Best of the three...

I'm going to buy a roatry this summer and I have narrowed down to three:





Flex Tool LK603VVB (Heavy Duty Hi Speed Rotary)

Price $279.95






Flex Tool L 3403 VRG (Rotary)

$239.95

Price $205.95





Makita 9227 C X3 aka 9227 7" Electronic Sander / Polisher

$225.00

Price $199.00



If you have an opinion, or have used any of the three... please list pros and cons and help me decide which one is best!!!


thanks

(please no fussing or fighting over what someone thinks or says)

 

Dust, I am going to go against all that are listed. I prefer the Dewalt, I realize it is a little heavier but will last forever. The two that I have are over 20 tears old and work just as well as the day I purchased them. I know alot of people like a lighter rotary but I feel the litlle bit of extra weight helps in the paint correction, plus the weight is easy to get used to.

 

I also use the DeWalt. I used my Makita quite a bit too. I like both machines. Soft start on the Makita is annoying, not that I have seen the DeWalt's instant power. The Makita has a nice handle for spot buffing, but sometimes it can get uncomfortable. I really like the weight of the Makita, but like Asphalt Rocket said, being a bit heavier does have its own advantages. I really like both, but if I was to take one now, it would be a DeWalt. Not sure why I like it so much. It is notably louder than the Makita. I like the trigger on the DeWalt more than the Makita.The Makita also makes a higher pitch sound, but it is quieter. I like the Makitas easy to control weight.

I probably wouldn't go for the light weight flex, but the bigger one ... maybe.

Sorry if that was really awkwardly phrased/ organized, but that is what came to mind.

 

If you must have ONE, i would take the makita.

Its the most versatile, goes to a lower RPM than the other 2. Even though the FLEX is lighter and easier to finesse. (also higher quality IMO)

 

I use the Flex 3403 VRG and it is fantastic. It's my first rotary and very easy to work with. I did my dad's GM truck yesterday and it was very well balance, lightweight, starting speed @ 1100rpm is not too fast either IMO w/ the trigger. It does get hot though, but if you do 2 cars or less a day I doubt it'll be a problem.

 

I can't comment on the others but i do have a makita..i think its a nice machine and lighter then a dewalt and just as durable..

 

Like Sneek said I do not like the slow start up of the makita. Also Dewalt has quality tools and that is what I also look at when buying a tool. To me just being slightly lighter doesnt make a better tool its all about the brand quality and Dewalt has that covered hands down.

 

Makita = wide variety of BP's and pads

Flex's = one BP and limited pad selection
:shrug:

 

Ok so btwn the makita and the dewalt.....

 

Personally I have not had much luck with Makita Power Tools so I quit buying them.

 

I would go for the Makita. I love mine. It's a work horse, really versitile. A little heavy, but that's what working out is for!

It's also extremely accurate according to our good friend Paul D.... if that matters to you at all

 

The two Flex rotaries he has listed can be adapted with any backing plate (designed for a rotary) or even the edge system. Although from what I've read the smaller 3403 should only be used with 6-6.5 inch pads or smaller. I think you're confusing these with the 3401 which is limited to its standard backing plate.

 

Dust, if you are going for quality than Dewalt is your tool. makita does not have the quality of a dewalt tools. Look at any good contractor and you will see that they use porter cable, bosch, dewalt, milwaukee or delta.

 

Yeah, it's a damn shame Bosch doesn't make a rotary...

 

I agree with Fminus...if you are just going to have one in your arsenal the makita is the way to go...same nod to the the dewalt as well if you are just going to own one...either that or you can get 10 of the harbor freight ones!!

 

No kidding, I wish Bosch had one also, it would make one helluva rotary.

 

Makita for sure.... well balanced weight,, not heavy not light.....Paul Dalton uses it...
Dewalt ........ another good product as far as people who uses it and its a true workhorse
Flex.... its like Gucci in Polishing machine.. light fancy and expensive but well made...

so its up to you.. I have PC and bought Makita with the bag and 2 wool pad kit after 3 weeks of detailing.. You can go wrong on any of them.. I am planning on getting my hands on both dewalt and flex 3403 in the future..

 

I have only used the 3403 and I like it alot. After polishing vertical panels for hours I can't
Imagine doing that with a heavier machine.

 

I've used all 3 and love the 3403. But as people mentioned, the 3403 should be maxed out at 6.5" pads. The Makita or 603 can handle the 8" pads, but alot heavier. So, if weight isn't a problem (like it is for me), Makita 9227.

 

If you can try to hold each machine and see which one feels better to you. I recently had to get a new rotary and picked the Makita, I liked the low RPM"s for finishing and it just felt comfortable to me.