Don't fear the rotary!

[truckbutt]

I just tried out my new Flex PE-14-2 150 on my 1998 Explorer. I picked it up with the 10% off sale. I had never used a rotary before. My experience has been with the Flex XC3401vrg and the Megs. I read what I could find on the web about using a rotary and gave it a shot. The Flex is well balanced and smooth. It was easy to use. I think it's easier to use then the DA. I used M105, M205, and BFWD. The pads were Megs Polishing and LC 6.5 inch. The most aggressive pad I used was a polishing just to be safe my first time out. The backing plate was the Meguiars Solo W66.
Here are some pictures:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/IMG_0106thb.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/IMG_0107thb.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/IMG_0108thb.JPG

Best Regards,
Scott

[SonOfOC]

Truck looks good! I love my Flexs too!:dblthumb2:

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

Fear? No

Respect? Yes

[truckbutt]

Fear? No

Respect? Yes
:iagree:

[HotRodJoe]

Considering what a typical '98 Explorer paint looks like, that looks fantastic!

[VR8]

Fear? No

Respect? Yes

:iagree:

Double that!

Where your first time usage with the rotary may have been uneventful (no damage), always remember, the chances of damage or a swirled finish are increased dramatically. Hence the "Respect".

Truck looks great!

[dlt21]

How much time did you spend on the car with the Rotary. How did it compare time wise to 3401?

[BobbyG]

Back in my day the only machine we had to work with was the rotary. It is not inherently evil, it's merely different in its design and operation than its dual action counterpart.

I found myself using my rotary less and less because of adding the Flex 3401 to my arsenal. While the Flex 3401 is an amazing machine I picked up my rotary again and man what was I thinking!!

My rotaries cut the correction time by 50%. I can finish with a rotary, I did for years, or grab the Flex 3401 with a gray pad and add the finishing touches....:props:

Machine of yesteryear....circa 1968

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Detailing/Machine_01.jpg

Machines of today...

Left to right


Porter Cable 7424
Makita 99227
Flex 3401
Flex PE14-2-150


http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Detailing/Collection_RD18.jpg

[Old Tiger]

Machines look great in that picture Bob!

[Wendell Jarvis]

Fear? No

Respect? Yes

My exact thought.....Better Respect it, and never get too confident and certainly beware of bumpers and plactic moldings.....I have been using a Rotary for years and I still take my time and always alert when using it !!

[truckbutt]

How much time did you spend on the car with the Rotary. How did it compare time wise to 3401?
Correction was much quicker and required less effort IMHO with the rotary. I think that I didn't run into trouble with the rotary because I usually have to force myself to slow my passes down rather then to keep moving, so less chance of burning the clearcoat.

[dlt21]

How do you find the new Flex Rotary vs the 3401 in ability to handle. I have the 3401 and a chicago Harbor Freight sales rotary which to me is very difficult to control,though it may be my inexperience with a rotary is the problem

[BobbyG]

All rotaries are designed with one thing in common; the pad rotates.

Rotating mass combined with friction give the rotary machines completely different handling characteristics. Knowing this, the operator must constantly counteract these forces to maintain control allowing the machine to perform it's task.

Most of today's rotaries are variable speed for different application. Depending on the design and engineering that went into the machine makes all the difference in the world regarding balance, durability, weight, and ergonomics.

The Flex PE14-2-150 is a perfect example of engineering and manufacture. This is quite a machine and in my opinion no Harbor Freight unit can come close to compare...

[TimmyG]

Correction was much quicker and required less effort IMHO with the rotary. I think that I didn't run into trouble with the rotary because I usually have to force myself to slow my passes down rather then to keep moving, so less chance of burning the clearcoat.

Did you use the rotary for the entire paint correction process? I own the PC7424 and will be looking to step up to a FLEX soon.

[richy]

Fear? No

Respect? Yes

Well put! That tool with wool and a heavy compound will correct deeply and quickly.