flex L1503VR 5" Variable Speed anyone?

has anyone else got one of these as i find it a seriously great bit of kit flex L1503VR 5" Variable Speed :thumb:

 

I don't have one but I have seen It. Pretty neat looking machine. all Red...It's about 250.00 Bucks...1,200 to 3,200 rpms and about 4.5 pounds...NICE...:thumb:

 

Whats the difference between this machine and the 3403 rotary, other than design?

 

I don't know the machine. I have only seen it a book. The 3403 is more long and thin instead of short and kind of fat. I would take the 3403 over it any day. Oh, and the 3403 is about 30 bucks cheaper...I wish I new more...Sorry...:shrug:

 

Is it me or does it look as if they're selling it with an Edge-like mounting mechanism?

Welcome to FLEX North America

Dave

 

Yup, That would be the one...:thumb:

 

Dont have to tell me how good the 3403 is, I love mine :headbang:

 

I wouldn't know but I'm looking at something right now. Flex or Metabo. Don't know yet still thinking...:thumb:

 

I would go Flex for 2 reasons, one being the use of a trigger and a thumb operated speed dial which is comfortable, the metabo speed dial is on the bottom of the machine and you cant change speed settings while the machine is spinning. And also the metabo is known to overheat (never owned one I am simply repeating what I have heard, and so far in 6months of regular use my Flex 3403 has not once gone into thermal shutdown)
:thumb:

 

You can change the speed setting on the Metabo while its running. I just use my little finger on my right hand, which is at the back of the machine. After you use it a few times you can tell by the sound of the machine what speed you are at. I bet I could make some money betting folks that I can tell what speed its at without looking. Granted its not the best design but one that after some use becomes a moot point. As far as the overheating, well I've never had mine overheat on me, not once. I know some have but a lot of those were using 6.5" pads too. I've always used 5.5" or smaller pads and never had a problem.

When we have our shutdowns at our plant and the contractors come in for maintenance there is a reason we always have to replace our Metabos. The contractors never steal the DeWalt or Milwaukee grinders but they will take a Metabo in a heartbeat.

 

Thank you for the feedback. These are things that I didn't know. So far I have been very lucky to get comments and talk to the right people. I would like to say thank you.

The honest truth is I really don't like the Flex for one reason. The rpm starts at 1100 and goes to 3700...Who needs that when polishing. If it was more like the Makita 600 to 3000 or the matabo 700 to 2200. Then It would be perfect for me. I really like that lower range.

I know enough about the Flex but I don't know enough about the Metabo. Does it have a speed lock? Like JL just said about pad size. Will it handle The 6" Edge pads? When working with the metabo is the weight enough to notice when I've been useing the Makita all this time. The weight is a concern of mine. These are the thing that I need to know. Can you guys keep the help comming, Please...Thank You...:thumb:

 

With the Metabo you can use the 6' Edge pads, all you have to do is attach the adaptor to the Metabo. I used to use the Edge pads with my Metabo, now they just sit and collect dust :shrug:

As far as weight goes, you'll notice a difference compared to the Makita, specially when you first start using it. The Metabo is just slightly lighter then the Makita...I don't remember the exact weight of the Metabo and Makita :shead: AS far as locking the speed on the Metabo, there is no feature like that the speed is controlled by the dial so if you accidently rub it against your body or anything you could change the speed...but this has only happened to be when I do it on purpose never by accident..but just something to keep in mind.

Hope this helps Buddy eace:

 

The Makita is a full 1lb+ heavier than the Metabo...

I've had both the 3404 and the Metabo. Sold the 3403. Thermaled on me way too much with 6" pad....and I sold it after 1 use. My Metabo does thermal but nowhere as badly as the 3403 IMO. YMMV, with pad and paint and thermaling....

I just recently added the Makita and is not my workhorse. The metabo is when I'm using spot pads and when I'm tired doing vertical. My fein unit is my backup unit.

 

i have a felisati italian 6 speed machine that ive had for about 6 years now, still works like a charm and runs at the low rpm's of around 700-upwards, i find it handy if the correction work isnt so drastic but the flex just helps get the worser corrction done that bit quicker with excellent results to boot.
the felisati is also good for applieing waxes but i find using my kestral das 6 dual action waxes better.:thumb: