What machine should I start with??

L

Laurie00

New member
I usually polish and wax by hand, but I think I want to invest in a machine to help with my polishing and waxing regime. Any advice on what machine I should start with (to help me get used to it)???
 
Laurie00 said:
I usually polish and wax by hand, but I think I want to invest in a machine to help with my polishing and waxing regime. Any advice on what machine I should start with (to help me get used to it)???
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udm or flex
 
Laurie00 said:
Thanks for the advice. Is there a reason someone would pick one over the other.
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COST!



The UDM is around $150 (or less if rebuilt), the Flex is around $275 but is an incredible machine per reviews on here.
 
The UDM is definitely cheaper but also known for its hit or miss reliability. But, the customer support is top notch with getting a replacement to you.



The Porter Cable 7424 is very similar to the UDM but is a bit less powerful. I haven't heard many reliability uses with this machine.



The Flex has quite a bit more correction power due to its forced rotation, but is still considered a dual action/random orbital polisher. The Flex had/has a backplate issue, but if I recall correctly, the problem can be avoided with some preventative maintenance.
 
as mentioned, it comes down to cost. i went straight to the flex, i'm the type that gets the better tools b/c as a DIYer they last me forever. and also as a DIYer I like the better tool as they sometimes help 'hid' my inexperience - and the flex is an excellent example of this.



btw: a machine will greatly increase your polishing results. you can also use it to apply sealant, but in most cases you'll still apply wax and remove wax and sealant by hand.
 
The FLEX is way easier to use. Works categorically better than the PC. I wish I had gone with my FLEX 3401 instead of my PC. PC basically collects dust.
 
If I had the money to spend I would get the flex. I like my PC but would be nice to have some more power and less vibration. The classifieds on here has a flex for sale
 
But what about those tight spots that you cant reach with a 6.5" pad.. As i can see they dont make a backing plate that supports 4" pad's on the flex.. I would really like to buy the flex, But from what I can see there is only one backin plate for the Flex 3401.



I guess I will end up with 3 machines or something to fulfill all my needs. Atleast I will end up buying a flex and a makita. makita to correct the most damaged paint and for tight spots and finish with flex to remove my mistaken holograms and such for starters. Maybe I become good enough to finish with the makita, But that will take time.
 
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tdekany said:
Do not start withth pc.



GET THE UDM INSTEAD. MUCH MORE POWERFUL.



Don't say I didn't suggest. :D
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"MUCH", is relative only to the PC. The Flex and rotaries are a whole new level(s).



If I could have started over and purchased a UDM rather than my PC, I would still say that I should have started with the Flex.



By now I would probably have added a rotary for the heavier cutting and the Flex to finish up my work.



I use my PC to collect dust and agitate the occasional carpet stain.



:nixweiss
 
95supra said:
But what about those tight spots that you cant reach with a 6.5" pad.. As i can see they dont make a backing plate that supports 4" pad's on the flex.. I would really like to buy the flex, But from what I can see there is only one backin plate for the Flex 3401.



I guess I will end up with 3 machines or something to fulfill all my needs. Atleast I will end up buying a flex and a makita. makita to correct the most damaged paint and for tight spots and finish with flex to remove my mistaken holograms and such for starters. Maybe I become good enough to finish with the makita, But that will take time.
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My Flex uses 5.5" Pads. I use the LC CCS pad series and love it. Very nice pads indeed. The 5.5" pads can get into most spots I want to hit. 4" pads capability would be interesting though.



Does the EDGE adapter for the Flex allow a 4"? Anyone know?
 
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