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Super Member
Re: Flex 3401
Originally Posted by
JustJesus
ahhhh the 3401.
I love the 3401
OMG, that's sweet ...
Except now that you've detailed your polisher you're gonna need an LSP on that chrome housing.
Originally Posted by
luckydawg
Mike
What is the reason for them to discontinue the 3401?
Planned obsolescence. From year 2 in the standard Engineering curriculum.
They need to ad an addendum to Murphy's Laws ... "Anything that is good will be discontinued by the manufacturer."
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
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Super Member
Re: Flex 3401
Originally Posted by
57Rambler
OMG, that's sweet ...
Except now that you've detailed your polisher you're gonna need an LSP on that chrome housing.
Thank you!
I was thinking about ceramic coating, actually! At least a sealant.
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Re: Flex 3401
Is your new Supa a corded or battery? I'm torn between 3401 or XCE8-125. There have been a few mentions on this forum of the battery powered XCE being a bit down on power compared to the 3401. I currently do heavy to medium correction with a Milwaukee rotary then remove holograms and such with Griot's Boss21 long throw. I'm looking for something more capable than the Griot's Boss21 for correction so I don't have to pull out the rotary so often for scratches and such.
I've been doing this professionally since 1985 and I'm pretty good at it. I'm not necessarily interested in how fast I can get the job done. Just continue to strive to efficiently turn out the finest work possible. I take care of a wide variety of cars and paint surfaces.
Classic Beast 3401?
Supa XCE 8-125?
Supa XCE8-125 18v?
Rupes Mille?
Just stick with my tried and true Griot's Boss?
I'm just feeling the need for something new and interesting.
I might get a cordless rotary to complement my ancient but reliable Milwaukee rotary too.
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Super Member
Re: Got my FLEX 3401 today!
If you are thinking cordless you can't beat the Flex.
Having owned a 3401 and currently own the XCE cordless I would not go back to the 3401.
But perhaps a corded XCE with max power is what you want. Cordless is a little less. Only you can tell if that matters. I find highest setting on 3401 just generated more heat which isn't great. Perhaps corded XCE is better in that regard.
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Re: Flex 3401
Originally Posted by
luckydawg
Mike
What is the reason for them to discontinue the 3401?
Hope there have something to replace it
Chris Metcalf from FLEX North America says their are multiple reasons the original is being discontinued. From memory,
1: New model is improved,
- Quieter.
- Lighter.
- Smoother.
- Cooler.
2: Handle breaking was an issue on the original version, for example if the tool was dropped from a distance onto hard ground like concrete. The new design incorporates a rubber overmold onto the head of the unit for easier gripping and use.
3: New version streamlines manufacturing as it uses the same chassis used for other tools.
For anyone reading this into the future, if you want one of the originals, you better get one while the getting is good.
Also - better pick up an extra backing plate or 2 or 3. I'm not sure how long FLEX will continue to offer the backing plates down the road. My guess is for at least a few years as thousands of these tools have been sold since they were introduced back in 2007.
Gear-Driven Orbital Polisher History by Mike Phillips
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