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Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)
Zach, have you looked at the Italian model, the Rupes? Many folks are raving about them.
I've got two Porter-Cables I've had for three years. The speed switches are giving me headaches now. Couldn't set the one to above 5 yesterday and the other one has limited adjustment above 4. Reliable other wise. The main switch is a simple on or off. Fairly smooth operation and get warm in extended operation.
The Flex is heavy and I tire of the weight, old man ya know. Has a variable speed main switch, nice but the button to lock it on is a little difficult for me to reach and push. The forced rotation is nice, but I only have the one backing plate (backing system, it's more than a plate). It size and weight makes it difficult to use in small or tight areas. I have multiple sizes and types of plates for the Porter-Cables making them more versatile.
The Flex get damn hot during extended use, at least mine does. So hot you can't touch it. Probably because the pads I'm using (Meguiar's) are too large for it. I do have some "Flex" recommended pads and it still gets hot using them. So hot, you can't touch the gear assembly above the pad. I've had the Flex less than a full year. Plus out of the box, it's not sized to use the Meguiar's MF system. Maybe with another pad manufacturer.
The Flex is a whale of a machine and I love the forced rotation, but I still want, or is it need, the PC for bumpers and other tight or curvy areas.
The Meguiar's, for which I have no or limited experience, has the soft start feature and perhaps a better torque over it's range of operation.
Check the warranties, you know Meguiar's probably has the best service. Albeit, in California. I can take the Porter-Cables to a local contractor tool place for repairs if needed. Don't know what I'll do if the Flex needs repairs.
Go over to AutoGeek and read what they are saying about the Rupes Big Foot and watch the videos. This is a big decision for you and you want something you'll like, like to use, holds up under hours of use and does a good job.
Zach, have you looked at the Italian model, the Rupes? Many folks are raving about them.
I've got two Porter-Cables I've had for three years. The speed switches are giving me headaches now. Couldn't set the one to above 5 yesterday and the other one has limited adjustment above 4. Reliable other wise. The main switch is a simple on or off. Fairly smooth operation and get warm in extended operation.
The Flex is heavy and I tire of the weight, old man ya know. Has a variable speed main switch, nice but the button to lock it on is a little difficult for me to reach and push. The forced rotation is nice, but I only have the one backing plate (backing system, it's more than a plate). It size and weight makes it difficult to use in small or tight areas. I have multiple sizes and types of plates for the Porter-Cables making them more versatile.
The Flex get damn hot during extended use, at least mine does. So hot you can't touch it. Probably because the pads I'm using (Meguiar's) are too large for it. I do have some "Flex" recommended pads and it still gets hot using them. So hot, you can't touch the gear assembly above the pad. I've had the Flex less than a full year. Plus out of the box, it's not sized to use the Meguiar's MF system. Maybe with another pad manufacturer.
The Flex is a whale of a machine and I love the forced rotation, but I still want, or is it need, the PC for bumpers and other tight or curvy areas.
The Meguiar's, for which I have no or limited experience, has the soft start feature and perhaps a better torque over it's range of operation.
Check the warranties, you know Meguiar's probably has the best service. Albeit, in California. I can take the Porter-Cables to a local contractor tool place for repairs if needed. Don't know what I'll do if the Flex needs repairs.
Go over to AutoGeek and read what they are saying about the Rupes Big Foot and watch the videos. This is a big decision for you and you want something you'll like, like to use, holds up under hours of use and does a good job.
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