FLEX XC 3401 dual action or step up to a rotary?

[flyinion]

So I've noticed in recent corrections that my old non-xp probably about 10-11 yr. old PC 7424 really has a lot of trouble staying rotating when I'm doing anything other than just applying LSP. I.e. any kind of mild curves and it will stop rotating and just vibrate (using low profile 5.5 LC pads both flat and CCS).

I'm thinking of keeping the 7424 for LSP use or whatever and stepping up to something more powerful for correction/polishing. I know the 3401 would be a great choice, but I know a rotary (which I have no experience with and am currently scared of ) would be the ultimate upgrade. Anyone have some tips or input on how I should go about figuring out what to do?

[tw33k2514]

If it was me I'd get a rotary. But that could have a lot to do with the price of a 3401...

[Nick McKees37]

A Corvette ZR1 may be the ultimate upgrade from an 1994 Cavalier with a 3-speed slush box, but that doesn't mean the driver is ready to handle the 6-speed RWD Vette just yet. :dblthumb2:

The XC3401 is a very capable machine and unless you plan on adding more services than what you currently offer, the 3401 is the tool to go with.

[Marc08EX]

Have you tried changing out the brushes on your old 7424?

[flyinion]

Have you tried changing out the brushes on your old 7424?

Actually no. I didn't even think to see if they were replaceable.

[flyinion]

A Corvette ZR1 may be the ultimate upgrade from an 1994 Cavalier with a 3-speed slush box, but that doesn't mean the driver is ready to handle the 6-speed RWD Vette just yet. :dblthumb2:

The XC3401 is a very capable machine and unless you plan on adding more services than what you currently offer, the 3401 is the tool to go with.

Well, I've been debating for a while about getting a rotary and learning, but then of course I found out about the 3401. I currently just detail my Jeep, my gf's car, and the occasional vehicle for a friend or family member. That doesn't mean I might not start doing more later on though and since all these tools can last a long time I figure I might as well think of it as an investment and get the best choice :D

I think if I went rotary I would end up with the 3403 due to its lighter weight. Although it seems like the PE14 might be the better choice for learning. This is only a wild guess on my part though as the 3403 has an 1100-3700 RPM range while the full size PE14 is 600-2100. The 3403 would be lighter than my old 7424 PC, but the PE14 would be the same weight I believe.

[zoiman]

If you can go with the PE14. IT isn't really much heavier feeling than the 3403. It is quieter and you can put your hand over the end without getting hot and not use a bail. It has much better cooling and can run a low rpm-which is at the low end of the 3403. It will not get hot as the 3403 and can push a 7-8" pad which is not recommended for the 3403.

[flyinion]

If you can go with the PE14. IT isn't really much heavier feeling than the 3403. It is quieter and you can put your hand over the end without getting hot and not use a bail. It has much better cooling and can run a low rpm-which is at the low end of the 3403. It will not get hot as the 3403 and can push a 7-8" pad which is not recommended for the 3403.

Yeah I'm trying to stay a little lower in the $$$ range. I'm thinking of going with one of the Dewalts if I do a rotary. The DWP849X because it has the dual RPM ranges (and is much lower speed than the Flex) and it's not much heavier than my PC either. DeWalt DWP849X 7”/9” Variable Speed Rotary Polisher, rotary buffer, circular polisher, car polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/dewalt-dwp849x-polisher.html) My PC is 5.75lbs according to their website, the DeWalt is 6.5

[WRAPT C5Z06]

3401

[R/TED]

3401


+1

[Danube]

You can look at the 3401 as a 'mini' rotary as it has 480 rpm's
of forced rotation .. and no bogging like a DA polisher.

[MaxWax]

I was in the same boat as you. I had a PC and wasn't sure whether to upgrade to a rotary or a 3401. I went with a Flex PE14 rotary buffer, of course at first it was a little nerve racking but now that I'm used to it I can't imagine using anything else for corrections.

[alko]

I say go for the Flex PE-14. I was having the same debate as you with the 3401 and the PE-14 when the big sale was on. The reason why I went with the PE-14 is because I knew eventually I'd move up to the rotary. I already had the PCXP and will continue to use that for smaller areas and bumpers. Granted...I haven't used mine just yet *glancing at the rental car outside* ;) BUT...I will soon.

Wait...hold on...why not go for the club kit?!:

Club FLEX Intro Kit, Flex polishers (http://www.autogeek.net/club-flex-polisher-kit.html)

[5.4 Shelby]

Just ordered the Dewalt 849x. Should be here tomorrow. Gonna do some wetsanding and then correcting with it this weekend. I have the 3401,but felt it was time to go rotary. I just couldnt justify the price of the PE14 right now.

[Kaban]

That's a tough call... the XC3401 is definitely alot easier to use and learn. You won't need to learn anything really since you already used a DA.

If you can learn to use a rotary properly, the PE14 is a hell of alot smoother and more pleasant machine than the 3401.

I got both and really can't complain with either though. Some paints, the XC3401 all the way especially on soft paint.