thinking of making the jump to a rotary

hello all,
i have been using a pc since about 2001 7336 now a 7424 for about the last year or so. anyway i am at the point where i can usually get 95% removal rates on most paints given time and technique. i have been doing more and more cars lately about 3 a week and i think it maybe time for a rotary. i have a large assortment of 5.5 pads already and would like to stay with that size. im ready to pull the trigger on The Flex PE 14-2 150. but is it really twice as good as the makita? im the type of person that likes to only buy things once and not feel the need to upgrade

 

I really like my PE14, it's a great buffer that you can't go wrong with.

Just be prepared to do alot of practicing before you want to use it on a car. Be sure to get some flexible backing plates because it's a night and day difference from ordinary plates in terms of ease of use. I'd recommend the 3m 09553 and the Gloss-It 3" flexible backing plate.

I've had this buffer for a few months and, while I feel more comfortable using it then day 1, I can tell you that I am still learning every time I pick it up. Before this I solely used a Flex XC3401 and the feel is completely different.

 

Both are quality tools. One thing to consider imo is the difference in weight. While I won't say the flex is twice as good since both tools will get the job done, but I do prefer a lighter tools (due to my size) and it does help to reduce fatigue in the long run especially when I am buffing 3 cars a week. Some would prefer a heavier tool though.

 

Check out these man they helped me out alot

[video=youtube;sYd6HnJKmz8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYd6HnJKmz8[/video]

As well as Daves video

[video=youtube;mRRbhDs3PQI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRRbhDs3PQI[/video]

And I literally read all of this, it is alot but defiantly something you should take the time to read.

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/images/misc/rotarypolishing.pdf

 

I have both the Makita 9227C and the Flex PE14-250, and used Makita for many years before the Flex Rotary was born.

As has been said, the Flex is lighter and that is nice, but sometimes you want the extra weight to help keep the Rotary more stable in certain conditions. The Makita will also spin faster than the Flex, so if you like to dry your pads at 3000, only the Makita can do this. The Flex only runs to 2100.

I have used the Flex Rotary for over a year now, and its very handy and a smaller footprint, and definitely lighter to me than the Makita.

As far as the ability to do awesome correction work, either Rotary will work for your needs.

You can always use the PC for the smaller pads, 3" - 4", in the smaller areas around front and rear bumpers,, etc., where a smaller machine is easier to maneuver, and the PC is always easier to use after correction work is done and you want to apply a Glaze or your LSP, etc..

Good luck with your research !
Dan F

 

thanks guys,,,i think im going with makita with the 5.5 3m flex bp, and am going to a flex at a later date and use the makita for spot pads. i like this setup as this is how i have my 7424 setup now and my 7336 setup for spot pads. may seem wasteful but i always know i will have a back up machine should one fail