Would you recommend a Flex 3403 to a beginner?

[c280jrrt]

Help Guys,

I currently have the 7424. I am thinking of stepping out to a rotary. I'm quite interested in the Flec 3403.
The 3401 is quite out of my budget right now.
Would you guys say it's "safe' to learn the use of a rotary with the 3403? My other choice is a Makita, but the weight of the 3403 seems to work in my favor.
Though I wont be doing major paint correction, will the 3403 yield a shorter polish time?
Thanks for your inputs.

[POPPAJ]

I went to a rotary just to speed up the time it takes to do a polish. I started out with a cheap HF and then picked up a Makita and my latest is a Metabo. With 8" wool pads I have cut my time by at least 30%. I rarely use my FLEX or PC anymore as I have been lucky enough to avoid swirls or holograms with the rotary. I've never tried a FLEX rotary but, I am satisfied with the Makita and Metabo, I prefer the Makita. Keep in mind that with the decrease in time for polishing that the weight of the machine becomes less of a factor. Happy Detailing!!!!!

[njcarting1]

I would say if you feel like the extra time is your biggest factor sure why not. I learned on a rotary but use the p/c the most. Sure it takes longer but that's not the most important thing for me. I feel like the next step up is a Flex, for my work around here. The added power of the flex is what I am after and with that said the time of completing a job will also increase.

You can surely do great work with both, but my few cars I do around here will be with a p/c or flex...

Sometimes you are better off getting the tool that costs extra, even if you gotta wait an extra month or two.

[c280jrrt]

Hi there!
Thanks for your input.
I checked the specs of the 7424 vs the Makita 9227, there's like, 0.85 lb difference. Maybe that's acceptable for me to try.
Plus, the fact that Makita goes down to 600 rpms, as opposed to the 3403 starting at 1100 rpms.
How did you find the change from PC to a rotary?
Did it take you a while to adjust?

[c280jrrt]

Originally Posted by njcarting1

I would say if you feel like the extra time is your biggest factor sure why not. I learned on a rotary but use the p/c the most. Sure it takes longer but that's not the most important thing for me. I feel like the next step up is a Flex, for my work around here. The added power of the flex is what I am after and with that said the time of completing a job will also increase.

You can surely do great work with both, but my few cars I do around here will be with a p/c or flex...

Sometimes you are better off getting the tool that costs extra, even if you gotta wait an extra month or two.

Thanks NJ,
That's where I'm 'torn'.
I have daily drivers, and only detail my 2 cars.
Maybe the rotary is not for me?
Well, while I dwell on this thought, I'd better start saving up.
Thanks again.

[njcarting1]

Originally Posted by c280jrrt

Thanks NJ,
That's where I'm 'torn'.
I have daily drivers, and only detail my 2 cars.
Maybe the rotary is not for me?
Well, while I dwell on this thought, I'd better start saving up.
Thanks again.

Please don't get me wrong the rotary is a good choice, but I would say I make better use of my P/C. I do wish I had spent the extra few bucks and purchased the flex. At the time the P/C was widely used and a big hit here. I only do 6 cars and and occasional 2-3 others per year. If I was running a busy shop I would make other decisions in my power units.

You will never go wrong with a p/c and the flex they all say is the Rolls Royce of the two. I will add a flex in here shortly and my orbital still sits alone on the shelf...

[c280jrrt]

Thanks NJ.

I, too may just wait for the Flex.
Maybe these coming months, some good deals may come out.

[black bart]

Rotary are great I bought one from HF on sale for $29.95 after using it the cost to repair the paint was only $1600.00 yep I love a rotary

[mix300]

I have the Flex, PC and a Rotary..... Lately I tend to just go to the Flex. Does nice work. Bad finishes get the Rotary

[c280jrrt]

Originally Posted by black bart

Rotary are great I bought one from HF on sale for $29.95 after using it the cost to repair the paint was only $1600.00 yep I love a rotary

Point taken

[c280jrrt]

Thanks Guys

I think you've helped me decide.
I may just have to wait and save up for a Flex.