Thanks: 0
Dislikes: 0
-
Review: FLEX XFE 7-12 80 aka The FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
Review: FLEX XFE 7-12 80 aka The FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
The FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
Video: Introducing the new FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
First let me break down the numbers in the name of this tool so everyone knows what they mean as they refer to this tool.
FLEX = Name of company
XFE 7 = Just an internal numbering system for FLEX tool company. No meaning outside of inventory control.
12 = This means this tool as a 12mm orbit stroke length.
80 - This means the largest pad size - FLEX recommends pas with a 80mm or 3" diameter for the face of the pad. They actually say you can go up to 100mm which is around 4" but my own experience shows that smaller pads and thinner pads will rotate better. So if you're doing correction or polishing work, stick with thinner 3" foam and microfiber pads. If you're just trying to spread out a finishing wax or a finishing sealant, they by all means jump up to a 4" diameter pad to cover more area with this larger footprint.
Let's get real...
No one is going to call this the FLEX XFE7 12 80 - it simply doesn't roll-off the lips.
That's also not how "Car Guys" talk. In the real world, here's what we're all going to call this tool,
The FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
And actually, even the shorter version,
The FLEX 3" Mini Polisher
Yes it's free spinning. Yes it's orbital. Yes the orbit stroke is 12mm and yes - it's a long stroke orbital polisher, but in a world where people can't even type out a work but instead use texting language, no one is going to call this by it's true and accurate name... everyone is going to call it the FLEX 3" Mini Polisher.
Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about the tool.
Technical stuff
Recommended pads size: 80mm = 3.15 inches - this refers to the diameter of the face of the pad.
Optional pad size: 100mm = 3.93 inches - This would be for applying a finishing wax or a finishing sealant. If you don't know, when the word finishing is used to describe a wax or sealant, it means it's a NON-CLEANING wax or sealant and should only be used on paint in PERFECT condition. A finishing wax or a finishing sealant is the opposite of a cleaner/wax or a cleaner/sealant.
If you're going to use a cleaner/wax or a cleaner/sealant with the new FLEX 3" Mini Polisher, then stick with thin 3" foam pads.
Backing plate size: 75mm = 2.95 inches - just call it a 3" backing plate and that's the diameter of the face of the backing plate.
Weight: 2.3 kilograms = 5.07 pounds
Electrical stuff that really doesn't matter from a practical point of use
Power input = 700 watts
Power output = 420 watts
Look, in the real-world, you're going put this tool on speed 5-6 to do correction work and 4-5 to do machine waxing or machine sealing work. You will do this whether or not - in your brain you know the power input or output.
Power cord: 4 meters = 13 feet - This is a nice length for a tool but even better, like all FLEX tools, the cord is rubber, not vinyl so it won't kink or hold a coil and they use heavy 12 gauge wire inside the cord to provide plenty of flow for current while protecting the tool.
RPM Range: 1800 RPM to 5500 RPM
OPM Range: 3600 OPM to 10,800 OPM
Physical size: 320centimeters x 120 centimeters or in U.S. Standard measurements, this tool is about 12.5" long by about 4.7" tall at the head of the tool. So from the face of the backing plate to the top of the back of the tool.
Quality never costs money... it makes money...
Besides all of the above, FLEX tools are the Mercedes-Benz of tools. They are SUPER high quality, not cheap junk. They use the best quality internal components including electrical parts, bearings, gears, seals, etc. You get what you pay for in life and when you buy ANY FLEX tool you're getting a pro-grade tool, not a cheap knock-off.
Available now on the Autogeek.com store
If you already love FLEX tools then no need to read any further, click the link below and get your FLEX Mini Polisher now.
FLEX XFE 7-12 3" Mini Polisher
Now let's take a look at what's in the box...
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
-
-
-
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Re: Review: FLEX XFE 7-12 80 aka The FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
Continued....
Machine sanding
This is an advanced skill and only someone with years of experience in the area of hand and machine sanding should ever undertake complex projects like sanding paint jobs on high-end car like this 1957 Chevy Bel Air.
Machine sanding techniques by Mike Phillips
This is for demonstration purpose only to show what the term edging means when it comes to machine sanding. I teach a lot of different techniques when it comes to the art of polishing paint in general and when it comes to the art of sanding in specific. Below is one such technique.
Edging - Using a small sanding disc with an orbital sander or orbital polisher to sand around the edge of a panel and create a buffer zone so you don't have to try to sand close to the edges using a full size sander and full size sanding disc.
Pictured below is the trunk lid on a 1957 Chevy Bel Air
If I wanted to sand down the trunk lid by machine, (normally the finish sanding step after first blocking via hand sanding), I would start by edging the panel. By edge the panel I mean I would first machine sand from about a 1/4" or so out from the edge of the panel using a small 3" sanding disc from either Mirka or 3M.
Here's my friend and co-worker Dion. Full disclaimer - This is the first time Dion has ever machine sanded. I figured starting him out on a super high quality build 1957 Chevy Bel Air Streetrod would be a good way to break him in.
First Dion sprays some clean water onto the surface to be sanded. There's a little car wash soap mixed into the water to provide lubrication during the sanding process and to also help prevent.
Next, holding the FLEX polisher carefully, on speed setting 1 - he carefully runs the polisher back and forth next to the edge of the trunk lid. Note this takes extreme concentration because you cannot sand over the hard edge. Sanding on the edge is a recipe for either sanding through the paint on the edge and exposing the underlying metal panel, or creating a situation where you buff through the paint because sanding on the edge made it whisper thin.
The good news is this small, lightweight and compact size orbital polisher is easy to control, even for a first-timer.
After sanding for a few passes, Dion wipes off the sanding slurry....
Here's the panel edged with #4000 grit Mirka Abralon
Free advice
If you new to sanding or even highly experienced, before sanding take the precautionary measure to tape-off edges and raised body lines. This way, in case you accidently sand over an edge or a raised body line the paint will be protected. Besides protecting the paint on edges and raised body lines, the tape acts as a visual indicator to remind your or warn you where the edge is or where a raised body line is located. When buffing in the middle of a panel that has a raised body line, the sanding slurry, because it's white with clearcoat or colored with pigment from a single stage finish, can hide where the raised body line is at. A thin strip of tape not only protects a raised body line but creates a visual indicator as to where it is located.
Below the edge is protected with 3M 1/4" Blue Vinyl tape. (nice stuff)
If you don't have thin tape like the 1/4" 3M Blue Vinyl Tape you can use thicker 1/2" masking tape by slicing it down the middle to make 2 strips of 1/4" tape or open the trunk lid (or any body panel that opens, hood, doors, etc.), and apply the tape to only the edge of the panel and fold the rest under the panel.
There's lots of way to work safe...
Remember, machine sanding is for experienced professionals. Never "learn" on something that's important to you. A good way to instill fear into yourself is before taking on any sanding project, check with some local body shops on the cost to re-paint a panel or an entire car should you screw up. Once you hear what a quality paint job costs you'll remember this thread.
-
Re: Review: FLEX XFE 7-12 80 aka The FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
Continued...
The new FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
Review
Pro-grade quality
That's a catch-phrase thrown around pretty loosely in our modern world. Kind of the same way I often here someone say, work harder not smarter but then never show or share how to actually do it, (work smarter instead of working harder).
I'm here to tell you straight-up that FLEX makes pro-grade tools. This means professional grade, not disposable use-it then throw it away (or return-it-to-the-store and get your money back) type tools but tools you will treat with respect because you know when you respect the tool it will take care of you and your business.
But don't take my word for it - look at the pictures I took when I went to Stuttgart, Germany and toured the FLEX manufacturing plant. I used my camera to document the high quality workmanship and high caliber of material and components used to manufacture FLEX tools.
Germany Flex Plant Tour Pictures
This new FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Polisher is one well-built tool. It's stout. That means it's solid and sturdy, like Thor's Hammer. In fact you could probably use it to hammer in 6 Penny Nails into Oak or take down a super villain with a single blow. But that's how FLEX rolls. They don't do half-ass they do pro-grade. The fact that I RARELY ever see anyone selling a FLEX tool is a sure sign that it's not just me that realizes what a quality tools looks like, feels like and operates like. And the few times in my life when I've seen someone selling a FLEX tool - I've also seen them come to regret it because invariably they find out it was a mistake and now have to purchase a replacement at full price, (unlike what they sold their one-owner FLEX tool for when they sold it).
So it's established. FLEX makes pro-grade tools and the new FLEX XFE7 12-80 is no exception.
Performance
When it comes to mini orbital polishers there's not a lot of options on the market. There's two groups and nothing in-between. There's good tools and cheap knock-offs. Each person can decide what's best for them but the fact of the matter is the old saying always rings true, (that's why it's an old saying that stick around forever), you get what you pay for. So you can invest in quality or you can buy something that may or may not work as good as the original.
Out of the 3 mini orbital polishers that I've used, I would rate the new FLEX 3" Mini Polisher as best in class. It offers the best performance for doing correction work, polishing and machine sealing of the paint. The key to ensuring maximum performance with this tool is the same as with other tools in this category and that's choosing and using the right pad and the best pad for the job. The key feature everyone looks for in a free-spinning orbital polisher is the ability to maintain pad rotation when doing aggressive work like compounding, polishing or using a one-step cleaner/wax. This new FLEX tool easily wins the pad rotation contest for these three types of machine work. Can or will the pad stall or stop rotation? Of course, that's the nature of ALL free spinning orbital polishers, it's like a safety feature that prevents someone from making a mistake. If zero chance of pad stalling is your highest priority the purchase the FLEX PE8 or the FLEX PE14, these are gear-driven rotary polishers and nothing you can do will stop or hinder pad rotation. But at the same time, there are risks that go with using only a direct-drive single direction rotary polisher, namely burning through the paint and/or leaving holograms behind. Neither of which are acceptable to most people. The ability to finish out hologram free and without the risk of burning through the paint is what the free spinning FLEX 3" Mini Polisher offers to the user and that's a feature most of us both want and need.
The key to maximum performance with this free spinning orbital polisher and any free spinning orbital polisher is to use the right pads as well as use good technique. Pads are easy, just call up Autogeek and place an order. Technique comes from time behind the tool and if that's easy too as long as you actually put the time behind the tool.
If you're looking for a pro-grade free spinning orbital polisher and you want the best tool bang for the buck, then the FLEX XFE7 12-80 is the winner and the right tool for you.
FLEX tools are the kind of tools you show off - but when you're not around - you lock them up! -Mike Phillips
On Autogeek.com
FLEX XFE 7-12 3" Mini Polisher
The Flex family of tools.
In front is the new FLEX XFE7 12-80 aka the 3" Mini Polisher
Immediately behind it to the left and then going clockwise are,
FLEX PE8 Kompakt Rotary Polisher
FLEX PE14 Rotary Polisher
FLEX XC 3401 VRG Gear-Driven 8mm Orbital Polisher
FLEX XFE7 15mm Free Spinning Long Stroke Orbital Polisher
-
Re: Review: FLEX XFE 7-12 80 aka The FLEX 3" 12mm Long Stroke Orbital Mini Polisher
***Update***
The new FLEX 3" Mini Polisher is now available to order on the Autogeek.com store here,
FLEX XFE 7-12 3" Mini Polisher
Or call our friendly customer care hotline and place your order over the phone...
1-800-869-3011
This is a very nice polisher from FLEX and a much-needed tool to round out your tool collection.
Similar Threads
-
By Mike Phillips in forum Product Reviews by Mike Phillips
Replies: 1
Last Post: 06-29-2017, 04:26 PM
-
By Mike Phillips in forum Ask your detailing questions!
Replies: 9
Last Post: 02-15-2017, 06:24 PM
-
By Meghan in forum New Car Care Products
Replies: 12
Last Post: 01-25-2017, 09:32 PM
-
By Mike Phillips in forum Product Reviews by Mike Phillips
Replies: 89
Last Post: 03-15-2016, 12:26 PM
-
By Nick McKees37 in forum New Car Care Products
Replies: 6
Last Post: 03-15-2016, 08:58 AM
Members who have read this thread: 0
There are no members to list at the moment.
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
31 |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|
Bookmarks