Review: FLEX XFE 7-12 80 aka The FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher

[B5visser]

Wow Mike!

As always, I appreciate the attention to detail in your write ups!

Im curious to see how this machine compares to the Rupes 75e as it looks to be a direct competitor with a slightly lower price tag!

[Mike Phillips]

Wow Mike!

As always, I appreciate the attention to detail in your write ups!

Thank you. I appreciate your appreciation.

Im curious to see how this machine compares to the Rupes 75e as it looks to be a direct competitor with a slightly lower price tag!

The OPM range is dramatically different and I have to give the edge to FLEX.

LHR75E or RUPES Mini 12 is = 4,000 OPM

FLEX 3" Mini = 1,800 OPM

You have a much lower pad oscillation range with the FLEX. This makes it easier to spread products out because you can start out at a slow speed and then bring the speed up as you need (or want). With the RUPES Mini 12 you start out at high speed.

Not a deal breaker for some but a distinct difference.

The lower OPM allows you to machine sand also. Most people don't need to be doing any type of machine sanding with any tool if they don't know what they're getting into but with the lower OPM the option is available. At 4000 OPM I'd say it's a tick on the too fast side to work safely.

I haven't tried using a 4" Nanoskin pad on the FLEX 3" Mini but I'm confident it's possible due to the lower OPM. With the RUPES Mini 12 it spits out a lot of lube due to the higher lowest OPM.

[fly07sti]

Great info Mike, thank you. Now I have to get one. Only gripe is,I wish the switch was on top and not on the side like the Kompakt.

[BJackson8]

Thanks for the detailed review. Ordered mine this morning, with the 15% discount it come out to the same price as the Rupes.

I'm replacing an ancient PC 7336 that I currently use with small pads, how would you compare the Flex with a PC in regards to noise and smoothness of operation?

[Kamakaz1961]

As always Fantastic review and I agree just call it the Flex 3" mini-polisher!

[JustJesus]

Very neat! It can be the younger brother to my PE-8

[Mike Phillips]

how would you compare the Flex with a PC in regards to noise and smoothness of operation?

DRAMATICALLY smoother and quitter.

Note the capital letters in the first word.

[RPM_BR]

Thanks a lot for the in-depth review, Mike.

Alan La Bergere is a great guy!

[Aaryn NZ]

And that folks, is how to post a review.

Awesome review Mike, I believe you have covered pretty much all possible situations we will use this little soldier. I know I don't "need" one but after reading this I know I really want one. I cannot speak highly enough of Flex tools & their quality & this one I am sure will follow suit.

Only problem I can think of is - whether or not we will see these all the way down here in New Zealand. Easy as a phone call to the distributor you say? Nope, we live in bubbles down here - last time I contacted the distributor I got "34 0 . . . what?"

Mike, this Flex 3 looks smaller in hand in comparison to the RUPES, a little slimmer?

Superb write up, thoroughly enjoyable & thoroughly tried & tested, Bravo.

Aaryn NZ.

[DaveT435]

I was waiting for the 15% off. Mine is on the way. I'll see if I like that or my Rupes mini better. Keep whichever I like best sell the other.