Okay guys, I think I'm going to venture into the world of the rotary polisher. At this point, I just want to use it to polish windshields with something like the Diamondite kit. At some point I'll probably get some panels from a junkyard to practice on but not right now. Anyhow, I see I have quite a few choices ranging from Dewalt, Makita, and Flex. I think there are 3 models of Flex rotaries. So, what would you recommend? Bear in mind that I've never used a rotary before and know nothing about them. Cost isn't a factor by the way.
Which rotary is best for a novice?
- Thread starter mcpp66
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WRAPT C5Z06
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- Nov 12, 2009
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Flex 3403 lightweight rotary. I was in the same boat as you and sold my rotary after a couple weeks and went back to my 3401. Rotaries have a way different feel, and using them to polish vertical panels is very hard, IME. I think it takes a lot of patience to get used to a rotary, plus, dealing with holograms.
Flash Gordon
Well-known member
- Feb 6, 2010
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I wish I could endorse the new Flex Rotary, but I can't as I haven't used it personally and haven't heard of many others who have
My vote goes to the Makita 9227c @ this time :buffing:
My vote goes to the Makita 9227c @ this time :buffing:
- Sep 5, 2009
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If you are going to step up to a Rotary Polisher I would look at the New Flex PE14-2-150 The new Flex Rotary Polisher is awesome. I would recommend practicing with the Rotary to get the feel of it before detailing cars with it. Getting a few panels from a junkyard is a great way to practice with the Flex.
Mike Phillips
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- Dec 5, 2022
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Right now I'm loving my Flex PE14 due to its compact size, plenty of power and super low rpm, 400 at the trigger, 600 when locked.
In the last week I've been also using the new 3M Rotary Buffer and at our Advanced Class this last Sunday, when we had the Makita, the DeWALT, the Flex and the 3M Rotary Buffers all running at the same time the 3M Rotary Buffer was noticeably quiet.
At this time I would recommend looking at either the Makita or the Flex due to the fact that you can run them at your choice of low RPM or high RPM
3M should have done a little more homework on the forums before finalize their production units and DeWalt needs to tune into the forum world also. Discussion Forums are where it's at when it comes to having your finger on the pulse of any industry. The talk on forums, (Cyber World), is so far ahead of the curve than talk in the real world. You snooze... you lose...
Can you hear me now?
In the last week I've been also using the new 3M Rotary Buffer and at our Advanced Class this last Sunday, when we had the Makita, the DeWALT, the Flex and the 3M Rotary Buffers all running at the same time the 3M Rotary Buffer was noticeably quiet.
At this time I would recommend looking at either the Makita or the Flex due to the fact that you can run them at your choice of low RPM or high RPM
3M should have done a little more homework on the forums before finalize their production units and DeWalt needs to tune into the forum world also. Discussion Forums are where it's at when it comes to having your finger on the pulse of any industry. The talk on forums, (Cyber World), is so far ahead of the curve than talk in the real world. You snooze... you lose...
Can you hear me now?
kronos
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- Jul 7, 2009
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Only the Makita and new Flex PE14 can drop below 1000rpms. Actually I think the Dewalt can be feathered by the trigger to a lower rpm (don't quote me on that). I just picked up a Makita and even though I'm a complete noob with it, It sure is easy to use. I love it! I doubt you'll regret picking up a rotary.
feslope
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- Jul 1, 2009
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At Mike's class this past weekend we all got to try out all of the polishers. Several of us (Me for one) were using rotary for the first time. With cost not being a concern you can purchase the best tool for your needs.
The Flex PE14 has all the right features. We had it running for a couple of hours and it barely got warm. The very low speed+staying cool is excellent. The Flex3403 is also very cool and a little smaller and lighter but starts at 1100 rpms and needs a side handle or palm grip due to the hotter running gear head.Right now I'm loving my Flex PE14 due to its compact size, plenty of power and super low rpm, 400 at the trigger, 600 when locked.
In the last week I've been also using the new 3M Rotary Buffer and at our Advanced Class this last Sunday, when we had the Makita, the DeWALT, the Flex and the 3M Rotary Buffers all running at the same time the 3M Rotary Buffer was noticeably quiet.
At this time I would recommend looking at either the Makita or the Flex due to the fact that you can run them at your choice of low RPM or high RPM
Can you hear me now?
They were all fun to use. Not the scary beast some of us expected. We had black clear-coated hoods to practice on. With Mike Phillips in the mix nobody went wrong. :buffing:
feslope
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- Jul 1, 2009
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It will work just fine. The backing plate in the kit is a rotary plate with a drill adapter included. Skip the adapter and screw the plate right on to the rotary.
BobbyG
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- Dec 29, 2009
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The two that I'll recommend are:
Makita 9227
This is a great rotary polisher with variable speeds as low as 600rpm. This machine is well balanced and feels great in your hands. It comes with two different handle flavors, pads, and carrying bag.
Flex PE14-2-150
Another great machine!
It's delivery is scheduled for today so I will have it in hands later on this afternoon. I watched Mike demonstrate it and was impressed with its size and power. The polisher appears to be as well made as the Flex 3401 that I currently own and I suspect that this will be a great addition to my arsenal.
Makita 9227
This is a great rotary polisher with variable speeds as low as 600rpm. This machine is well balanced and feels great in your hands. It comes with two different handle flavors, pads, and carrying bag.
Flex PE14-2-150
Another great machine!
It's delivery is scheduled for today so I will have it in hands later on this afternoon. I watched Mike demonstrate it and was impressed with its size and power. The polisher appears to be as well made as the Flex 3401 that I currently own and I suspect that this will be a great addition to my arsenal.
- Thread starter
- #13
I guess it'll come down to these two since I am looking for something capable of low RPMs. Since this new Flex is, well, new perhaps someone from AG will need to chime in. I did say that cost is not a factor, but obviously I won't want to spend more than I need to. So, I guess what I need to determine is what the new Flex gives me that the Makita does not?
Flash Gordon
Well-known member
- Feb 6, 2010
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It can also double as an investment, as you will be able to make money with something like this, -vs- something like a PS3/XBOX
How is this for justification :cheers:
oldmodman
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- Sep 25, 2007
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I am looking at your question from a different direction.
Just like getting a school musical instrument. Start cheap, REALLY CHEAP.
Look in Craigslist for some used rotary for less than $30.00
Can't find anything? Buy the Harbor freight special. On sale for $34.99
LINK REMOVED !
It's not the tool, it's the tool user. Hand that Chinese POS to Mike and he will still turn out a beautiful result. It would be a great tool to learn on. And if rotary turns to not your cup of tea, you are only out 40 bucks.
Just like getting a school musical instrument. Start cheap, REALLY CHEAP.
Look in Craigslist for some used rotary for less than $30.00
Can't find anything? Buy the Harbor freight special. On sale for $34.99
LINK REMOVED !
It's not the tool, it's the tool user. Hand that Chinese POS to Mike and he will still turn out a beautiful result. It would be a great tool to learn on. And if rotary turns to not your cup of tea, you are only out 40 bucks.
Kristopher1129
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- Jan 3, 2011
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I think the Flex or the Makita would both be good to start with. Not even start with...I just like them anyways. Just don't get the Dewault! Good luck buddy! :dblthumb2:
wrxwagon
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- Jan 3, 2011
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:iagree:This is the air I breathe...."Hmmm how can I find a way to get something new and make it pay for itself?" or sell old toy A to pay for new toy B.
VISITOR
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- May 10, 2007
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just to add to inexpensive rotaries and another option, 3D also has one for $49.99 and comes with a 1 year free service in which they will maintain or replace your polisher free of charge (excludes damage from irregular use).
Mike Phillips
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- Dec 5, 2022
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Either would be a great choice.
The Flex comes in a compact size with a great design for using without the handle which is my normal preference. The Makita is a great full size rotary buffer. Flex states this new compact size offers the power and durability of a full size rotary buffer.
They recommend sticking with 7" pads but Bob Eichelberg did tell me you can run a 8" pad. If you're planning on doing full on buff-outs of full size cars or sanding down cars and then removing sanding marks then go with the full size buffer so you can use 8" and larger wool pads for extended periods of time.
If you're you're not doing the above then the new Flex is a great, compact size rotary buffer.
:xyxthumbs:
- Thread starter
- #20
You guys have me leaning towards the Flex. I'm not doing any of what you stated above. I've never used a rotary so what I get is going to be my learning tool. However, I will use it along with the Diamondite kit to remove scratches from my windshield. Maybe in the warmer weather I'll get some panels from the junk yard and practice.