Pe-8 vs pe-14

[Mike Phillips]

I've used both extensively and if I had to choose just one I would go for the Flex PE14

• Lower RPM range
• Can handle 1" pads to 8" pads
• Can do headlights, boats, car paint, metal polishing

I show this tool a lot in my boat book and personally use it as my first choice for a rotayr buffer.


See this thread...


How to buff in tight spaces using a rotary buffer

[choijw2]

Thanks everyone.

Now I know what I need to get for sure

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

The PE14 would be my choice. With it you can run the larger pads as you mentioned while having the ability to go all the way down to a 1" pad.

[Zubair]

PE-14 is a legend of a polisher! I absolutely love and cherish this machine as it has made my paint details so much easier. If you wana treat yourself get a PE-14.

[HateSwirls]

The Flex PE-14 will be my next big purchase.

[kwwhite1]

I just ordered the pe8 kit last night, can't wait to try it out on my mustang restoration project on some areas I have been struggling to reach with my 3 in da setup!

[Mike Phillips]

but my concern is, does it have enough power for 7" backing plate and pads?

Your concerns are well founded. The PE8 also called the Kompact 3 is for 3" pads and smaller. I burn and turn 3.5" wool pads with it but that's mostly because we carry 3.5" wool pads and the actual backing behind the pads is only 3".

The Flex PE8 is NOT intended to be used with larger pads as you will overheat the tool and then it's built in safety circuit will turn the polisher off. After it cools down it will turn on again.

The Flex PE14 is for 8" pads or smaller. I burn and turn a 7.5" wool pad for major correction work and then use it all the way down to the smallest pads available if needed so that makes the Flex PE14 very versatile.

See this article,

My recommended buffing pads for the Flex PE14

[dlc95]

The Flex PE-14 will be my next big purchase.

Mine too, Kevin. A Rupes Mini, and a PE-14 I miss my rotary days...

[Paul A.]

I agree with both Mikes. The PE-14 gives you more versatility with a wider range of pad diameter capabilities. You can do headlights with the smaller pads and you may find how quick it works larger panels should you want to do some fast work on paint.

[kwwhite1]

I got my pe8 and pe8 kit yesterday and had a chance to use it for taking out 5000 grit marks along some edging on my mustang restoration project. All I can say is this thing is silky smooth and very powerful. The 2 inch green pad with 2 drops of m105 quickly made work of the marks in 3 passes on speed 2! love this little thing so far!