I guess the flex rob is kind another step towards a rotary machine but I still think it's pretty tough to do damage with. I think a beginner could get started with both.
I graduated from the Porter Cable to the Flex XC3401VRG. The Flex is a MUCH nicer machine and does all the work in less time. It is more expensive but I'm quite happy with it.
Watch this video and see for yourself...
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfwbVzsphzs[/media]
There is no question that the Flex is a more powerful machine when compared to a PC. However, that video does not address the danger of the Flex. For a novice, safe is the key, not powerful. Just as you don't learn how to race on a alcohol fuel dragster, you don't learn how to buff with a polisher that can quickly get out of control.
I bought the Griots machine and there polish. It is unreal what you can accomplish with a machine. Im not ready for the full rotary, but the orbital is awesome for me. Made the car look fantastic.
I never said that Flex was for the novice detailer. In fact, I clearly stated that I graduated from one to another. I also own the Dewalt DW849 circular polisher and I wouldn't put that in the hands of a novice either! The Porter Cable is a good beginning polisher for anyone and still yields great results.
I totally disagree. It can be very easy to do damage with the Flex, especially since it has forced rotation that CANNOT be bogged down. To suggest that a total novice take on a machine like this with no training is just irresponsible.
I would love to see anyone who thinks that a Flex for a novice is a good idea to volunteer their Viper for that novice to practice on.
There is no question that the Flex is a more powerful machine when compared to a PC. However, that video does not address the danger of the Flex. For a novice, safe is the key, not powerful. Just as you don't learn how to race on a alcohol fuel dragster, you don't learn how to buff with a polisher that can quickly get out of control.
Junkman,
In watching that video, it appears that substantial paint correction was needed. My question to you is this, were they using the right pad for the job? Video listed a "polishing" pad in the specs...shouldn't something a little more aggressive been used with the PC? I'm not familiar with the white pads and their aggressiveness that were shown in the video.
Let me know your thoughts.
Cheers,
George
George,
Check out this website and you can learn a lot about pads/polishes/compounds and how to remove swirl marks, etc...
Pads Compared & Explained w/Printable Charts
The white pads are general polishing pad with a little cutting power. I use yellow and/or orange pads to get out heavy swirls. You also have to determine which polish you are going to use. You always use the least aggressive pad/polish to get the job done.
I'm a Menzerna and 3M user. I've had excellent results with their products.
All pad manufactures don't follow that chart so it is only good for the manufacturers that are listed on it.
I graduated from the Porter Cable to the Flex XC3401VRG. The Flex is a MUCH nicer machine and does all the work in less time. It is more expensive but I'm quite happy with it.
Watch this video and see for yourself...
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfwbVzsphzs[/media]