To buy a rotary or not?

[Paul A.]

My Flex 3401 has almost entirely replaced my use of my rotary. I still grab my rotary for headlights and "spot" corrections on paint but 95% of my correction and finishing work is done by my forced rotation DA Flex.

I will say that prior to my Flex I was working primarily with my rotary machine...both correcting and finishing. Rotaries work good and fast but the proper technique is obtained with experience and use.

[Dan Tran]

Such a good topic for me right now.

I’ve been deeply investigating getting both of Flex new cordless tools.

Of course, one of them being a rotary.

I was watching one of the past video of Flex at SEMA and it was mentioned the Flex 3401 will be released cordless as well.

Either way, at least for now. I would love to learn rotary skills and technique. I know each tool as it’s place, but for primary cutting it sounds like a good option (with experience) even over the 3401.

I’ve been enjoying my Flex Finisher, but I think that for future boat projects a rotary is a must.

[DaveT435]

Such a good topic for me right now.

I’ve been deeply investigating getting both of Flex new cordless tools.

Of course, one of them being a rotary.

I was watching one of the past video of Flex at SEMA and it was mentioned the Flex 3401 will be released cordless as well.

Either way, at least for now. I would love to learn rotary skills and technique. I know each tool as it’s place, but for primary cutting it sounds like a good option (with experience) even over the 3401.

I’ve been enjoying my Flex Finisher, but I think that for future boat projects a rotary is a must.

A little off topic but thought I would let you know I tried my Flex battery long throw this past weekend and was really impressed, thankfully because I already sold my corded version. I was using it with 6.5" pads and it didn't struggle at all. I do wish they would give you a T handled Torx tool for it and make a spot for it on the machine. That little tool they send is pretty much worthless.

[Paul A.]

Dan, good point on doing boats. I've done a few (not really part of my business) and I absolutely NEEDED my rotary for that gelcoat stuff.

[rlmccarty2000]

You should be able to remove any type of swirls with a Rupes 21 and a good compound. Deep scratches will be more time consuming. What are you using (pad and polish) to finish after compounding. Compounding alone will leave swirls, especially on soft paint systems.