The Detailers Cafe
Detailing Products => Buffing/Polishing Machines => Topic started by: BigSur on September 24, 2012, 10:12:22 AM
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Okay guys....shoot. Might have to replace the G110. Flex or PC? Something else?
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If your choice is only one machine, then I would suggest a PC ..
The best answer is a PC and a Flex, but that can be cost prohibitive.
The reason I say PC and not Flex for a single machine is that the Flex does a lot of stuff very well, but it sucks for non corrective uses, like applying wax, sealants, cleaners and glazes where you just want a machine to spread stuff for you. A PC is much better for that.
The Flex is loud and heavy, and very difficult to use one handed, which limits its use. It is a great machine, and I use the hell out of it, but if I could only have one machine, excluding a rotary, it would be a PC.
The G110 is my personal choice, because I like the balance in my hand better than any of the others. The Griot's machine seems to have some more power, but I am not a fan. My opinion of the Griot's machine is not in line with most other people's opinions of it, but they all like it based on the power. I don't need my PC to be powerful, so the biggest selling piont of the Griot's doesn't matter to me like it seems to matter to everyone else.
If this is going to be your only machine, I could see some benefit to having a little extra power, which the Griot's provides.
What is wrong with the G110 ?
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Thanks Gip. Great information.
I was applying wax to the wife's highlander and somehow managed to step on the cord and simultaneously yank on it in the opposite directions with my hands. It was enough to actually break the hot wire inside the unit.
I actually tore it apart this weekend and have already fixed it, so I'm back in business. I like my G110 as well, but it's getting pretty beat up. With that said, I'd buy another in a heartbeat if I thought it was comparable with other market models. Your rievew helped me with that. Most likely I'll buy another and/or a PC when the time comes. The PC was my 2nd choice; didn't know anything about the flex really.
Thanks again!!!!
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I have three machines; a Porter-Cable 7424, a Flex 3401 and a DeWalt Rotary. Here?s my likes and dislikes for each
PC Likes: Lightweight, inexpensive to purchase, easy to handle (can be used with one hand), relatively small so it fits in tight places.
PC Dislikes: No correction power to speak of with foam pads, cost $80 to replace part of the main motor housing when the side handle stripped out.
Flex Likes: Reasonable correction power with foam pads, relatively lightweight, my go to machine.
Flex Dislikes: Can be a bit of a handful occasionally, don?t try one handing it, awfully expensive to buy.
DeWalt Likes: More correction power than you could ever need, has a nice hefty feel to it, reasonable purchase price (cheaper than the Flex).
DeWalt Dislikes: Can get you in trouble in a heartbeat if you?re not careful, maybe a bit too hefty.
Hope that helps.
Tom
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I've been using the same PC for like 7 years and I use it every single day, it has been a workhorse. I love the overall quality of the PC, one of these days I might break down and get a 7424XP lol.
For major correction I use a Hitachi rotary, I've been very happy with this as well, a lot lighter than most rotaries and I really like the trigger.
If you do decide to get a PC, I'm running a special on them right now! :cool:
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I have a PC 7424xp ( my 7424 liberated from the wood shop has seen better days so I replaced it ) a Flex and a Makita rotary.
I use the Flex for everything. Dirt easy for applying LSP on speed one, gets a nice thin coat and correction it works the best for me, quick and to the point. When I use the Opti MF pads, need to slow it down a bit number wise vs what the directions say to ( written for the G110v2 ). I have the LC pad adapter for it, so the flex can take 4" to 6.5" pads.
I only take out my PC anymore when I need to use a 3" pad on something, it has not had a backing plate other than the one for the 3" pads with the rotary to DA adapter on it.
My rotary only got used 1 time, else the primary function for it is cleaning pads on the Gritguard pad cleaner. when I got the Flex I found I did not really need it.
I had a G110 ( the 1st version, not the v2 ) and I was not impressed compared to my 72424 liberated from the wood shop. it might have had a faster no load spin, but orange pad and M-81 polishing it was not light years ahead of the old PC. I bought into the marketing material that is was more powerful. I gave it to my sister to apply LSP.
If you have a working machine now, don't bother replacing it but if you are in the market and can afford it go with the Flex. If you want to save a little bit and get a 2 for 1, go with a good variable speed rotary and the Dynabrade adapter on it. I almost went this route ( selectable button to switch between forced rotation DA and rotary function ). The Dynabrade adapter has the largest orbit arc out of them all at 0.75". The one I tried I did not push the forced rotation DA past 2.5K RPM setting, but I have seen where others have gone to the end of the dial without issue ( not sure what the conversion is for Rotary to Dynabrade motion ).
I just did a follow up polish on the G6 and a coat of Menz PL with it, and the F150 has gotten 3 coats of PL on it since SAT. I don't find single hand LSP application to be an issue with it, as well as follow up polishing. I would not try doing correction with it or single handing a MF pad, but black / blue / red foam no problem.
I have the Makita DA - forced rotation DA ( got this to replace the PC when I cleaned it out replaced the brushes and moved it to garage duty ). That is a monster, I would feel it after doing the truck with that tank, the flex is nowhere near that.
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Its a DOG PILE !!!!!
I have 2 Rotary's (used them both 2 times each) (Would love to sell my Dewalt...its basically brand new)
1 Flex
2 DA's (7424 and a new 7424XP)
I am a HUGE fan of the Flex, it has 98% of the umph I need for correction even with foam pads etc. All product lines work very well. I agree with Gip, its loud, I usually wear ear plugs...no chit. I can run it with one hand pending the product I am using and pad combo. No way I would run a flex with one hand with a PFW pad.
I use my Flex with mainly with Lake Pads...all sixes but not the 3" pads. I use my PC for that.
There isn't much I cannot correct with my Flex.
THAT ALL SAID. While I love all the products I use. Given the new Megs MF system and pads, they work like chit on the Flex...so that is why I picked up the 7424XP .
If you were going to get one machine....hard one to pick but at the price, hard to beat a 7424....but it would never hurt to have a Flex IF you are using Poorboys, Menzerna, Optimum and a whole host of other products.
If you are going to use the Megs MF system, a DA is what is designed for.
That is my .02 on it...spend it wisely (not my phrase, I stole it)
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http://www.harborfreight.com/7-inch-variable-speed-polisher-sander-92623.html with $29 coupon or 20% off and free item.
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Thanks a lot guys. That gives me a lot to consider before I pull the trigger. Gonna stick w/ my 110 for now but I'm leaning hard towards the 7424....might pick one up soon. I don't do enough correction work to justify the flex. Sounds like the PC is a good option.
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[url]http://www.harborfreight.com/7-inch-variable-speed-polisher-sander-92623.html[/url] with $29 coupon or 20% off and free item.
Remember that with Harbor Freight stuff, you pretty much get what you pay for. Virtually everything there was made in China and is of (at best) questionable quality. And the link is to a full rotary too. That's not a tool for just anybody to pick up and use successfully.
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we have pretty much stopped using the PC except for spot work with 4" pads .. the Flex is just a great investment that you won't regret, but if you are not doing a lot of correction and don't mind the vibration, the PC is a true and tested workhorse
we have both in stock PC $140 with a 6" backing plate Flex $330 with free carry bag..
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we have pretty much stopped using the PC except for spot work with 4" pads .. the Flex is just a great investment that you won't regret, but if you are not doing a lot of correction and don't mind the vibration, the PC is a true and tested workhorse
we have both in stock PC $140 with a 6" backing plate Flex $330 with free carry bag..
That is a good price for the Flex.....just saying.
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Remember that with Harbor Freight stuff, you pretty much get what you pay for. Virtually everything there was made in China and is of (at best) questionable quality. And the link is to a full rotary too. That's not a tool for just anybody to pick up and use successfully.
No doubt there. There's quite a few paint/body guys using them. Sometimes they do go bad and you might have to take it apart and look for a broken solder or replace the on/off switch with something that will work. If you're mechanically inclined it's good for the price. Best way to learn is to fail a few times. If you're practicing on a beater that mess up won't hurt very much.
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I recently purchase a Rupes Bigfoot LHR21ES Random Orbital Polisher 21MM.
I also purchased a 5" backing plate. Looking forward to getting some time on it.
Any feedback is welcomed.
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I recently purchase a Rupes Bigfoot LHR21ES Random Orbital Polisher 21MM.
I also purchased a 5" backing plate. Looking forward to getting some time on it.
Any feedback is welcomed.
Merlin
I got my Rupes 21 about a month ago and also have the 5 inch backing plate with it. Great machine, totally worth the extra money if you are going to be doing a lot of vehicles. It is still easier to use another polisher to get into tighter areas.
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So how does the Rupes compare to a Flex ?
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So how does the Rupes compare to a Flex ?
Doug
I think that Rupes blows the Flex out of the water. The Rupes is a lot smoother plus I think it corrects a lot better. I never did like how the Flex moved in the opposite direction, felt really weird to me.
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Never seen the Rupes before. Interesting.
I like that the Flex has options for 4" pads for tight areas. But I'm a dinosaur with my 7424 still.
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Never seen the Rupes before. Interesting.
I like that the Flex has options for 4" pads for tight areas. But I'm a dinosaur with my 7424 still.
Rupes is really popular on most of the detailing forums and Detailer Buddies on Facebook. The large stroke and power of the Rupes equals better correction and saves a ton of time. There are a lot of people (including me) that quit using their rotary polishers because you can correct in the same amount of time and you don't have to worry about the buffer trails, haze, etc... A big that I've noticed as I mentioned before is that the Rupes is so smooth and you don't get wore out as much as you do with other DA's or the Flex.
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Wow, I just looked up some prices on those bad boys. Looks like I'll be very happy with my PC 7424, Flex 3401 and DeWalt rotary for quite some time to come.
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Wow, I just looked up some prices on those bad boys. Looks like I'll be very happy with my PC 7424, Flex 3401 and DeWalt rotary for quite some time to come.
Yeah, unless you are doing a lot of buffing I wouldn't make the investment. If you are using a Rupes for a business, it is totally worth the investment because of the time savings and the results.
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So how does the Rupes compare to a Flex ?
Doug
I think that Rupes blows the Flex out of the water. The Rupes is a lot smoother plus I think it corrects a lot better. I never did like how the Flex moved in the opposite direction, felt really weird to me.
Thanks Justin .. I have been on the fence about one, between my Dewalt, Makita, two flexes G100 anf G110, I am not real sure I need another machine but it sounds like it may be worthwhile to give it a try.
The opposite direction of the flex never bothered me. I don't even notice it these days. All I notice is how loud and heavy it is.
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ok, with what I've read in this post, I think I've narrowed my search.
I'm leaning towards; the Rupe, flex, PC, 7424, or a Dewalt.
Now let me remind you that this will be my first machine, and well, this will be my first time trying to do any paint correction.
Wish me luck. :dunno:
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I like my flex and use it most. The PC 7424XP its a nice unit and great for smaller spaces with smaller backing plates and pads. I don't have any experience with the Rupes. I'd steer clear of a full blown rotary like the dealt until you get some time under your belt. That said I do own the makita rotary but don't use it much.
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If you are willing to make the investment, and just want 1 machine, go with the Flex or Rupe ( from what Justin posted ).
This is from a PC7424 & 7424xp, Flex and Megs G100 owner.
I got a makita rotary but after getting some time & experience on the Flex, I only use that for cleaning pads in the grit guard pad washer. I have never put it on actual paint ( boneyard hood does not count in my book ).
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For a hobbyist, a Rupes or a Flex is all you will ever need. Even a G110 would be enough.
The benefit I find on a G110 over a Flex is it is mush lighter and easier to use to apply LSP's.
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Thanks for the feedback guys, I can't wait to get the machine and using it, the results will hopefully be what I expect.
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Where in Oklahoma are you?
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Where in Oklahoma are you?
Ponca City, are you close?
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Where in Oklahoma are you?
Ponca City, are you close?
I live down in NW Houston, but I am from Edmond and all of my family is still there. I make several trips up every year during the summer and to Stillwater for games in the fall.
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Where in Oklahoma are you?
Ponca City, are you close?
I live down in NW Houston, but I am from Edmond and all of my family is still there. I make several trips up every year during the summer and to Stillwater for games in the fall.
That's strange, I was suppose to be in Kema this weekend but, I didn't get off.
I lived in Jersy village off 1960, then move to Sugarland and eventually Kema. Well, if your ever up this way, let me know, I'll buy ya lunch in return for any tips, or good advice.
Cheers.
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I'm definitely on the amateur side of this group and just have my 7424XP now. I have a Makita and ended up selling it. My PC does me just fine, with the new MF pads that are out, you can do a fair amount of correcting. If I were to invest in another machine, it would be the Flex or Rupes. I would have be doing more than just my own vehicles though.
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I have a Makita and the PC7424 I use the Makita more when I actually do detail something but it's just my preference. I may try the Meg's MF kit on my PC this summer if I can quit feeding my shooting long enough to spend the money on something else.
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I am so late to this thread but I have the following:
2X 7424's
1 Flex
1 Makita
1 Dewalt. (For sale)
(Pardon the drive by post, I know others really have this covered with much more detail, I am in the middle of a few fires so I am just doing what I hate to do, drive by post so disregard if I am not off topic for not following the thread properly)
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I have a Flex, a Porter-Cable 7424 and a DeWalt rotary. I love the 7424 for it's small size and light weight, but it doesn't have much power. I love the power of the DeWalt, but handle that thing for a few hours and you're whipped. So my Flex is my go to machine.