Auto Geek Online Car Detailing and Car Care Products Discussion Forum. Learn tips and tricks on how to polish, car wax, remove swirls and more.

SubyDude81 · #1 09-27-2008, 05:17 PM

I'm in the middle of starting a detail business and have already gathered alot of info, and actual experience with my PC7424 but looking to step up to possibly Flex 3401 but would this be a mistake for a detailer? I mean does not having a rotary make it a bad thing? I read a lot about possible damage to paint with the rotary because it is a stronger machine but can I get the same results with the Flex 3401? Moneys not really a problem here so any option for machine is ok but I just sort of took my PC as far as it will go and if I can cut the amount of time it takes to polish a vehicle I would be looking at a better business.

Rsurfer · #2 09-27-2008, 05:49 PM

You can't beat a rotary for speed and correction, however there is some skill involved. Practice on a junk hood to get proficient.

killrwheels@autogeek · #3 09-27-2008, 06:50 PM

since getting the Flex, I dont even revisit with the Hitachi rotary. Cars are in very nice condition however, might need rotary for a beater.

Junebug · #4 09-28-2008, 07:36 PM

Killr - I used to detail beaters for a used (abused) car dealer. I tried doing the multi-step details and getting the paint as close to perfect as possible. Guess what? 1. Mr. Dealer didn't want to pay for my time and 2. It's a waste to try to perfect a turd. When I get the occasional, car that gets a yearly wash, I wash, clay and hit it with Megs 151 - and that is fine by PC, flex, cyclo..

Rsurfer · #5 09-28-2008, 08:17 PM

If you are going to do this for a living, get a rotary. The pc can be used for light polishing and waxing. IMO the perfect combo would be a flex and a rotary. Use the flex for med and light polishing and the rotary for compounding.

SubyDude81 · #6 09-28-2008, 08:36 PM

All these info has got my mind thinking alot......

ASPHALT ROCKET · #7 09-28-2008, 08:52 PM

I would get a rotary, it does everything. Plus you will not have to worry if you have a trouble car to do. The only reason I have a pc is just to use a paint cleaner otherwise everything else is done with a rotary, plus they are not that hard to use. Its like anything else that is new to you, alittle practice and go from there.

SubyDude81 · #8 09-28-2008, 09:24 PM

Would it be worth it to get the Flex and get a rotary as well? I mean i have the PC but I want to try and open a shop and I guess having the Flex and Rotary would be worth both having so I can use the Flex most of the time and use the Rotary on older and rougher finishes.

Rsurfer · #9 09-28-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubyDude81

Would it be worth it to get the Flex and get a rotary as well? I mean i have the PC but I want to try and open a shop and I guess having the Flex and Rotary would be worth both having so I can use the Flex most of the time and use the Rotary on older and rougher finishes.

It will also serve as a back up in case one fails.

ASPHALT ROCKET · #10 09-28-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubyDude81

Would it be worth it to get the Flex and get a rotary as well? I mean i have the PC but I want to try and open a shop and I guess having the Flex and Rotary would be worth both having so I can use the Flex most of the time and use the Rotary on older and rougher finishes.

I don't see the need for the flex if you are going to get a Rotary and you have a pc. The rotary just isn't for rough paint. The rotary generates more heat and therefore it breaks the polish down better which in turn will give you a better finish.