Flex XC 3041 VRG...

[daniel clark]

or the makita B06040....as for paint defect removal which is more effective?

Dan

[Michael Stoops]

The Flex is a bit more powerful but that Makita is a switchable tool, able to go from true DA mode to a fixed rotation, effectively making it two tools in one.

What tools do you currently have in your arsenal? A good DA and a good rotary should be able to cover almost any challenge.

[greg0303]

Makita BO 6040
Pros: switchable modes - dual action or dual action with forced rotation, can also be used as a sander with attachable dust collecting bag;
Cons: only one permanently mounted 6" backing plate limited usage to 6.5"+ buffing pads.

Flex XC 3401 VRG
Pros: can be used with 5.5" or 6.5" buffing pads (and soon also with 4" spot buffing pads after new small backing plate launches), light and super ergonomic design;
Cons: forced rotation mode cannot be switched off, may be to "grabby" in some situations.

As Mike mentioned above, both tools are between traditional D/As and rotary buffers, increasing correction speed/ ability (just like DA Microfiber Correction System).

[daniel clark]

The Flex is a bit more powerful but that Makita is a switchable tool, able to go from true DA mode to a fixed rotation, effectively making it two tools in one.

What tools do you currently have in your arsenal? A good DA and a good rotary should be able to cover almost any challenge.

I just have a Dewalt 849 rotary now but I am thinking I would like to switch to a forced rotary da but I am having trouble making up my mind!
As far as specs go the flex is slower with 160-480 no load rpm range compared to the makita's 180-670 rpm,and as with opm's the flex is faster with a 3200-9600 no load range compared the makita's 1600-5800 opm's !
So as for defect removal which tool is more effective?

Dan

[greg0303]

So as for defect removal which tool is more effective?

You could expect a very similar effectiveness of both machines: each of them offers much faster defect removal than traditional dual action polishers but not as fast as rotary buffers.

If in your detailing model you mostly depend on D/A polishers and work on high amount of cars then D/A with forced rotation will save you time. Let's say - traditional D/A needs 6-8 passes to fully remove some defects, Flex or Makita will do it in 4-5 passes.

If you reach for rotary buffer as well, as an initial cut for example, you may want to look at super light Flex PE14-2-150 circular polisher:
http://flexnorthamerica.com/products/PE14-2_150.php

[daniel clark]

Makita BO 6040
Pros: switchable modes - dual action or dual action with forced rotation, can also be used as a sander with attachable dust collecting bag;
Cons: only one permanently mounted 6" backing plate limited usage to 6.5"+ buffing pads.

Flex XC 3401 VRG
Pros: can be used with 5.5" or 6.5" buffing pads (and soon also with 4" spot buffing pads after new small backing plate launches), light and super ergonomic design;
Cons: forced rotation mode cannot be switched off, may be to "grabby" in some situations.

As Mike mentioned above, both tools are between traditional D/As and rotary buffers, increasing correction speed/ ability (just like DA Microfiber Correction System).

As a flex user,if you could go back in time would you still get the flex or would you get the makita?

If one adds the rpm's and the orbit rates on the two machines the flex comes out on top with the most movement motion so I assume along with a more powerful motor the flex offers better defect removal ability...am I right?

Dan

[ethereal45]

Are there any disadvantages to a forced rotation tool to the flex? Any reasons why you'd want a DA like the G110v2 or a Porter Cable? I'm curious because while I was given a porter cable 7424 about a month ago, I'm currently looking at upgrading to a better model now that I've figured out detailing is a hobby of mine that I'm interested in committing time and money into.

[greg0303]

As a flex user,if you could go back in time would you still get the flex or would you get the makita?

No regrets here. I really like Flex D/A, it's such a great tool: very well build, light, ergonomic and easier to control than a rotary buffer.

Are there any disadvantages to a forced rotation tool to the flex? Any reasons why you'd want a DA like the G110v2 or a Porter Cable? I'm curious because while I was given a porter cable 7424 about a month ago, I'm currently looking at upgrading to a better model now that I've figured out detailing is a hobby of mine that I'm interested in committing time and money into.

D/A with forced rotation offers much faster defect removal. It's harder to control than traditional D/As, it will walk toward/ away if buffing pad is not kept flat on surface. It will still finish hologram/ swirl free just like all dual action machines and be safer than rotary buffers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yht1uHJLNlQ

I still prefer wax application with traditional D/As where forced rotation is absolutely not needed.

[ethereal45]

The same guy that gave me the porter cable has a Flex DA, I might have to borrow that for a weekend.

[Michael Stoops]

Personal considerations aside, about the only real downside to a forced rotation tool is when working with the DA Microfiber System - it's not the best match and you run the risk of more marring with a forced rotation tool using this system. Other than that, there's not a ton of downside to a forced rotation tool. But that switchable feature of the Makita is pretty cool.