How many of you use this machine? How does it compare to the Makita? Does it overheat? Is it a reliable machine?
Hmm, I would have imagined that Richard would have one by now... From what I've read its very reliable though
Richard, and I both use the Makita as our rotary of choice. I'm debating purchasing this machine for final polishing since it appears to be noticeably lighter.. However, for the price of this machine, I want to know if it can go toe to toe with my Makita.
I posted this on another thread here... I have both. And they both have a place in my arsenal. The Makita for heavy compounding,the Flex for finishing and light compounding jobs (although it would have no problem with heavier jobs) I just prefer the Makita. Both are GREAT machines but if I could only afford one it would be the Makita.
I have the Flex rotary, along with the Makita. More times than not, I reach for the Makita because I feel more comfortable holding it. However, I have to say that the Flex is great if you want something small and light-weight.
I like some things about it, and some i don't. The plus side like mentioned is its weight, which if using all day plays a part in the process. Very reliable, not one glitch in all kinds of use, will warm up as is to be expected if used hard. The minus would be maybe starting at a little higher rpm than some others, and in the higher rpm stage, is a fairly loud machine. would i buy another, probably, just wish it had a lower rpm.
If you HAVE to have only 1 machine the Flex 3403 is not for you. The Makita is just built like a tank and runs super smooth, even with pads over 7inches in diameter. So if you have to have just 1 the Makita hands down is the victor. I have both the makita and 3403 and enjoy using both. I will use the 3403 on its own for full correction and finishing but I do will use my makita a bit more overall, however when jeweling I like the 3403 because I can really float it around the paint for long periods of time without fatigue. Also if you take off the overhead handle from the 3403 it allows you to access tighter areas of the car, with a small BP and pads you can correct a lot of tiny areas.
When I was ready to graduate up to a rotary from my Flex 3401, I went with the 3403 as it has somewhat of a similar footprint as the 3401. I first used it on a black Infinity G35 over Xmas break and really enjoyed using it. It's much lighter than the 3401 and was easy to maneuver around. Yes, the higher starting RPM is a little tricky at first, but you kind of ramp up to it with the trigger. Guess I need to pick up a Makita someday too to give a fair comparison. Actually, I'd like to pick up the Bosch rotary for grins, but it's not available in the U.S.
Same here went from 3401 to 3403 now. I love it, its my first rotary and I'm a little of it overheating here in the Arizona summer. So far no problems with the three cars I've done with it. I want a Metabo next though, just as a back up or main work horse.
