Which Rotary?

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adudley88

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Hello,
I'm interested in hearing everybodys opinion on which would be the best rotary buffer to purchase? I think I've narrowed it down to either the Flex 3403 lightweight or the Makita 9227C. I'm currently using a Flex 3401 DA and I'm very pleased with it, but would like to try using a rotary since I hear so many good things about them. The only thing I don't like is the weight, although I think I've started to get used to it, and I'm not sure the 'lightweight' rotary would really be any lighter. If anyone has one of these, I'd like to hear how you like it so far.
Thanks,
-Ash
 
Is this just a hobby?

If cost is an issue, you can get a used Makita for quite a bit less than the Flex.

I know guys who really *love* their Flex though. I'm happy with my Makita.
 
It's a little of both; I've detailed some cars as a side job, though most haven't wanted any polishing.
Cost isn't a major issue, I just want something that I'll be happy with.
 
I would probably go with the Makita. I have used my roomates Makita and I have a Hitachi rotary. Both are very similar. The makita starts up a slight bit smoother but thats it. I am not trying to take business away from AG but I got my Hitachi for a steal!
 
Depends what you want to use the rotary to do. Are you looking at using large pads on major panels, or just looking to use the rotary for spot correction work with smaller pads?

For spot work, you can't beat the Flex L3403. I absolutely love mine!
 
I have both the Makita and the Flex and find myself grabbing the Flex more. It's about 2 lbs. lighter and really helps on the side panels. Just finished my headlights this morning with the flex and several 3M 3" pads. Used the purple with 105, yellow with 205 and black with Ultrafina. Use the Flex a lot with 4" pads for bumpers, pillars and mirrors.
 
As the other guys have pointed out...
It depends on the purpose of the machine. A rotary is for someone with a large volume of work or a large volume of really serious "paint" work.
At Mike Phillips, D.D., Detailing 102 seminar we had the opportunity to try out a variety of rotaries & the Flex 3401. I thought they were all about the same, but then I have a lot of upper body strength. The folks with less upper body strength had a good workout.
Detailing is a hobby for me, but I'm a serious hobbyist and money isn't an issue either. Unless there's a high volume of significant paint correction, I'd get the Flex.
 
I have the Makita 9227 and really like the way it works. It combines a soft-start and infinitely adjustable speed making it a pleasure to use. Makita's 9227 is very powerful yet well balanced. I use it allot and have yet to find another polisher that works this well.
 
I have both the Flex 3401 and L3403. I recently got and love the L3403, it's my first rotary and is an excellent compliment to the 3401 (come on, they match :D). As others said, if your not doing high volume, heavy correction, GET IT! :xyxthumbs:
 
Makita goes down to 600 rpm's that is the lowest in the market. Having said that I have both Flex 3401 and Makita, I use Makita to apply wax and polish to a high gloss. I use the Flex for Swirls as I am afraid to use the Rotary with swirl remover.
 
3M has a very lightweight rotary in the European market. I would like to see that one show up here.
 
I have used my makita on 50 or so full details and am very impressed with it. Also when the cord gets all tattered and needs shortened it is an easy job of opening up the tool to do repairs. I also own the 3401 and the build quality is superior. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase any other Flex tool.
 
njaferi said:
Makita goes down to 600 rpm's that is the lowest in the market. Having said that I have both Flex 3401 and Makita, I use Makita to apply wax and polish to a high gloss. I use the Flex for Swirls as I am afraid to use the Rotary with swirl remover.
Click to expand...
Why would you use a Makita to apply wax. There is no need to work a wax. I sometimes use a pc to apply sealants at speed 3, no where close to 600rpms. If you need to use a machine to apply waxes, your 3401 would be a better choice.
 
I have all 3 Flex 3403, Metabo and Makita . I myself reach for the Flex the majority of the time. If you plan on using large pads then go with the Makita. As anything over 6.5 inch pads will overheat the Flex. The Metabo is a nice machine but if I would have bought the Flex first I would never have purchased it. To me its designed more like a DA ( PC7424,Griots) styled machine. It just has an on and off switch and not a trigger .So you don't have as much control of the speed via feathering the trigger.
 
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