Any recommendations for an orbital polisher?
04-11-10, 04:39 AM
#3
Dysfunctional Veteran
Flex, if money is no object. Meguiars 110 or PC7424 if you are on a budget. PC7424 if reliability is foremost on your mind.
With the Porter Cable 7424, Do not forget to do your maintenance. Like a car, without regular tune-ups, it will die prematurely.
With the Porter Cable 7424, Do not forget to do your maintenance. Like a car, without regular tune-ups, it will die prematurely.
04-11-10, 09:58 AM
#4
Here's an important FYI one of our techs, Jon, posted regarding flex vs. pc on another forum:
The Flex has a 7.5 amp motor, in comparison to the 4.5amp which the G110 and the Porter Cable. The working range of Oscillations Per Minute on the Porter Cable and the G110 is just as wide as the Flex, but lower. The G110 has a slowest speed of about 1800, the Porter Cable is 2500. Those are both slower than the Flex which has a slowest speed of 3200. That is a benefit for both of those machines if you are using it for wax application, where slower is definitely better. On the high end however, which is the speed that you require for removing more defects, the highest speed of the PC or the Meguiars is roughly 6800 or so, whereas the Flex goes all the way to 9600.
The Flex also has a forced rotation, which means that if you apply pressure to it, it will continue to rotate rather than just orbit, that aids in its corrective ability. The Meguiars unit has what they call "cruise control" which is probably the same thing, I haven't used it, but their product description says that it will continue to work even under applied pressure, so it could be similar.
The bottom line in comparison of simple numbers, is that the Flex is considerably more powerful than the other two. Its layout is also a little bit better. It has a trigger for a speed control, which is great. It is laid out a lot like a rotary, so it is really user friendly. The Porter Cable and the Meguiars both have a simple on or off switch with a speed control. So they are great for use with one hand, but for using two it is a little more difficult.
I would really judge them all on their ability to be a complete and functional tool. The Flex is easy to use, doesn't have a steep learning curve, and is extremely capable as a tool. Even doing our full paint correction details, we still heavily rely on the Flex because of its ability to due the job while severely minimizing the risk of damaging the paint surface. It corrects well, finishes great, and takes a lot of the stress and thought out of the polishing process. From the first time that I used it I thought that it was the best tool for the DIYer, and two years later, after countless hours using it, I can't possibly agree any more.
Here are some member responses:
Opinions on the Griots Random Orbital?
As for polishes and pads, we prefer the menzerna line and lake country pads. Menzerna SIP and Super Finish are basically industry standard for the professionals. The learning curve is small compared to 105/205. We've done hundreds of cars with the menzerna/lake country pad combo and all the results have been outstanding. I'd prefer to see you using that. Once you polish, you can go straight to glanz, by hand or by machine.
Let us know your thoughts.
)
04-11-10, 05:40 PM
#7
hmmmm....why would they say it sucks? I've used it before a few times and liked it much better than the older pc.
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04-28-10, 01:33 PM
#10
I'm looking to purchase an orbital buffer soon, primarily looking at the PC. I didn't know that you'd have to perform maintenance on it. What all does the process to maintain the PC exactly entail? Thanks!
04-28-10, 05:34 PM
#12
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The Porter Cable 7424XP, the Meguiars G110V2, the Flex XC3401 VRG, and Makita BO6040 polishers are just a few of the polishers in our inventory. We also have developed various kits using these polishers, along with Lake Country and Meguiars polishing/buffing pads.
The Porter Cable 7424XP Orbital Polisher is simply a wonderful machine. It doesn't matter if you're a first time user or a skilled enthusiast, this machine will give you professional-looking results the very first time you use it.
The 7424XP Polisher is easy to use and safe for all fiberglass, metal, paint and clear coat finishes. It will not create swirls and can not harm or remove paint or clear coats.
It will allow you to apply a polish and liquid wax or sealant in a fraction of the time it would take by hand and create an unbelievable shine.
There are now a number of Chinese-made polishers being imported to compete with the Porter Cable 7424XP. We have elected to stay with the time-tested, Porter Cable machine. The Porter Cable 7424XP is UL Approved, has a neutral balance, very little vibration for fatigue-free polishing and the adaptability of changing the counterweight to facilitate larger pads.
With tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of machines in use, the Porter Cable 7424XP has withstood the test of time and become a detailing icon.
The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a random orbital polisher that features a perfect 5/16th stroke. This physics of this powerful "stroke" cause the pad to rotate freely, creating a more perfect finish. Because the pad spins freely, and is not directly driven making this type of polisher extremely safe. And while enthusiast love this polisher for its safe power delivery, many professional detailers love it for its efficiency. It allows you to polish the paint to a high gloss, in less time, without fear of rotary buffer swirls!Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher
Features:
* Amps: 4.2
* OPMs: 1800 - 6800
* Thread Size: 5/16" x 24
* Weight: 5.5 lbs (without backing plate and handle)
* Noise: 55 dB
* Cord Length: 10.3 ft.
* Multi-position bail handle
* Soft-touch finish
* Meguiar's carry bag included
* Warranty: 1 year from Meguiar's
While torque, amp, and voltage readings seem to be mostly publicized figures today regarding orbital polishers, they far from tell the "truth". Meguiar’s G110 V2 was designed by professional car enthusiast for car enthusiast and no attention to detail was spared. The counter weight is placed close to the drive, for less vertical deflection and a smoother feel. The "cruise control" feature prevents the motor from bogging, and a more efficient design delivers more of the power to road. The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is the most efficient random orbital polisher we have tested. Like Porsche proved to the world, it’s not all about the numbers!
The power dial of the Meguiar’s G110 V2 is mounted at the rear of the polisher, next to the super long power cord. The power has been perfectly tuned to the dial; gone is the rapid jumps in speed that would occur between different speed settings. Speed 1 starts at 1800 Orbits Per Minute (OPM) and each higher number is 1000 OPM higher in speed, topping at 6800 OPM at speed 6.
The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is packaged in a beautiful stitched Meguiar’s bag equipped with a W68DA Softbuff 2.0 Flexible Soft Backing Plate, a bale handle, and a replacement set of maintenance brushes. The body is covered in synthetic soft-touch material that is a treat to hold and the housing is made of metal. Just holding the polisher lets you know it is built to a different standard. Turning it on and using on paint confirms the feel: The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a serious defect removing paint polisher, from a name you can trust in car care.
This Flex XC3401VRG is a true dual-action machine. There's a huge difference between the two. With the Porter Cable 7424, the pads do not rotate, they oscillate, or jiggle, in a random pattern designed to simulate hand application. The "throw" or amount of "jiggle" is not disclosed by Porter Cable but it is very, very small. With the Flex XC3401VRG, the pads do have a forced circular motion, they rotate or "cut". Plus, as the pads rotate, they oscillate, or move, in a random pattern. Hence the name, dual action. One action is the circular rotation and the second action is the random movement of the pad while it is rotating. This random oscillation also has a exceptionally "long throw" of 8 mm. The forced circular pad rotation coupled with the long throw of the oscillations give the Flex considerably more cutting power than the Porter Cable 7424. In fact, after spending an afternoon with this machine, I feel it will do 90% of what a pure circular polisher can do with the safety of the random oscillations to prevent swirls. A case of having your cake and eating it too!
The Flex XC3401VRG has a bale-style handle which puts your hands at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position which most professionals prefer. This gives you an even weight distribution between your hands, making the polisher less fatiguing when used for long periods. A six position speed control allows you to limit rpm's between 160 rpm and 480 rpm. Under the speed control, a variable speed trigger allows you to feather the oscillations per minute (OPM's) up to the maximum set by the speed dial. A very nice touch for keeping the rpm's low for applying waxes and sealants which you normally can not apply with a circular polisher.
Speed Control Note: Since the Flex XC3401VRG has a forced circular motion, every speed setting is slightly more powerful when compared to the Porter Cable 7424. If you are stepping up from a 7424, we recommend starting one speed setting lower than you would with the 7424. In other words, If you typically polish in a speed range of 3 to 4 with the 7424, start with a speed range of 2-3 with the Flex. You can always increase the speed if you need more cutting power.
Front, adjustable bale-style grip.
Thumb speed control with lower, finger-control, squeeze trigger.
This machine has a very solid "feel", like it could operate all day without stopping (which it probably does in some plants). It never feels strained or "near the edge". Feature wise, the Flex XC3401VGR is one of the most technologically advanced machines on the planet. It features a seven function microprocessor to insure consistent speed, restart protection after power interruption, overload protection and temperature monitoring. Auto shut-off carbon brushes automatically shut off the motor when they wear down to prevent motor damage. A 13 foot power cord allows you to work around most vehicles and the machine comes with a one year warranty through service centers across the US.
The machine comes with a 5-1/2 inch padded backing plat that is not changeable but will accommodate all of our 6-1/2 inch and 7-1/2 inch pads
So, if you need a polisher, we have the polisher for you.
The Porter Cable 7424XP Orbital Polisher is simply a wonderful machine. It doesn't matter if you're a first time user or a skilled enthusiast, this machine will give you professional-looking results the very first time you use it.
The 7424XP Polisher is easy to use and safe for all fiberglass, metal, paint and clear coat finishes. It will not create swirls and can not harm or remove paint or clear coats.
It will allow you to apply a polish and liquid wax or sealant in a fraction of the time it would take by hand and create an unbelievable shine.
There are now a number of Chinese-made polishers being imported to compete with the Porter Cable 7424XP. We have elected to stay with the time-tested, Porter Cable machine. The Porter Cable 7424XP is UL Approved, has a neutral balance, very little vibration for fatigue-free polishing and the adaptability of changing the counterweight to facilitate larger pads.
With tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of machines in use, the Porter Cable 7424XP has withstood the test of time and become a detailing icon.
The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a random orbital polisher that features a perfect 5/16th stroke. This physics of this powerful "stroke" cause the pad to rotate freely, creating a more perfect finish. Because the pad spins freely, and is not directly driven making this type of polisher extremely safe. And while enthusiast love this polisher for its safe power delivery, many professional detailers love it for its efficiency. It allows you to polish the paint to a high gloss, in less time, without fear of rotary buffer swirls!Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher
Features:
* Amps: 4.2
* OPMs: 1800 - 6800
* Thread Size: 5/16" x 24
* Weight: 5.5 lbs (without backing plate and handle)
* Noise: 55 dB
* Cord Length: 10.3 ft.
* Multi-position bail handle
* Soft-touch finish
* Meguiar's carry bag included
* Warranty: 1 year from Meguiar's
While torque, amp, and voltage readings seem to be mostly publicized figures today regarding orbital polishers, they far from tell the "truth". Meguiar’s G110 V2 was designed by professional car enthusiast for car enthusiast and no attention to detail was spared. The counter weight is placed close to the drive, for less vertical deflection and a smoother feel. The "cruise control" feature prevents the motor from bogging, and a more efficient design delivers more of the power to road. The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is the most efficient random orbital polisher we have tested. Like Porsche proved to the world, it’s not all about the numbers!
The power dial of the Meguiar’s G110 V2 is mounted at the rear of the polisher, next to the super long power cord. The power has been perfectly tuned to the dial; gone is the rapid jumps in speed that would occur between different speed settings. Speed 1 starts at 1800 Orbits Per Minute (OPM) and each higher number is 1000 OPM higher in speed, topping at 6800 OPM at speed 6.
The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is packaged in a beautiful stitched Meguiar’s bag equipped with a W68DA Softbuff 2.0 Flexible Soft Backing Plate, a bale handle, and a replacement set of maintenance brushes. The body is covered in synthetic soft-touch material that is a treat to hold and the housing is made of metal. Just holding the polisher lets you know it is built to a different standard. Turning it on and using on paint confirms the feel: The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a serious defect removing paint polisher, from a name you can trust in car care.
This Flex XC3401VRG is a true dual-action machine. There's a huge difference between the two. With the Porter Cable 7424, the pads do not rotate, they oscillate, or jiggle, in a random pattern designed to simulate hand application. The "throw" or amount of "jiggle" is not disclosed by Porter Cable but it is very, very small. With the Flex XC3401VRG, the pads do have a forced circular motion, they rotate or "cut". Plus, as the pads rotate, they oscillate, or move, in a random pattern. Hence the name, dual action. One action is the circular rotation and the second action is the random movement of the pad while it is rotating. This random oscillation also has a exceptionally "long throw" of 8 mm. The forced circular pad rotation coupled with the long throw of the oscillations give the Flex considerably more cutting power than the Porter Cable 7424. In fact, after spending an afternoon with this machine, I feel it will do 90% of what a pure circular polisher can do with the safety of the random oscillations to prevent swirls. A case of having your cake and eating it too!
The Flex XC3401VRG has a bale-style handle which puts your hands at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position which most professionals prefer. This gives you an even weight distribution between your hands, making the polisher less fatiguing when used for long periods. A six position speed control allows you to limit rpm's between 160 rpm and 480 rpm. Under the speed control, a variable speed trigger allows you to feather the oscillations per minute (OPM's) up to the maximum set by the speed dial. A very nice touch for keeping the rpm's low for applying waxes and sealants which you normally can not apply with a circular polisher.
Speed Control Note: Since the Flex XC3401VRG has a forced circular motion, every speed setting is slightly more powerful when compared to the Porter Cable 7424. If you are stepping up from a 7424, we recommend starting one speed setting lower than you would with the 7424. In other words, If you typically polish in a speed range of 3 to 4 with the 7424, start with a speed range of 2-3 with the Flex. You can always increase the speed if you need more cutting power.
Front, adjustable bale-style grip.
Thumb speed control with lower, finger-control, squeeze trigger.
This machine has a very solid "feel", like it could operate all day without stopping (which it probably does in some plants). It never feels strained or "near the edge". Feature wise, the Flex XC3401VGR is one of the most technologically advanced machines on the planet. It features a seven function microprocessor to insure consistent speed, restart protection after power interruption, overload protection and temperature monitoring. Auto shut-off carbon brushes automatically shut off the motor when they wear down to prevent motor damage. A 13 foot power cord allows you to work around most vehicles and the machine comes with a one year warranty through service centers across the US.
The machine comes with a 5-1/2 inch padded backing plat that is not changeable but will accommodate all of our 6-1/2 inch and 7-1/2 inch pads
So, if you need a polisher, we have the polisher for you.
04-29-10, 10:35 AM
#14
If you can swing the cost, get the Flex. If you are on a budget get the GG (Griot's). It is more powerful then the others (Except the Flex) and it has a lifetime guaranty.
Koz
Koz
04-29-10, 02:40 PM
#15
Lead Lap
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Join Date: Dec 2001
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Very well written.. Very useful information.. 
The Porter Cable 7424XP, the Meguiars G110V2, the Flex XC3401 VRG, and Makita BO6040 polishers are just a few of the polishers in our inventory. We also have developed various kits using these polishers, along with Lake Country and Meguiars polishing/buffing pads.
The Porter Cable 7424XP Orbital Polisher is simply a wonderful machine. It doesn't matter if you're a first time user or a skilled enthusiast, this machine will give you professional-looking results the very first time you use it.
The 7424XP Polisher is easy to use and safe for all fiberglass, metal, paint and clear coat finishes. It will not create swirls and can not harm or remove paint or clear coats.
It will allow you to apply a polish and liquid wax or sealant in a fraction of the time it would take by hand and create an unbelievable shine.
There are now a number of Chinese-made polishers being imported to compete with the Porter Cable 7424XP. We have elected to stay with the time-tested, Porter Cable machine. The Porter Cable 7424XP is UL Approved, has a neutral balance, very little vibration for fatigue-free polishing and the adaptability of changing the counterweight to facilitate larger pads.
With tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of machines in use, the Porter Cable 7424XP has withstood the test of time and become a detailing icon.
The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a random orbital polisher that features a perfect 5/16th stroke. This physics of this powerful "stroke" cause the pad to rotate freely, creating a more perfect finish. Because the pad spins freely, and is not directly driven making this type of polisher extremely safe. And while enthusiast love this polisher for its safe power delivery, many professional detailers love it for its efficiency. It allows you to polish the paint to a high gloss, in less time, without fear of rotary buffer swirls!Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher
Features:
* Amps: 4.2
* OPMs: 1800 - 6800
* Thread Size: 5/16" x 24
* Weight: 5.5 lbs (without backing plate and handle)
* Noise: 55 dB
* Cord Length: 10.3 ft.
* Multi-position bail handle
* Soft-touch finish
* Meguiar's carry bag included
* Warranty: 1 year from Meguiar's
While torque, amp, and voltage readings seem to be mostly publicized figures today regarding orbital polishers, they far from tell the "truth". Meguiar’s G110 V2 was designed by professional car enthusiast for car enthusiast and no attention to detail was spared. The counter weight is placed close to the drive, for less vertical deflection and a smoother feel. The "cruise control" feature prevents the motor from bogging, and a more efficient design delivers more of the power to road. The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is the most efficient random orbital polisher we have tested. Like Porsche proved to the world, it’s not all about the numbers!
The power dial of the Meguiar’s G110 V2 is mounted at the rear of the polisher, next to the super long power cord. The power has been perfectly tuned to the dial; gone is the rapid jumps in speed that would occur between different speed settings. Speed 1 starts at 1800 Orbits Per Minute (OPM) and each higher number is 1000 OPM higher in speed, topping at 6800 OPM at speed 6.
The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is packaged in a beautiful stitched Meguiar’s bag equipped with a W68DA Softbuff 2.0 Flexible Soft Backing Plate, a bale handle, and a replacement set of maintenance brushes. The body is covered in synthetic soft-touch material that is a treat to hold and the housing is made of metal. Just holding the polisher lets you know it is built to a different standard. Turning it on and using on paint confirms the feel: The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a serious defect removing paint polisher, from a name you can trust in car care.
This Flex XC3401VRG is a true dual-action machine. There's a huge difference between the two. With the Porter Cable 7424, the pads do not rotate, they oscillate, or jiggle, in a random pattern designed to simulate hand application. The "throw" or amount of "jiggle" is not disclosed by Porter Cable but it is very, very small. With the Flex XC3401VRG, the pads do have a forced circular motion, they rotate or "cut". Plus, as the pads rotate, they oscillate, or move, in a random pattern. Hence the name, dual action. One action is the circular rotation and the second action is the random movement of the pad while it is rotating. This random oscillation also has a exceptionally "long throw" of 8 mm. The forced circular pad rotation coupled with the long throw of the oscillations give the Flex considerably more cutting power than the Porter Cable 7424. In fact, after spending an afternoon with this machine, I feel it will do 90% of what a pure circular polisher can do with the safety of the random oscillations to prevent swirls. A case of having your cake and eating it too!
The Flex XC3401VRG has a bale-style handle which puts your hands at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position which most professionals prefer. This gives you an even weight distribution between your hands, making the polisher less fatiguing when used for long periods. A six position speed control allows you to limit rpm's between 160 rpm and 480 rpm. Under the speed control, a variable speed trigger allows you to feather the oscillations per minute (OPM's) up to the maximum set by the speed dial. A very nice touch for keeping the rpm's low for applying waxes and sealants which you normally can not apply with a circular polisher.
Speed Control Note: Since the Flex XC3401VRG has a forced circular motion, every speed setting is slightly more powerful when compared to the Porter Cable 7424. If you are stepping up from a 7424, we recommend starting one speed setting lower than you would with the 7424. In other words, If you typically polish in a speed range of 3 to 4 with the 7424, start with a speed range of 2-3 with the Flex. You can always increase the speed if you need more cutting power.
Front, adjustable bale-style grip.
Thumb speed control with lower, finger-control, squeeze trigger.
This machine has a very solid "feel", like it could operate all day without stopping (which it probably does in some plants). It never feels strained or "near the edge". Feature wise, the Flex XC3401VGR is one of the most technologically advanced machines on the planet. It features a seven function microprocessor to insure consistent speed, restart protection after power interruption, overload protection and temperature monitoring. Auto shut-off carbon brushes automatically shut off the motor when they wear down to prevent motor damage. A 13 foot power cord allows you to work around most vehicles and the machine comes with a one year warranty through service centers across the US.
The machine comes with a 5-1/2 inch padded backing plat that is not changeable but will accommodate all of our 6-1/2 inch and 7-1/2 inch pads
So, if you need a polisher, we have the polisher for you.
The Porter Cable 7424XP Orbital Polisher is simply a wonderful machine. It doesn't matter if you're a first time user or a skilled enthusiast, this machine will give you professional-looking results the very first time you use it.
The 7424XP Polisher is easy to use and safe for all fiberglass, metal, paint and clear coat finishes. It will not create swirls and can not harm or remove paint or clear coats.
It will allow you to apply a polish and liquid wax or sealant in a fraction of the time it would take by hand and create an unbelievable shine.
There are now a number of Chinese-made polishers being imported to compete with the Porter Cable 7424XP. We have elected to stay with the time-tested, Porter Cable machine. The Porter Cable 7424XP is UL Approved, has a neutral balance, very little vibration for fatigue-free polishing and the adaptability of changing the counterweight to facilitate larger pads.
With tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of machines in use, the Porter Cable 7424XP has withstood the test of time and become a detailing icon.
The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a random orbital polisher that features a perfect 5/16th stroke. This physics of this powerful "stroke" cause the pad to rotate freely, creating a more perfect finish. Because the pad spins freely, and is not directly driven making this type of polisher extremely safe. And while enthusiast love this polisher for its safe power delivery, many professional detailers love it for its efficiency. It allows you to polish the paint to a high gloss, in less time, without fear of rotary buffer swirls!Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher
Features:
* Amps: 4.2
* OPMs: 1800 - 6800
* Thread Size: 5/16" x 24
* Weight: 5.5 lbs (without backing plate and handle)
* Noise: 55 dB
* Cord Length: 10.3 ft.
* Multi-position bail handle
* Soft-touch finish
* Meguiar's carry bag included
* Warranty: 1 year from Meguiar's
While torque, amp, and voltage readings seem to be mostly publicized figures today regarding orbital polishers, they far from tell the "truth". Meguiar’s G110 V2 was designed by professional car enthusiast for car enthusiast and no attention to detail was spared. The counter weight is placed close to the drive, for less vertical deflection and a smoother feel. The "cruise control" feature prevents the motor from bogging, and a more efficient design delivers more of the power to road. The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is the most efficient random orbital polisher we have tested. Like Porsche proved to the world, it’s not all about the numbers!
The power dial of the Meguiar’s G110 V2 is mounted at the rear of the polisher, next to the super long power cord. The power has been perfectly tuned to the dial; gone is the rapid jumps in speed that would occur between different speed settings. Speed 1 starts at 1800 Orbits Per Minute (OPM) and each higher number is 1000 OPM higher in speed, topping at 6800 OPM at speed 6.
The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is packaged in a beautiful stitched Meguiar’s bag equipped with a W68DA Softbuff 2.0 Flexible Soft Backing Plate, a bale handle, and a replacement set of maintenance brushes. The body is covered in synthetic soft-touch material that is a treat to hold and the housing is made of metal. Just holding the polisher lets you know it is built to a different standard. Turning it on and using on paint confirms the feel: The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a serious defect removing paint polisher, from a name you can trust in car care.
This Flex XC3401VRG is a true dual-action machine. There's a huge difference between the two. With the Porter Cable 7424, the pads do not rotate, they oscillate, or jiggle, in a random pattern designed to simulate hand application. The "throw" or amount of "jiggle" is not disclosed by Porter Cable but it is very, very small. With the Flex XC3401VRG, the pads do have a forced circular motion, they rotate or "cut". Plus, as the pads rotate, they oscillate, or move, in a random pattern. Hence the name, dual action. One action is the circular rotation and the second action is the random movement of the pad while it is rotating. This random oscillation also has a exceptionally "long throw" of 8 mm. The forced circular pad rotation coupled with the long throw of the oscillations give the Flex considerably more cutting power than the Porter Cable 7424. In fact, after spending an afternoon with this machine, I feel it will do 90% of what a pure circular polisher can do with the safety of the random oscillations to prevent swirls. A case of having your cake and eating it too!
The Flex XC3401VRG has a bale-style handle which puts your hands at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position which most professionals prefer. This gives you an even weight distribution between your hands, making the polisher less fatiguing when used for long periods. A six position speed control allows you to limit rpm's between 160 rpm and 480 rpm. Under the speed control, a variable speed trigger allows you to feather the oscillations per minute (OPM's) up to the maximum set by the speed dial. A very nice touch for keeping the rpm's low for applying waxes and sealants which you normally can not apply with a circular polisher.
Speed Control Note: Since the Flex XC3401VRG has a forced circular motion, every speed setting is slightly more powerful when compared to the Porter Cable 7424. If you are stepping up from a 7424, we recommend starting one speed setting lower than you would with the 7424. In other words, If you typically polish in a speed range of 3 to 4 with the 7424, start with a speed range of 2-3 with the Flex. You can always increase the speed if you need more cutting power.
Front, adjustable bale-style grip.
Thumb speed control with lower, finger-control, squeeze trigger.
This machine has a very solid "feel", like it could operate all day without stopping (which it probably does in some plants). It never feels strained or "near the edge". Feature wise, the Flex XC3401VGR is one of the most technologically advanced machines on the planet. It features a seven function microprocessor to insure consistent speed, restart protection after power interruption, overload protection and temperature monitoring. Auto shut-off carbon brushes automatically shut off the motor when they wear down to prevent motor damage. A 13 foot power cord allows you to work around most vehicles and the machine comes with a one year warranty through service centers across the US.
The machine comes with a 5-1/2 inch padded backing plat that is not changeable but will accommodate all of our 6-1/2 inch and 7-1/2 inch pads
So, if you need a polisher, we have the polisher for you.