rather than progress. As others have already commented, I was expecting a DA That would compete with the Rupes 3". I guess only time will tell, but I just don't see these flying off the shelf.
Click to expand...

you bring up a good point. with SEMA around the corner, i'm curious as to what some other companies (megs to name one) may come out with and not just in regards to polishers, but pads/compounds/polishes for the DA. one pad i've been wanting to try is the carpro flash pads and i'm always excited to see what that particular company is going to come out with next. most all their products deliver and are reasonably priced as well...
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

allenk4 said:
Yeah....I think everyone got the point
...
Click to expand...

In Math/Physics, precision is THE point.

allenk4 said:
...
Cool Math thought, maybe you can help me calculate surface area on a vehicle the next time a manufacturer claims you can coat an entire vehicle with only 10mL and then in the next sentence claims 2 micron thickness
...
Click to expand...

Your wishes are my commands...

watermark.php


watermark.php


This is my exact DD: I calculated its surface area, with several guesstimates since there are a lot of dimensions that are not shown on the drawings and since the panels are curved and I computed the values assuming flat surfaces.

With all that in mind, a 2 micron coating would require roughly 25 ml of product.

There are several points to take into consideration:
- I don't know the processes that happen during curing time;
- so, 2 microns cured may be less (if it swells) or more (if some of it is evaporated - volatiles, etc) than 25 ml of liquid product during application;
- you will have to "summon" the manufacturers to solve this conundrum...

:xyxthumbs:
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Makes you wonder if they did a trade study for this or just someone's thoughts on what might be wanted. Seems a shame to miss the mark with a new product like this. Maybe I am wrong and they will sell lots of them.
Variable speed trigger with soft start and maybe doesn't need to be rotary just a smaller lighter version of 3401 with capability of getting in tight places is what I get from reading this thread.
The switch issue reminds me of a table saw where you just turn it on and concentrate on feeding lumber thru it. Makes me wonder why anyone with a polisher would prefer on/off switch. Haven't noticed where people were having problems with triggers or soft start.
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

EXACTLY, 99C5Coupe. If the new machine was a shrunken-down version of the 3401, I would be excited. Or, a just as small, but forced large-orbit da.
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

RMM said:
In Math/Physics, precision is THE point.



Your wishes are my commands...

watermark.php


watermark.php


This is my exact DD: I calculated its surface area, with several guesstimates since there are a lot of dimensions that are not shown on the drawings and since the panels are curved and I computed the values assuming flat surfaces.

With all that in mind, a 2 micron coating would require roughly 25 ml of product.

There are several points to take into consideration:
- I don't know the processes that happen during curing time;
- so, 2 microns cured may be less (if it swells) or more (if some of it is evaporated - volatiles, etc) than 25 ml of liquid product during application;
- you will have to "summon" the manufacturers to solve this conundrum...

:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

Love it!

As you mention one remaining factor that would certainly affect the Math:

What percentage of the coating flashes off?
Optimum MSDS indicates a 15-30% resin content

Also , what amount of product is left in the applicator?
Applicator could be weighed before and after
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Hopefully Flex has a couple of other products being launched besides a small rotary polisher. I'm almost as excited about this as I was when they released their revolutionary swirl finding flashlight!
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Unfortunately none of these machines can be purchased custom made or with options...

I've really been wanting something smaller and was tempted by the Griot's machine, but held off because of the complaints about lack of power.

While the PE8 won't solve "World Hunger" from my garage I still see lots of uses for it. Both in the garage and just around the house...(I do agree a trigger would have been nice)
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

After second thoughts I will eventually get a PE-8. Will there be anything else detailing related offered by Flex this year ? Just to clarify was the PE-8 the big announcement for SEMA??
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

***Update***


The feedback at SEMA was overwhelmingly positive for the new Flex PE8 both at our booth and at the Flex booth.


The new 1", 2" and 3" tapered foam buffing pads rock! These sizes have been needed int the car detailing world for decades now and I'm absolutely confident when you guys get your hands on this new collection of buffing pads you're going to love them.

Think of all the times you've needed a 1" pad to buff out an A-pillar or window frame etc....


watermark.php



:dblthumb2:
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

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


The feedback at SEMA was overwhelmingly positive for the new Flex PE8 both at our booth and at the Flex booth.


The new 1", 2" and 3" tapered foam buffing pads rock! These sizes have been needed int the car detailing world for decades now and I'm absolutely confident when you guys get your hands on this new collection of buffing pads you're going to love them.

Think of all the times you've needed a 1" pad to buff out an A-pillar or window frame etc....


watermark.php



:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Awesome! Its about time the detailing market stepped up and started making smaller pads for the intricate areas you listed.
 
Re: The NEW Flex PE8 Precision Rotary Polisher in ACTION!

Wow that 1" combo is TALL
 
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