Im becoming a polisher whore...3403 help

I started using some new pre polyumer foam pads that are 5.75inch in diameter and I really like them. I already own a Makita, Flex 3401 and Cyclo dual head. I use the Makita and Cyclo the most and the 3401 rarely is used. I find after hours of correction with the Makita it gets a little heavy in my hand, as any polisher does but I usually spend more time with the rotary than the other 2 machines in my arsenal and I have to be much more precise with its use.

Since I dont really use 6.5inch pads anymore I figured these smaller foam pads that I have now would work very well with the lightweight Flex 3403, being as it cant spin pads larger than 6.5inches without overheating.

My question is this.. I already own the Makita and I love it and wont get rid of it so do you all think a Flex 3403 would be a good addition to the lineup now that im using smaller diameter pads? I also find it would be helpful when correcting smaller areas of the car, true?

Throw some thoughts at me:mounty:

 

Did you only want to stick with the Flex brand? I personally would suggest a Metabo.

 

The Flex 3403 is a really nice machine, far more ergonomic than the Metabo but also slightly more expensive (well here in SA anyways). Only downside to the 3403 is the relatively high 1100rpm slowest speed setting but in use I didn't find it to be a problem at all.

My 2c

 

I was able to use mine the first time a few weeks ago, and it does have a nice feel to it. I guess there have been some comments about it running louder, but I only have a PC and a 3401, so noise is all I know!!! It's a similar sized footprint so to say as the 3401, but much, much lighter. I was able to get in some tight areas underneath sideview mirros, A pillars, in front of moonroofs, etc. with 5.5" pads. For larger panels I used 6.5" pads no problem on it, but not for extended periods of time. I would be going back and forth between the 3401 and 3403, and whenever I picked up the 3401, it felt like picking up a boat anchor compared to the 3403. I'm using the 3M yellow UK BP with it as well.

I know that it is definitely lighter than the Makita, and probably easier to get in tighter areas. Once I got rolling with it, it really did feel nice to use and very maneuverable. I'm 33, 5'11", approx. 215 lbs., and did not fatigue with it at all. But, i didn't stay on the car polishing all at once either. Hope this helps.

 

It seems like the machine to go for. I wont use a metabo because of the lack of a trigger and awkward speed dial.

Basically I want a rotary that I can really float around the paint, especially when jewling a fine polish after the heavy correction.

This thread may cost me $240:duh:

 

Yeah 3403 and Makita are both in the same price range just about. For now Im still partial to the Makita, its a work horse!

 

My makita isnt going anywhere, thats my baby but sometimes its nice to have a little "something something" on the side :giggle:

 

I agree. The Makita gets so heavy to me after the initial compounding stage. Any specs on how much this Flex weighs compared to the Makita?

 

Makita 6.6lbs

Flex 4.8lbs

 

This is just me, but I wouldn't spend the money. $200+ seems like a lot of money to spend on a machine that's largely redundant, save for it being lighter weight. Although, to be fair, I've never tried one of the light ones (Flex, Metabo). I went straight from a PC to my Makita.

With your Makita, are you using the stick handle, or the bail handle? If you're using the stick, try the bail. I think it's brilliant! The different hand positions it allows help with fatigue, its lower profile allows the machine to get into more awkward spots, and I'm even finding I can use it ambidextrously.

It'd be a nice thing to have, I'm sure. But me, personally, I'd spend my money elsewhere. Just my $0.02.

 

I have owned a Flex, very light and easy to handle. Can't use larger pads but I prefere smaller pads (5-6"). What are the new pads you are talking about, do you have a link?

 

Well I went from "becoming a polisher whore" to an "official polisher whore":afro:. Just placed my order at DD for the Flex 3403, my reasoning was simple: I wanted a lightweight rotary that wouldnt cause as much fatigue as the Makita, allowing me to polish hours on end without getting excessively tired, it seems like a logical idea. In addition to the "want" factor I also realized if my Makita breaks in the middle of a correction job I am really screwed, yes I have the cyclo and 3401 Flex but sometimes you really need your rotary to get the job done and I never sacrifice quality on a detail, if a customer pays for 98-100% correction and a rotary is the only type of machine that will get it than I will not substitute. So having a backup rotary is a good idea IMO, not that the Makita will likely break but its nice to be prepared for whatever may come along.
:thumb:

 

I would buy it! I have metabo, makita and flex. Never use the makita and metabo anymore, just the flex. Its so good to work with, and very light!

 

Ketil thank you from saving me from a little buyers remorse. I think I made a great choice with the 3403:thumb:

 

Apart from the light weight, is there any other factors that you choose flex over the rest?

 

You have really made a statement and got me thinking about things again. I was seriously thinking about the Metabo because of the slower speeds like the Makita. Which I really like. Now, I need to rethink things again and thats not really a bad thing...:thumb:

 

The speed trigger is much better on the Flex then the Metabo. On the Metabo you have to take a new grip to adjust the speed. On the Flex you just use your thumb very easy to control.

Now I use a AEG 150, wich reminds me of the Flex, only a couple of ounces heavier, but cheaper.

dsms: What are the pads you are talking about?

 

The pads I have are 5.75 inch pre-polymer foam, basically they are the new 3M UK pads without the waffle pattern... but guess what they are manufactured in the US so they will be available soon. I have to put the pads through some cars to see how I like them:thumb:

 

Got the 3403 today from DD and went to testing in on my test panel. This is a awesome machine and I am very happy I decided to purchase one. The balance and weight is dead on, very easy on the forearms and shoulders when buffing, especially on vertical panels.

:applause:

 

+1 for having a Flex 3403 & Makita. You'll be very happy.