Advise on machine for 3" pads

**danh52** · 07-15-2016, 12:16 PM

I have a Flex 3401 on the way and would like to be able to use 3" pads for small/tight areas. What would be the best compliment machine to the flex that I could use 3" pads on? Should I go with a Griots 3" DA or something in the PC size? Keeping in mind I have a Makita rotary and the 3401 for the big areas.

**Kamakaz1961** · 07-15-2016, 12:31 PM

I would go with a PC7424XP or the GG6". The GG3" is a waste...IMO My experience with it is that it had no power was extremely loud (louder than the Flex 3401) an ran very hot. I donated it to an AGO person. I have converted my PC7424XP to a 1" to 4" DA and it is awesome. The PC will run stronger with the smaller pads. If it were me....go with the PC7424XP OR the Griot Garage 6". There is a plethora amount of adapters and pads that work with both in the 1" to 4" category.

**Eric@CherryOnTop** · 07-15-2016, 12:58 PM

I agree with Kamikaz... The Porter Cable is more powerful and only a few bucks more. You can get 3" and 5" backing plates for it. Lake Country just came out with new low pro pads in 3" so those will help greatly. The only advantage to the 3" Griots is how small and light it is.

**briarpatch** · 07-15-2016, 02:14 PM

I'd buy the PC, and use it as a dedicated 3" machine. It can easily serve as the backup to your Flex. I have a GG6, and while I love the machine, the PC is a less expensive option. Griots also told me you can not put a 3" backing plate on the GG6....maybe they were just trying to get me to buy a 3", I don't know.

**BudgetPlan1** · 07-15-2016, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by briarpatch

I'd buy the PC, and use it as a dedicated 3" machine. It can easily serve as the backup to your Flex. I have a GG6, and while I love the machine, the PC is a less expensive option. Griots also told me you can not put a 3" backing plate on the GG6....maybe they were just trying to get me to buy a 3", I don't know.

:what: odd, I do it often with my gg6.

**RangerDetails** · 07-15-2016, 03:20 PM

You could also consider the Flex PE-8 Kompakt.
You can put 3", 2" and 1" backing plates.
Although it is a rotary machine. And even though it is small, it is very powerful so you have to be careful.

**Kamakaz1961** · 07-15-2016, 03:36 PM

The price is high. I had the PE 8 and I could never Master the technique of the Rotary. IMO the best balance and price would be the PC 7424 XP or the GG6. They share the same backing plates as well as pads.

**Mike@ShineStruck** · 07-15-2016, 04:05 PM

I have my rupes 75e mini and have been pretty happy with it
Was tempted to buy the mini knockoff that optima sells to compare but eh..

**custmsprty** · 07-15-2016, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by briarpatch

I'd buy the PC, and use it as a dedicated 3" machine. It can easily serve as the backup to your Flex. I have a GG6, and while I love the machine, the PC is a less expensive option. Griots also told me you can not put a 3" backing plate on the GG6....maybe they were just trying to get me to buy a 3", I don't know.

I tested a 3" and 3.5" BP on a GG6 and while it will work it is a rattle trap and will absolutely destroy your wrist and it is top heavy and extremely unbalanced.

**scuff** · 07-15-2016, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by RangerDetails

You could also consider the Flex PE-8 Kompakt.
You can put 3", 2" and 1" backing plates.
Although it is a rotary machine. And even though it is small, it is very powerful so you have to be careful.

You're right. I'll bet a 3" rotary can make a real mess of things in the wrong hands. A rotary does have the advantage of allowing the use of extensions; an orbital can't.

I bought a Flex 3401 and moved my PC-7424 to 3" duty. Works well.