Stepping up to Rotary?

To the poster asking about the Flex 3403 - I have it, its a nice machine, but it starts at 1100 rpm and doesnt go to 3000 rpm, which is the best speed for rinsing cleaned pads,
its light, has noisy gears, and compared to my Makita 9227C, it will never come out of the cabinet...:)
You may like it for what it does, and that will be good for you..
Good luck with your research !
Dan F
 
The way I see it, is they are all good. However there's no detail shops near me to compare them all at the same time. Why thought process is as if I'm comparing power drills. Makita, Dewalt, Rigid, Hitachi, Royobi, Milwaukee, Hilti, etc are all good. They get the job done, but some are made just a little better, weight a little less, etc. If one is better and I can save up for it, I'd rather do that. This is a long term purchase for me, so I want to get the best I can that's within reach.
 
All Rotary machines - the ones with big motors, and are longer, will all weigh a certain amount - more - than all the newer ones, and you know, I like that a lot..

I want the machine weight alone to sometimes be all that is needed to do that vehicle at that stage..

My experiences with my 10lb Makita is that even with that weight and a spacer, I can get it anywhere I need it to be, and even with all that, I find I still need a lot of downward/sideward pressure on some hard, very scratched, etc., paintwork..

The lighter machines certainly have their merit and place but I dont need the smaller size, louder noise, and now I need to apply even more pressure because they are lighter, to the vehicle..

And the bigger motor heavier machine just cruises along, never gets overheated, never sounds like its stressing, has perfect balance, etc...

Good luck !
Dan F
 
Good points Dan, to be completely honest- I'll probably end up with several. I like tools too much.

Currently I am in the works of picking up a brand new PE18 for a great price, so I can't pass that up.
 
Dan,

I think you and I are pretty much on the same page. The Makita is a great machine and might be more user friendly for someone just starting out because of its slower start up speed. The Hitachi has soft start but is about twice as quick on the trigger. Otherwise, the small difference in weight is something I only notice at the end of the day. No matter what the weight of the machine, over time we've learned to add pressure or lift depending on what we need at the point of contact. On the side of the car, obviously the extra weight might absorb some shock but otherwise you have to hold the machine up and apply the right pressure.

If it was up to me, I'd go with the Makita or the Hitachi - my personal preference is the Hitachi but either one is fine. I'm about value for money, they both provide that.

Robert
 
Oldfordisbetter said:
I assume the PE 14?
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Yes sir.

I'll be picking up a Rupes 21 in the future to replace the 7424. A friend of mines has taken interest in detailing so I may give that one to him.

All I can say is, getting back into detailing after a very long break may have been a bad idea. The bug has got me!
 
Man i wanna buy a rotary now... $200 for a makita isnt so bad. Problem is i have absolutely no need for a 2nd polisher
 
jrock645 said:
Man i wanna buy a rotary now... $200 for a makita isnt so bad. Problem is i have absolutely no need for a 2nd polisher
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I started out wanting a rotary, but ended up with a DA (I don't regret it at all) due to suggestions from the online communities. I'm relatively comfortable with my hands since I make knives, Blacksmith, and do a little artwork- so naturally the rotary in concept seemed simple. Sure am glad I listened to everyone's advice. Because it could have been a regretful decision if rotary was my first tool. But now that I have a little better understanding of detailing, I figured it would be a good time to try out rotary as a compliment to DA.

If your getting the results you want with DA, I say stick with it.
 
Mudman said:
I started out wanting a rotary, but ended up with a DA (I don't regret it at all) due to suggestions from the online communities. I'm relatively comfortable with my hands since I make knives, Blacksmith, and do a little artwork- so naturally the rotary in concept seemed simple. Sure am glad I listened to everyone's advice. Because it could have been a regretful decision if rotary was my first tool. But now that I have a little better understanding of detailing, I figured it would be a good time to try out rotary as a compliment to DA.

If your getting the results you want with DA, I say stick with it.
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i like learning to do new stuff, and enjoy a challenge. That's the draw. Problem is, it's just a hobby so I don't really have the opportunities to learn and put the time in practicing. Looks fun though. I love my 3401, just wish I had more chances to use it.
 
Stokdgs said:
I really messed that post up didnt I ??? :)

Sorry, I meant the Flex 3403 which I also bought when it first came out and you know what I thought of it..

I also have the Flex PE14 which I also purchased when it first came out and it is nicer, of course, than the Flex3403..

But to me, its still a little machine, makes a lot of noise, and I still prefer the older, heavier, Makita 9227C..

Now, I have it right... :)
Dan F
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I think you still have it wrong Dan F. How can you compare the Makita to the PE14? The PE14 is quieter, lighter and smoother than any rotary on the market today. Now if you were compounding boats all day with a wool pad, then Dewalt would be the tool to use.
 
Rsurfer said:
I think you still have it wrong Dan F. How can you compare the Makita to the PE14? The PE14 is quieter, lighter and smoother than any rotary on the market today. Now if you were compounding boats all day with a wool pad, then Dewalt would be the tool to use.
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Hey now, don't go starting an online war! :P
 
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