HF Hercules forced rotation polisher...

W

wannafbody

wannafbody
I read that Harbor Freight released a Hercules forced rotation polisher (with cord). The reviews seem good and the price is quite affordable at $119. Might want to check it out.
 
I mean, it`s probably a great machine.
Perfect for those who don`t want to pay for a real flex.

I probably would have tried one before getting my Xce cordless
 
wannafbody said:
I looked at it briefly but didn`t measure the backing plate size. I`m assuming it`s a 6 inch like the Bauer long throw.
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Yup. The couple of video reviews do says it`s a 6" backing plate. All of my larger pads are for a 5" backing plate, so as long as the Flex 4.5" back plate is compatible I`d be all set.

However, none of the video reviews/previews or reddit posts I can find have tried swapping the backing plate. I`m going to be out of town for almost two weeks, so maybe by the time I get back someone will have tried the combo. If not, I`ll just buy the polisher and an the backing plate from a retailer with a good return policy for opened items and find out for myself.
 
I decided not to wait and bought the polisher today. Taking the stock backing plate off and comparing it to pictures and videos of the Flex it looks like the Flex mini backplate will be a direct fit. I`ll buy one of those and swap them when I get back from my vacation in early June.
 
Markus answered it

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I bought one of these knock-offs last week. It was $120 less a 25% coupon - - I doubt I would have purchased it without the incentive.

The cord is VERY long, warranty limited to 90 days, which certainly will be a concern for some. I`m a wee bit concerned about it and don`t know that I really need/want the additional power a forced rotation machine offers. We`ve been using DA machines for years and I also have a nice Makita direct drive which I rarely use. My son seems to polish his car many times per year, excessive IMO. I`m concerned about him burning through clear coat with a machine like this. Do people actually damage paint with something like the FLEX 3401?
 
Never heard of it. If using polishing/finishing pad and a real light polish or even something like p21s paint cleanser it should be fine.

Try and eduacate him about amount of clear being finite and not to remove it all

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tom p. said:
Do people actually damage paint with something like the FLEX 3401?
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I always thought the danger was simply not paying attention or doing knowingly ignorant things. Like if you had a gray LC Hybrid Force pad, some Megs M101 and jammed the edge of the pad where it shouldn’t go with excessive pressure.


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Thanks, guys.

Bert, prior to the sale last week, all my local stores had the unit available. As it got later in the week, all the local stores went to `out of stock` and I had to travel to a store I`d normally never go to about 25 miles away. So, it looks like a good amount of demand. I just wonder if that 90 day warranty is going to be a major issue for some...
 
I’d like one but can’t justify the cost and it’s one more thing to store. But I will say my 25 year old HF rotary is still kicking. And not for lack of use. But I have had issues with other HF power tools. The biggest issue is lack of pats support.
 
I have a different kinda knockoff 3401 from spta and the flex. The stpa was from a few years ago and decent. I prefer the force rotation compared to 21mm. I think if anyone is on the fence that’s a tempting price at HF and you would love it. I think it’s faster and leaves a better finish compared to 21mm or 15. I have a rotary to from makita but it’s bulky.

Going there clear coat has happened for me on a Kia soul the big round front nose of the car user error on my fault
 
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