Anyone see a Flex XC 3401 VRG review yet?

Zoran....did you ever try that DeWalt sander ....I really like the one I have....like I said mine was a fixed speed..but I use my router speed control on it and it does a fine job for final polishing....



I believe mine is 3 AMPS with 12,000 OPM's mine is this one... DeWalt D26451 Heavy-Duty 5" Random Orbit Sander



even though its a palm model its very easy to use...and it seems to have plenty of power...



I took the dust bag and the attachment area off...



I got it for 19.99 at lowes I believe on the close out table...I needed it to finish a table....



one day I tried it on the truck and added the speed control....like I said it worked nice with a 5.5 in pad....



AL
 
ZoranC said:
Bence, any thoughts on 3.3A 13000 OPM vs. 3.6A 12000 OPM, both in 5" pad size?
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Zoran, I have experience with the Bosch PEX270AE and the 400AE only, but the difference is bigger than here.



270W vs. 400W, 4 mm throw vs. 5 mm, 12.000 OPM vs. 13.000 and a 400 g weight difference. The 400 is faster, corrects better, and finishes the same. It is harder to bog the 400 down, but honestly, with the electronic speed control even the 270 has more than enough power. The the pad rotation will stop but the actual speed of the machine will be always maintained.



When I work with my Bosch using compounds, I always spread an even film over the entire work area with quick movements on speed 3-4, go over the area once or twice them bump the speed to 6 and do several horizontal, vertical and sometimes diagonal passes*.



*Pass means a row of movements here; rather than the typical Autopian meaning. It is easier to explain things using the words "hit" and "pass". For example "Several passes in one hit" sounds pretty straightforward and understandable for me, and this description sounds especially spot-on when you do a variable RPM/OPM pass, aka "hit": 900 RPMs; spreading/1200 RPMs; 3 passes for initial breakdown/1800 RPMs; 10 passes for correction/900 RPMs again for finishing.
 
AL-53 said:
Zoran....did you ever try that DeWalt sander
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Al, yes I did, with both 5" and 5.5" pads, that is exactly why I am raving about my experience / results of experiments so far and am looking for even better specs. :D
 
Bence said:
Zoran, I have experience with the Bosch PEX270AE and the 400AE only, but the difference is bigger than here.



270W vs. 400W, 4 mm throw vs. 5 mm, 12.000 OPM vs. 13.000 and a 400 g wight difference. The 400 is faster, corrects better, and finishes the same.
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Well, in your case choice is clear because 400AE has both higher OPMs and more amps. In my case choice was not clear, because I had to decide what to give up on, 1000 OPMs or 0.3A. More I think about it more I feel I would rather have 10% more amps than 10% more OPMs as machine that bogs down has zero OPMs.



However, that was all before I double checked specs on Metabo SX E 425. That thing does not have 3.6A per my calculations. They say it has 400W and that is 3.3A per my calculations, same as Bosch 3107DVS I was comparing against, but Bosch has 13000 OPMs. I will try to double check with Metabo and if they say it is 3.3A then I am going for Bosch.
 
ZoranC said:
However, that was all before I double checked specs on Metabo SX E 425. That thing does not have 3.6A per my calculations. They say it has 400W and that is 3.3A per my calculations, same as Bosch 3107DVS I was comparing against, but Bosch has 13000 OPMs. I will try to double check with Metabo and if they say it is 3.3A then I am going for Bosch.
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OK, I talked to Metabo and they are telling me SXE425 is up to 3.6A (which would be 430-ish Watts) even though specs on site say 400W (3.3A) because tool can lay in additional current per need thanks to it's Variospeed electronics. Does anyone know anything about this "power booster" and how it might compare to "constant response circuitry" Bosch 3725DEVS with specs of 3.3A has? Are they same/similar thing at all?



Any comments on pros and cons?



BTW, orbit diameter for SXE425 is 3/16" while orbit offset for Bosch is 3/32" which I guess means they have same orbit size.
 
sneek said:
Where is The Other PC when you need him?!
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:lol No pun intended considering we are discussing other PCs, right? :lol



If I can't figure out which one is better I might go with Metabo. Logic is that we know Metabo has 400W (3.3A) draw and up to (allegedly) 3.6A. But we do not know can Bosch have draw over claimed 3.3A and are those 3.3A it's maximum draw or it's "regular" draw. Therefore, in worst case scenario by getting Metabo I am not getting anything weaker than Bosch and I might (per Metabo's claims) be getting 0.3A more than from Bosch. So, if I am thinking this through correctly, in the lack of exact knowledge on both of these tools getting Metabo is safer bet.



Any thoughts?
 
ZoranC said:
So, if I am thinking this through correctly, in the lack of exact knowledge on both of these tools getting Metabo is safer bet.



Any thoughts?
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Dead silence, huh? Well, we will see was I thinking this through correctly and how safe my bet was. SXE 425 is on it's way.
 
ZoranC said:
Dead silence, huh? Well, we will see was I thinking this through correctly and how safe my bet was. SXE 425 is on it's way.
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Wow, blown away by all the choices. yep, speechless.



Only thought now is................ Anyone want to sell their Flex XC 3401 !
 
ZoranC said:
SXE 425 is on it's way.
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... and to make sure nobody feels neglected so is Bosch 1250DEVS. Only thing I am skipping on is Makita BO6040 as I ended up liking specs (for no solid reason yet) on Bosch more as Makita has only 70 RPMs more than Bosch (670 vs 600) but it has 850 OPMs less (5800 vs. 6650).



However, once I get familiar with 1250DEVS and have moment of time I will be happy to meet with any local BO6040 owner (I am in Los Angeles area so I guess Venice would work?) to exchange hands on experiences for the benefit of the community.
 
sneek said:
Zoran, any updates on all your new toys?



Hopefully I will be trying mine out tomorrow morning.
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Sneek, buddy :wavey I'm just back from helping my gf with work on what should be end of first round. We are supposed to complete that tomorrow so she can put it in before Tuesday. That hopefully means I should be able to get some break and work on a car next weekend.



Which might not be too bad of timing because Metabo SXE 425 was on backorder and from what I hear it should be shipped to me Monday or Tuesday. With little bit of luck I should have it too in my hands for Saturday.



If that comes true you should be all hearing about it next Sunday. I am looking forward to your findings.
 
ZoranC said:
... Metabo SXE 425 was on backorder and from what I hear it should be shipped to me Monday or Tuesday.
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I just got notification info has been submitted to UPS so considering vendor is just a county away I see no reason why Metabo should not be in my hands before weekend. Yay! :D
 
ZoranC said:
I just got notification info has been submitted to UPS so considering vendor is just a county away I see no reason why Metabo should not be in my hands before weekend. Yay! :D
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Estimated delivery date 09/18, tomorrow. Yup, all ducks will be lined up in row for weekend. Double yay!
 
sneek said:
for the ultimate detail off?
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Speaking of the devil, I was just about to start writing PM to you :grinno: Expect it later ;)



Yup, for the yearly UDMA (Ultimate Detailing Machine Awards) :grinno: Hmmmm, can't do that, I have a feeling part of name is taken. I will have to find different name. LOL



BTW, have you had a chance to use yours yet? On a car, I mean.
 
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