Would a lightweight rotary (3403) add to my case?

Tato

Tato

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Hello Mr. Mike, Hello Friends,

This may look like a common question, I've searched and read a lot about this subject. I could even had posted the topic on rotary buffers thread, but every case is different. Listening to an expert is a need in my case, but I always appreciate any member comments.

Actually, I only have Meguiar's G220v2. I use Foam and MF pads, M105, Uber, M205, Menzerna's polishes, etc. Although I can do a lot with my DA, I also feel I'm in need of a FLEX 3401 or a Rupes 21.

Locally, I can order a Flex 3403 for a decent price, but that's the only option at this price rate. A 3401 will be 3 times more expensive (and it means a huge amount).

Would ordering a 3403 will add to my needs, or I'll always miss a Rupes or 3401? I'm in need to fill this gap and using my actual DA for heavy polishing and finishing.

Rotary is also a concern here, although I do very well with DA, never used a rotary, and I'm very afraid of ordering a rotary and start messing my actual good work.

I want to speed up in corrections, and specially on vertical panels where I believe a lightweight rotary would be more powerful than my actual DA.

Would I save $$ and buy a Rupes 21 when I can instead of 3403 now?

I pretend to use 6.5 inch pads (I already have) with the rotary.

Thank you in advance for helping me to decide.

Kind Regards.
 
Not saying you shouldn't buy a rotary just because you never used one but keep in mind it does take time to learn how to use it.
I started using a rotary back in the early 80's so I consider myself qualified to use one.
That being said a rotary can be very helpful at times but in most cases the 3403 or Rupes will meet your every need.
I too looked into buying the 3401 but I spoke with a few people and found out it wasn't for me, it's not made to work all day buffing out a car,word is it overheats.

I love my rotary when working on super hard clears,trashed paints, etc.
Also love using my rotary when using m205 and a white CCS pad, man it will give you an amazing shine faster than my GG6 would.

Not often I need my rotary but it's there if needed, if your only doing your personal cars then I say buy the Flex 3403 or a Rupes.

If you really want to learn how to use a rotary buy a cheap one at first, you can always use it as a backup, if you like it then upgrade.
Start out buffing am old panel or hood because you will damage paint while learning, I know I did when I started out:)
 
We'll if money is not an issue the flex pe-14 IMO opinion is the most well built rotary.
 
Well, thank you all.

I've started doing my own cars, but in no time opened a part time detailing business, it's giving the return I was looking for so I'm investing in it. Using the knowledge available at this forum, I could start with great differential, no one here is doing what I do (like PBL coating application, etc).

The fact is, I need a powerful tool to handle the correction faster, I can do correction in an entire day with a DA, but if I can gain 1 hour at the end to stop 'polishing' and DETAIL a bit more, my service will be up one grade.

I'm not into burning the paint, and although I'm ready to learn anything, maybe I should save and go for this Rupes / Flex in some months.

Money is an issue, that's because I've suggested 3403. It's the cheapest high quality I can buy here. PE-14 isn't available though.

I look at it everyday at the website, it's affordable and after ordered can be here in 2 days. That's why it's so important to get opinions from you guys... Finger is tickling to click 'Buy Now' button hehe

Just don't want something hanging around that I will not use a lot and wouldn't save me the time I'm looking for.

Again, thank you for opinions, if more,

Kind Regards.
 
Tato said:
Well, thank you all.

I've started doing my own cars, but in no time opened a part time detailing business, it's giving the return I was looking for so I'm investing in it. Using the knowledge available at this forum, I could start with great differential, no one here is doing what I do (like PBL coating application, etc).

The fact is, I need a powerful tool to handle the correction faster, I can do correction in an entire day with a DA, but if I can gain 1 hour at the end to stop 'polishing' and DETAIL a bit more, my service will be up one grade.

I'm not into burning the paint, and although I'm ready to learn anything, maybe I should save and go for this Rupes / Flex in some months.

Money is an issue, that's because I've suggested 3403. It's the cheapest high quality I can buy here. PE-14 isn't available though.

I look at it everyday at the website, it's affordable and after ordered can be here in 2 days. That's why it's so important to get opinions from you guys... Finger is tickling to click 'Buy Now' button hehe

Just don't want something hanging around that I will not use a lot and wouldn't save me the time I'm looking for.

Again, thank you for opinions, if more,

Kind Regards.
Click to expand...

I see you are in Brazil, not sure of your power requirements but the PE-14 is on sale via VIP.......and with the current 15% no exclusion sale you could buy at less than $300 USD.

I know free shipping probably does not apply for you but maybe the savings could make up for it.
Just thinking out loud here.
 
I haven in my arsenal the following polishers, pc 7424 xp, gg 3 inch mini, flex 3401, flex pe 14, rupes Bigfoot. In my opinion the pe14 is superior from the rest. It is soooooo smooth and the way your hand has so much control of the machine is crazy. It is truly an enjoyable polishing experience. If the machine is on sale like what is stated then please take advantage of it.!
 
What about Dewalt 849X? I've found a good deal on it here, would it be a great addition? Better than the lightweight flex 3403?

Thanks again,

Kind Regards.
 
I have a 3403 and don't like it. I bought it for finesse work with smaller pads. It just isn't a quality machine IMO. Prolly why they came out with the pe14 cuz they knew they made an inferior product. I end up switching BPs and using my Dewalt 849x. The Dewalt is a quality tool.
 
Dr Oldz said:
I have a 3403 and don't like it. I bought it for finesse work with smaller pads. It just isn't a quality machine IMO. Prolly why they came out with the pe14 cuz they knew they made an inferior product. I end up switching BPs and using my Dewalt 849x. The Dewalt is a quality tool.
Click to expand...

I have a Dewalt 849x too. Hard to beat for the money. I confess I very rarely use it --- the Rupes arsenal has made it obsolete.
 
Hello. Thanks again,

You should be Mark, am I right? I really like your website, and I've became more of a Rupes fan after seeing it.

That's no way I'll buy a rotary for now, thanks to everyone comments, I want to make things similar from what you show in your website, and if you are saying it's Rupes, Rupes it'll be.

Should I order a '21 kit, '21 and separated pads, or just the tool to start and keep using my own 6.5" and 5.5" pads? What you have in mind to guide me?

Again, thank you.

Kind Regards.
 
Wes Bremec said:
I haven in my arsenal the following polishers, pc 7424 xp, gg 3 inch mini, flex 3401, flex pe 14, rupes Bigfoot. In my opinion the pe14 is superior from the rest. It is soooooo smooth and the way your hand has so much control of the machine is crazy. It is truly an enjoyable polishing experience. If the machine is on sale like what is stated then please take advantage of it.!
Click to expand...

I agree with this. Not a professional, & I started doing everything by hand about 25 years ago. 15-20 years ago I bought a craftsman orbital (wax spreader). Used that for about 10 years. Bought a PC, thought I died and went to heaven, but soon realized it was somewhat difficult to remove blemishes from my paint. Then upgraded to a Flex 3401, which was a pretty good upgrade from PC. Having used machine polishers for some time, I felt I was competent enough to use a rotary and got the Flex PE-14. I haven't looked back, great machine, especially with the 5.5 flat pads. Even though I was somewhat hesitant about using a rotary, my learning curve was small and it's a great machine!

There is a lot of great info on this forum about products, technique, etc........and Mike's book is an excellent resource for learning.
 
Tato said:
Hello. Thanks again,

You should be Mark, am I right? I really like your website, and I've became more of a Rupes fan after seeing it.

That's no way I'll buy a rotary for now, thanks to everyone comments, I want to make things similar from what you show in your website, and if you are saying it's Rupes, Rupes it'll be.

Should I order a '21 kit, '21 and separated pads, or just the tool to start and keep using my own 6.5" and 5.5" pads? What you have in mind to guide me?

Again, thank you.

Kind Regards.
Click to expand...

You want the Rupes pads if possible. And the polishes as well if possible. Some say the polishes are hard to wipe off, but I believe they are simply using too much polish, or priming the pads via the KBM. Part of the reason the Rupes pads work well with the machine is they have a hole in the center that allows you to perfectly center the pad, using the hole in the BP as the guide. While other pads will work, an slight off center placement tends to be amplified via the larger stroke of the machine.

You really only need 3-4 dime size drops of polish and no priming with the Rupes. But, I didn't make this stuff up, I got it from the master. Check out this video:

http://youtu.be/uU0dsqBVbQ8
 
Hello, thank you,

That was encouraging. I know I'm capable of learning a rotary, I'm mental and physical capable of handling this task.

I also have great (modesty apart) skill with DA, and machine polishing is not new to me, just a rotary is.

But all that horror stories about burning paint, holograms, and related, keeps me from trying this on my own. I don't have a test panel, I don't have someone to teach me, I would have to go by my own.

Being on my own on this guides me through upgrading my DA to a Rupes DA because I believe it's the safest route. Would I ever need a rotary? I don't want to give one step back.

I already do some wet sanding (mainly spot sanding), and have success removing sanding marks with my G220v2 and compound.

Fact is, I need more power because G220v2 turned 'small' into my hands, I can't go any further with what I already have. If I want to improve from now on, I need a powerful machine. You're helping me a lot deciding if it'll be a rotary or a powerful DA.

Really appreciate all your comments.

Please, keep helping me,

Kind Regards.
 
So many people talk highly of the PE-14.
It must be one hell of a machine :dblthumb2:
Pricy though,OUCH. Lol




Wes Bremec said:
I haven in my arsenal the following polishers, pc 7424 xp, gg 3 inch mini, flex 3401, flex pe 14, rupes Bigfoot. In my opinion the pe14 is superior from the rest. It is soooooo smooth and the way your hand has so much control of the machine is crazy. It is truly an enjoyable polishing experience. If the machine is on sale like what is stated then please take advantage of it.!
Click to expand...
 
swanicyouth said:
You want the Rupes pads if possible. And the polishes as well if possible. Some say the polishes are hard to wipe off, but I believe they are simply using too much polish, or priming the pads via the KBM. Part of the reason the Rupes pads work well with the machine is they have a hole in the center that allows you to perfectly center the pad, using the hole in the BP as the guide. While other pads will work, an slight off center placement tends to be amplified via the larger stroke of the machine.

You really only need 3-4 dime size drops of polish and no priming with the Rupes. But, I didn't make this stuff up, I got it from the master. Check out this video:

RUPES BIGFOOT POLISHING SYSTEM - YouTube
Click to expand...


Just read your comments after posting, couldn't avoid to answer and thank you for telling me this.

My sister will be in US in february, and maybe she'll go very near AG headquarter. If I can hold until there, she'll bring me the Rupes.

But I need to give up on the rotary for now to save up the money. Difficult but no impossible.

Again, thank you for help.

Kind Regards.
 
Tato said:
Just read your comments after posting, couldn't avoid to answer and thank you for telling me this.

My sister will be in US in february, and maybe she'll go very near AG headquarter. If I can hold until there, she'll bring me the Rupes.

But I need to give up on the rotary for now to save up the money. Difficult but no impossible.

Again, thank you for help.

Kind Regards.
Click to expand...

If she isn't in FL and near me (Limerick PA 19468 - although there is no real reason to come anywhere near this place), maybe I could help facilitate somehow. I've been around a while, so I'm not into ripping people off. If I can help, let me know.
 
That's great to hear, for sure any help would be extremely useful.

Please, consider your offer reciprocal, if you need something from Brazil (that is within my range), please, count on me.

Kind Regards.
 
Tato said:
Hello. Thanks again, You should be Mark, am I right? I really like your website, and I've became more of a Rupes fan after seeing it. That's no way I'll buy a rotary for now, thanks to everyone comments, I want to make things similar from what you show in your website, and if you are saying it's Rupes, Rupes it'll be. Should I order a '21 kit, '21 and separated pads, or just the tool to start and keep using my own 6.5" and 5.5" pads? What you have in mind to guide me?Again, thank you.Kind Regards.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the kind words about my web site. I would start with the '15 kit and get used to it. Use Sonax Perfect Finish on the yellow pads, Rupes Ultra Diamond on the white pads, and Scholl Concepts Gold S3 on the green and blue pads. Best of luck to you :xyxthumbs:
 
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