Why is the Flex 3401 considered so powerful?

[WRAPT C5Z06]

It only spins at 4800 MAX OPM. Even if you can't make the pad stop spinning, 4800 MAX OPM isn't very impressive. While some of you may want to post the Flex spins at 9600 MAX OPM, it's simply not true. This has been verified independently several times. So, why is the 3401 considered a "beast" of random orbital machines? :)

[Rsurfer]

Because it's a forced rotation like a rotary. It is gear driven and not by centrifugal force like a da.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Because it's a forced rotation like a rotary. It is gear driven and not by centrifugal force like a da.
If compared to a rotary as far as forced rotation, the 3401 spins at a MAX 480 RPM's, that's one WEAK rotary...haha. :) I see what your saying, but it sure doesn't spin very fast, generally speaking. If the 3401 had a MAX OPM of 6800 and forced rotation, I could see where it would be considered a beast!

[AV8R]

If compared to a rotary as far as forced rotation, the 3401 spins at a MAX 480 RPM's, that's one WEAK rotary...haha. :) I see what your saying, but it sure doesn't spin very fast, generally speaking. If the 3401 had a MAX OPM of 6800 and forced rotation, I could see where it would be considered a beast!

I think it's simply a transition machine. It's not a rotary, yet it has some of a rotary's traits...it's not a DA, yet it has some of a DA's traits.

Probably one of these things that will be debated forever...like "Which oil do I use in my BMW?"

Im the MAN

[WRAPT C5Z06]

So, even though the 3401 spins at a lowly 4800 MAX OPM, it's still very capable. I guess the forced rotation aspect makes a huge difference in terms of correcting power, rather than MAX OPM. Would this be accurate?

[Harleyguy]

What it lacks in speed as far as opm it makes up for it in the way they have the gearing for the backing plate.It doesn't bog down at all and the power range is very consistent.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

What it lacks in speed as far as opm it makes up for it in the way they have the gearing for the backing plate.It doesn't bog down at all and the power range is very consistent.
I think this is the same thing that Rsurfer said, but more specific. Completely answers my question. Thank you. :props:

[Dubbin1]

Why is the Flex 3401 considered so powerful?


Just because :)

[WRAPT C5Z06]

There's the Festool Rotex 150 that spins at 660 MAX RPM's in forced rotation mode!! That's almost 200 MAX RPM's faster than the 3401. That's pretty awesome!! :buffing:

[Dubbin1]

There's the Festool Rotex 150 that spins at 660 MAX RPM's in forced rotation mode!! That's almost 200 MAX RPM's faster than the 3401. That's pretty awesome!! :buffing:

I also think there is a pretty big price difference too.

[Harleyguy]

I think this is the same thing that Rsurfer said, but more specific. Completely answers my question. Thank you. :props:Anytime Mark :xyxthumbs:

[CEE DOG]

Mark, I think more then anything the Flex is considered a very well crafted machine. With features, control locations, extremely smooth operation, and forced rotation that all come together just right. For me it was the right choice. If I recall correctly you stopped using yours after a few trys because you said it was too powerfull. I hadn't heard "beast" but more so a finely crafted machine that offers fast and consistent correction and finishing in a machine that is a pleasure to use.

[detailjohn]

I also think there is a pretty big price difference too.

There's a big price difference between the Flex and the PC. The Flex however is a useful tool, while the PC makes a fantastic paper weight.

John

[Rsurfer]

There's a big price difference between the Flex and the PC. The Flex however is a useful tool, while the PC makes a fantastic paper weight.

JohnNow your starting trouble. Wait to OC detailing reads your post.

[Rsurfer]

Mark, I think more then anything the Flex is considered a very well crafted machine. With features, control locations, extremely smooth operation, and forced rotation that all come together just right. For me it was the right choice. If I recall correctly you stopped using yours after a few trys because you said it was too powerfull. I hadn't heard "beast" but more so a finely crafted machine that offers fast and consistent correction and finishing in a machine that is a pleasure to use.
:iagree:But I still don't like the plastic gears in the plate. It's like buying a pressure washer with plastic fittings instead of brass or stainless steel.