Flex 3403 VS. MAKITA

Lets hear it guys.. ive heard so much good things about both and usually see Makita more often than Flex.. Just wanted to hear you opinions

 

The 3403 is a "light duty" machine. Bryan Gmblack3a has one and says he loves it.

The Makita is a beast. I can rip marble flooring to pieces with it. I have one that is 15 years old and one that is 1 year old. Both are in like new shape. I just changed the brushes on the 15 year old.

 

Yes, my Makita is a work horse. Actually both my makita's (9227 and BO6040).

 

SO makita is preferred ? i mean its the same price anyways.. i found the Makita for 199$

 

I was in the same posistion as you reguarding a rotary decision. Havent bought one yet but I will soon and I made a decision. I think the Makita just has more pros, I mean its pretty much the industry standard, very reliable/well built and has a wide range of BP's and pad choices, I own a 3401 and thats the only thing that bothers me about it, not having a wide slection of pads and BP's. BTW its $179.99 on DD if you use the DB code...Do it!

 

2 different machines, I would get both. I like working with the FLEX better, but it wont handle tough jobs.

The FLEX also starts at 1100 RPMS. where the Makita can go to 600.

I like working with the FLEX much better, but if I had to pick just ONE I would go with the Makita/Hitachi/dewalt/FLEX HD

 

For the longest time I just couldn't get the hang of the Makita, it took me about 5 full paint correction's to finally appreciate the Makita. Makita is well built, it can take a beating and keep on going.

I still prefer the Metabo but for some serious cutting with a wool pad I'd rather go with the Makita...but I haven't used the Flex 3403 so I can't really coment on it.

But if you go with the Makita you wont go wrong that's just my :2cents:

 

nice thanks guys... I love the handle on the Makita and it seems like a tough soldier..

 

im not suprised with your response, you have by far the most collection.. geesh 2 metabo and other machines.. you are a detail whore..hehe im jealous..

 

nice thanks for the heads up.. oh hows the Flex 3401.. did you start with PC first? i was looking into that as well..

 

I loved my Makita. I had a few problems with it, but those were my fault. I now use a DeWalt and love it. It is a bit heavy at first, but it feels the most powerful of all the rotaries I have tried. I think it has one of the lowest amps though. IIRC the 849 is 8 amps vs the Makitas 11amps. The DeWalt runs cooler, but is louder than the Makita. Personally I dont' really like the light weight rotaries. The slightly heavier ones are more or less easier to control. The bigger rotaries just seem less labored when you are working on something big for a long time. If i was you I would get the Makita over the flex. It would just be easier to control and you can throw on what ever size pad you want. Using smaller rotaries kind of just feel like using the PC again. I have been using the rotary for not too too long. I started maybe 3ish years ago. (only started detailing 4 years ago). One thing I know is you should use what feels the best for you. If you don't want to handle a heavy rotary then I guess get the flex, if you can take it then the Makita is a solid machine at a good price. I kind of doubt you will have problems handing it though. I mean I am a small guy. 5'6 and 126lb...and I can handle the DeWalt (maybe because I started with the porter cable rotary). For all aroundness I still love the Makita, I would get one with both handles though. the round handle gets annoying after a while, but a straight handle gets in the way as well. Now I just use my rotary handles less.

 

Love the 3401, great machine all around but I still want a rotary and not becuase the 3401 cant hang but because I am always looking for the next best thing. I never used a PC or UDM, started right off with the 3401 and couldnt imagine using a less powerful machine when correcting. Makita is on my list:headbang:

 

Makita is my next purchase.. and definitely will hit PHIL for this one..

 

I really like the feel of the 3403. But today I finally got it to go into thermal shutdown. I was polishing a new benz using SIP and a orange 7" CCS. SOB was chattering away and I new it was getting hot. Sure enough it just quit. I cooled it off with a fan and used it with UF/3M 8" blue without issue.

I am pretty sure the metabo would of gave out (thermal shutdown) sooner.

I use the 3403 with a 8" yellow edge wool and M105 alot and of course never have an issue. The short working time and the non-binding nature of the wool, keep the 3403 running cool.

I was thinking of getting another 3403, but now not so sure.

I am selling my metabo to a local guy next week, So I am not sure what else to get. I already have the hitachi as a HD unit.

Do I really need 3 rotaries?

 

im really thinking about getting one since Phil da Man is having discount on Menzerna... can i use the same pads that i had for my PC i have 5.5" LC

 

I NEVER uses larger pads then 6" on the Flex VRG.

 

I have a Makita and a Hitachi. both are great machine, but makita as the edge. never tried the flex but I personally couldn't live anymore without my makita + 3M backing plate combo....soooo in love with this!!

are you planning on polishing and finishing with the rotary? because if it's only for compounding, maybe the harbor freight could be okay for just compounding, they 're pretty cheap. That's with what I stared then upgraded to a Hitachi, then a Makita


good luck with the rotary....stepping up is the best thing you can do. just take your time, research and try on beaters

 

im not going for any cheap rotary as this will be my powertool and im planning on detailing lots of cars with it... il be using it both compounds and finishing along with my PC ..

 

:nod: I agree with you devast8 the 3M backing plate with either the Makita or for me the Metabo combo I couldn't work with out.

 

+1 :headbang: