Flex OR Makita?

Thx.........

 

To be honest, detailing to me isn't exactly me idea of "fun" but I like it. Why is the Flex "funner"?

 

you could go with the Flex 3403 Rotary....i just boaught one aboutg a month ago and love it....i have a Makita, Dewalt and Snap on Rotaries and havent used them since buying the 3403....its light, powerful, smooth, quiet, comfortable to use and just plain ROCKS IMHO.....gets into tight spots well....

 

I have a Makita and I find it heavy since i got very small arms. I also find it difficult to detail some area like lower side doors, bumper etc.. There was once i lost concentration when doing the bumper and accidentally crack the vehicle number plate with my makita. =P Nevertheless, i love the machine for the fast cutting power and it seems durable.

 

Makita FTW, the Flex is nice but with a PC already it's pointless. Go slow and easy with the Makita and you will be fine. You are bound to come across a vehicle at some stage that you gonna need a rotary to correct

 

I'm with you on the 3403, I like the size and more importantly the weight. My only concern and its a big concern, is the durability of the unit in the long run. Ive seen a couple durability problems from Autopian users. If you look at the Autopian reviews section and read the only review on the 3403, you wil see my concern. I sold Makita tools back in 1988 -1990 and they were top notch then, so I know the Makita will run like a Toyota Camry. Still tho, Im 40 years old, my back hurts sometimes and the 3403 size and weight has caught my attention. Another choice, another decision to make. :shead: :waiting2:

 

Hi CF, You kinda caught me of guard with this question because things that I like doing are fun to me. The reason why I think the flex would be funner is that the learning curb is little to none with the flex. If you are trying to master the rotary doing 10 cars a year. It could be a difficult ride for you. I'm just trying to help. I wish you good luck...:thumb:

 

Noting that I am a total wimp...

I find the weight of the Makita pretty significant when you use it for the first few times (especially on lower panels). The fact that the rotary can/will walk on you and the awkward angles you have to bend at to get at lower panels can be pretty difficult IMO. In fact, I am considering a 3403 sometime next year just because of it's weight (5 pounds vs. 6.6 for the Makita). I hear that the 3403 is pretty light duty though, so I would use the Makita for compounding/polishing and the 3403 for finishing.

 

The Flex corrects 10 times faster than a PC. Something the PC would take 5-6 passes with comes out in one pass with the Flex. I have been using the Flex to bring up wetsand jobs, that is not possible with the PC. The Fles builds heat just like a rotary also breaking down polishes much much quicker. I believe many people who say the Flex is pointless over a PC do have not owned one, they are COMPLETELY different animals.

 

Agree, Ive used the Flex briefly and compared to the PC, THE FLEX is on a whole different level.

 

Regardless of how good the Flex (RO) is, a rotary will be able to do more correction. Will you need that extra ability? Probably not. However, a rotary will be smoother and a rotary can finish better than a RO machine, once you get to the level of "jeweling" the paint. Another point: you are pretty limited as far as backing plates go with a Flex. Rotary = endless BPs and pad combos.

I went through this decision process myself a while back. I chose a rotary (Makita) and couldn't be happier. I wish I would have done it sooner.

 

Well, I made the decision. Makita on the way. Thx for the help!

 

Good choice! You will not be disappointed.

 

I'm surprised that you made up your mind so fast. Good for you and good luck w/the Makita It's a great machine...:thumb:

 

Orbital and dual-action polishers can be safely used by the weekend enthusiast, show car owner or professional detailer without fear of damaging the finish. If you're experienced in machine polishing (Flex or Porter Cable)a professional rotary polishers (Makita) will allow you to remove deeper scratches, swirls and paint defects.

 

Well Buddy, Ive been thinking of this long before I posted it here. When I first picked up the Makita a couple weekends ago, I ran the machine off and on for 3-4 hours and even used a wool pad for a while. That experience pretty muched sealed it for me although I always value the opinions of my fellow detailers

 

is there only one makita ? i think the model i saw was a 9227C 7"

 

9227C is the model number. The trailing number is typically nomenclature for a kit that includes some assortment of accessories. ie. Model 9227CX3 includes a Polishing Kit.

7" Electronic Sander-Polisher
Model: 9227C

 

makita all the way............ i would rather learn on a makita and a hood to practice on than to use a flex an jump to a makita. don't get me wrong i like the flex but it would be my 2nd machine as it is i have the makita pc an flex.

 

Is the weight of the Makita an issue either good or bad? I am picturing myself laying under a boat holding the Makita up or relying on something lighter like the Metabo or the even lighter Flex 3403 rotary. However on other surfaces I can see a heavier polisher being perhaps more stable and requiring less pressure because of the weight. In another thread I read that lighter polishers are harder to handle. But a follow up poster said it was no big deal. Personally I like the lighter is better idea, it would certainly be easier on the back.