Tried the Flex "lightweight" 3403 rotary...

[WRAPT C5Z06]

With all the hoop-la of the new Flex rotary coming out, I still thought the 3403 would still be good for me. I tried a friends of mine and really liked it! The main thing is that it's light! It made it easy to control, especially on vertical panels. It wasn't noisy, IMO, and didn't bog down very easy(like harbor freights). Build quality was great just like my 3401. I really like the bale handle up front compared to a side or loop handle up top. All in all, a very nice rotary! I'm definitely interested in this rotary! :dblthumb2:

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

The main thing is that it's light! It made it easy to control, especially on vertical panels. It wasn't noisy, IMO, and didn't bog down very easy(like harbor freights). Build quality was great just like my 3401.

That's a pretty good summary review of the tool... learning to master the rotary buffer includes learning to control the rotary buffer.

After years of using heavier rotary buffers, I really like the lightweight feature myself and the compact size, the heat problem was the only issue and the new Flex Rotary Buffer addresses this plus dials down to 400 RPM

The New FLEX PE14-2-150 Rotary Buffer


We'll be showing this new Rotary Buffer in our next classes on January 29th and 30th, so anyone reading this if you want to attend one of these classes ...

Then send me an e-mail...

If you want to be notified when the next Detailing 101 and 102 classes are scheduled, then please send me an e-mail, (not a Private Message), with the subject

Class Request

to [email protected]


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[WRAPT C5Z06]

the heat problem was the only issue

When does the heat become a problem? After prolonged use? Using too large of pads? Will the heat affect the performance of the buffer?

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Will the heat affect the performance of the buffer?

I've never had the Flex 3403 shut off all though there is a built in safety feature that protects the internal components if it gets too hot.

Note this is a "feature" or benefit, but like I say, I've never had any of the Flex polisher shut down and I don't remember reading about anyone ever posting this.

The problem in the past with smaller rotary buffers is that running too large a pad at low RPM wouldn't allow the polisher to adequately cool itself.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I've never had the Flex 3403 shut off all though there is a built in safety feature that protects the internal components if it gets too hot.

Note this is a "feature" or benefit, but like I say, I've never had any of the Flex polisher shut down and I don't remember reading about anyone ever posting this.

The problem in the past with smaller rotary buffers is that running too large a pad at low RPM wouldn't allow the polisher to adequately cool itself.

Is a 7.5" wool pad pushing the limits of the 3403?

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

Is a 7.5" wool pad pushing the limits of the 3403?

It can probably be done, but I wouldn't advise it. At least not for a large number of consecutive long buffing cycles.

The 3403 seems best suited to pads 6" and smaller in my experience. Even the 7" Meguiar's SoftBuff 2.0 pads (on the appropriate W68 backing plate) can be a bit tough to use with it -- I prefer sticking to a full-size tool for them.

It will be interesting to hear reviews of the new mid-size Flex rotary once people start getting their hands on them in this regard.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

It can probably be done, but I wouldn't advise it. At least not for a large number of consecutive long buffing cycles.

The 3403 seems best suited to pads 6" and smaller in my experience. Even the 7" Meguiar's SoftBuff 2.0 pads (on the appropriate W68 backing plate) can be a bit tough to use with it -- I prefer sticking to a full-size tool for them.

It will be interesting to hear reviews of the new mid-size Flex rotary once people start getting their hands on them in this regard.

There's some excellent deals on the 3403. I still think I'm going to buy it instead the the new Flex. I don't mind using smaller foam pads. Even for compounding, I can use the edge 6" wool pad. I'll save about $190 with the 3403 as opposed to the new Flex. PLUS, it's still LIGHTER!!! The "mid size" label of the new flex still kinda bothers me.

 

[Dubbin1]

Mark have you given any thought to the Makita? Its more powerful, cheaper and comes with a few more accessories. Sure its a couple pounds heavier but I have seen a picture of you and I'm sure you can handle the added weight

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Mark have you given any thought to the Makita? Its more powerful, cheaper and comes with a few more accessories. Sure its a couple pounds heavier but I have seen a picture of you and I'm sure you can handle the added weight

Yes, I tried the Makita, didn't like it as much as the 3403. I'll just use smaller pads I'm just a small dog

 

[Rsurfer]

Yes, I tried the Makita, didn't like it as much as the 3403. I'll just use smaller pads I'm just a small dog

You won't be sorry Mark. If it does get hot, just run it on max with no load for a minute and it will cool down. The only thing that I have found negative with the 3403 is that @ 1800 rpms I need ear plugs.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Is a 7.5" wool pad pushing the limits of the 3403?

Your question has come up in the past and I checked with Bob at Flex and posted his answer in this thread,

Video: The Flex 3403 Lightweight Rotary


Post #4


***Update***


I e-mailed Robert Eichelberg the President of Flex North America, Inc. the link to my recent articles on the Flex 3403 with my max recommendation of 6.5" for a pad diameter and asked as to the official recommendation for maximum pad size for the Flex 3403 by Flex and he replied,

I would go with your suggestion. Our catalog states 6.5 inch max.

There's a fuzzy line between what some would judge as a small pad and some would judge as a large pad and in my book that line goes like this...

6.5" and smaller pads = Small Pads
_________________________________

7" and larger pads = Large Pads


Everyone can decide for themselves where they want to draw the line but that's the guideline I go by...


By the way, lots of pictures in the link above showing the Flex 3403 plus a video too...


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