flex vs pc

[ScottB]

Why does the Flex da have more correction power than the PC?

more power .... more orbits, thats a good starting point

[rwisejr]

Why does the Flex da have more correction power than the PC?

More power,More orbits plus major difference is that it has forced rotation like a rotary which really is key

[howejt]

I just tried out my new Flex 3401 yesterday. And I can tell you, it can certainly burn through paint

Oops. But it was with Powergloss and a yellow cutting pad that burnt some edges in a small way, so the fault was mine. The car had deep scratches and massive swirls-- I was doing color sanding to clean up the finish and was a little sloppy with the taping and got up on the raised edge. I think the aroma of turkey throughout the day was affecting me. Fortunately, this was on my '87 BMW and the parts (gas filler cover and rear spoiler) are repainted without too much trouble while doing some other touch ups and minor rust repair that is on the project list.

I think during normal corrections with a less aggressive pad/polish, you'd have to try to burn the edges.

[lgtspecb]

Why does the Flex da have more correction power than the PC?

The flex isn't a da, it only orbits. It is an orbital.

[lgtspecb]

Please notice in detailing forums "Flex" is a synonym for Flex XC 3401 VRG, which _is_ a DA.

You are correct, sorry. I spoke to a flex rep who also used to work for porter cable. When he was describing the differences I mis-understood him as saying the flex was not a da, while their website says otherwise.

Many enthusiasts refer to the Porter Cable 7424 as a D-A or dual-action polisher. It isn't. The 7424 is an orbital polisher. This Flex XC3401VRG is a true dual-action machine. There's a huge difference between the two. With the Porter Cable 7424, the pads do not rotate, they oscillate, or jiggle, in a random pattern designed to simulate hand application.

Now things make much more sense.

[Kris R]

now im more confused....

so with a PC if you push hard enough the pad stops rotating....
with a flex it does not? (forced rotation?)

does the flex still rotate AND oscillate? describe the action for me.

[RaskyR1]

now im more confused....

so with a PC if you push hard enough the pad stops rotating....
with a flex it does not? (forced rotation?)

does the flex still rotate AND oscillate? describe the action for me.

Dual Action (DA)- Spins in a random orbit motion, and rotationally...

The PC/G110/UDM are considered DA's, as the do have both motions, just like the FLEX 3401. The main difference is that the FLEX is forced rotational polisher, where the PC/G110/UDM have less powerful motors, and they have a safty cluth in them, which will stop it from spinning rotationally when too much pressure is applied. One can argue that the PC/G110/UDM are not a true DA's, but when used correctly they are in my book.

Rasky

[Kris R]

Dual Action (DA)- Spins in a random orbit motion, and rotationally...

The PC/G110/UDM are considered DA's, as the do have both motions, just like the FLEX 3401. The main difference is that the FLEX is forced rotational polisher, where the PC/G110/UDM have less powerful motors, and they have a safty cluth in them, which will stop it from spinning rotationally when too much pressure is applied. One can argue that the PC/G110/UDM are not a true DA's, but when used correctly they are in my book.

Rasky

so the flex orbits and rotates and its forced. correct? That would be a POWERFUL correcting tool!

[RaskyR1]

so the flex orbits and rotates and its forced. correct? That would be a POWERFUL correcting tool!

Correct.

It is a great too and I love mine, but it's not quite as powerful as a rotary.

[Kris R]

Correct.

It is a great too and I love mine, but it's not quite as powerful as a rotary.

no. but if I get a rotary I think I will use it for compounding and use the flex for polishing and the fine stuff....if it vibes less that a PC/UDM Im sold on that alone. sometimes I feel my UDM is 90% vibe and 10% correcting power....