Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

[guitarman502]

I know the Flex isn't a DA, but what are the advantages and disadvantages over the 3? I have a g100 and i'm wanting something else to play with in my spare time. I like the fact that the flex has more power plus the forced rotation, but it's also limited.

So anyway, i've heard good things about both the makita and the dewalt... so help is appreciated.

[ZoranC]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

I know the Flex isn't a DA ...

I promise not to start discussion on what is / is not a DA I just hope your statement does not end up misinterpreted by readers so I will say "Flex XC 3401 VRG is a DA (and then some)".

I like the fact that the flex has more power plus the forced rotation, but it's also limited.

Could you please define what you meant with "limited"?

[Jokeman]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

Makita, price is right and they are light.

[TimG]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

I have both the makita and dewalt rotaries. Diff between these 2 are the weight (makita being lighter) and the slowest rpm on the makita is 600rpm whilst dewalt at 1000rpm. I prefer the dewalt rather makita's. Dont have the flex and G100 though.

Tim

[guitarman502]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

OK, so I misspoke on my wording.... I realize that a Flex is a DA (Dual Action) not a DA in the sense that it's anywhere close to a G100/G110. Ah, I hope you understand what I mean.

Also, I meant limited in that i've heard (now take this for what it is) that the flex has a hard time, if at all, buffing out sanding marks and stuff like that.

Basically, what this amounts to.... I want a Flex. But they are 280 bucks. The Dewalt is $180 (i'm sure the Makita is close to the same). And I want to learn to use a rotary... I was just throwing the flex in there to see if it would be an alternative to a Rotary.

[Ivan Rajic]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

You can't go wrong with the Makita... it's pretty light compared to others, works great, reliable, and Paul Dalton uses it

[guitarman502]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

What Makita model number are you all using?

[Jokeman]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

What Makita model number are you all using?

Makita 9227

[RaskyR1]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

I have the Dewalt, FLEX, and PC. I can live without the FLEX but not the other two. That being said, I think the FLEX fits nicely in the middle and cuts buffing time down where you would normally use a G110/PC unit. I have also used the FLEX with M105/W-8006 and removed some pretty deep scratches with very little effort.






Rasky

[ZoranC]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

Also, I meant limited in that i've heard (now take this for what it is) that the flex has a hard time, if at all, buffing out sanding marks and stuff like that.

Flex will have harder time than rotary removing sanding marks but it would be inaccurate to say that it can not handle them, many did not have problem removing 1500 grit marks with it. Sure, it was not as fast and as good as rotary but it did the job. Also, "there is more than one way to skin the cat", as they say. If 1500 grit is not buffed out fast enough then nothing is stopping person from sanding down to 3000 grit and only then buffing.

Basically, what this amounts to.... I want a Flex. But they are 280 bucks. The Dewalt is $180 (i'm sure the Makita is close to the same). And I want to learn to use a rotary... I was just throwing the flex in there to see if it would be an alternative to a Rotary.

Flex is an alternative to rotary for many. Whether it "makes sense" depends on case by case basis, and from person to person. For me it is perfect fit because it gets the job done while I am still learning rotary (us apartment renters do not get to practice as much as we would like to) and saves my day after I mess up with rotary. To me that was worth it's price. Only you will know what works for you.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

Flex will have harder time than rotary removing sanding marks but it would be inaccurate to say that it can not handle them, many did not have problem removing 1500 grit marks with it. Sure, it was not as fast and as good as rotary but it did the job. Also, "there is more than one way to skin the cat", as they say. If 1500 grit is not buffed out fast enough then nothing is stopping person from sanding down to 3000 grit and only then buffing.


Flex is an alternative to rotary for many. Whether it "makes sense" depends on case by case basis, and from person to person. For me it is perfect fit because it gets the job done while I am still learning rotary (us apartment renters do not get to practice as much as we would like to) and saves my day after I mess up with rotary. To me that was worth it's price. Only you will know what works for you.

Very good points. Same reason I got the FLEX aftermy G100. I wanted more power, but wasn't ready for a rotary. I am in the process of learning it, but until I know what I am doing the FLEX has served me and my clients well for paint correction and finishing alike.

[river]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

I have both the makita and dewalt rotaries. Diff between these 2 are the weight (makita being lighter) and the slowest rpm on the makita is 600rpm whilst dewalt at 1000rpm. I prefer the dewalt rather makita's. Dont have the flex and G100 though.

Tim

Why do you prefer the Dewalt?

[TimG]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

Personal preference. I started learning using a rotary on a Dewalt. So I'm used to the weight and power (no soft start - if that's what they call it), and lets no forget the noise level - cant seem to hear properly at my right ear

Dont get me wrong, Makita is a great tool. I just got my self another rotary - Hitachi SP18VA few months ago. Quite "similar" (size, weight and soft start) to the makita.



Tim

[river]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

Thanks much, Tim. Do you ever find you need the weight of the DeWalt to get something done?

Jim

[RaskyR1]

Re: Makita Vs. Dewalt Vs. Flex

Personal preference. I started learning using a rotary on a Dewalt. So I'm used to the weight and power (no soft start - if that's what they call it), and lets no forget the noise level - cant seem to hear properly at my right ear

Dont get me wrong, Makita is a great tool. I just got my self another rotary - Hitachi SP18VA few months ago. Quite "similar" (size, weight and soft start) to the makita.



Tim

I have been using the Dewalt for 9 years now, had the big Milwaukee tanks before that.

Well, my New makita 9227C just arived today!

It seems much quieter than my Dewalt and I like that it goes down to 600rpm. I will likely set up my Dewalt for compounding and use the Mikita for polishing and finishing.