random orbital time!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
From: Sydney Australia
As I mentioned earlier look at the 850 Watt units or better, they have more power/torque.
The earlier orbital polisher are less wattage, which equals less power before stalling.
Looking at a number of these polishers, they look like they come from the same factory in China and just make them from a different colour plastic.
The designs are the same. So to say one works better then another.. MMMMMMMM.
I guess you would call this colour engineering (we have moved from badge engineering)
Plus I find it interesting the cost of a polisher compared to an angle grinder, very similar.
The earlier orbital polisher are less wattage, which equals less power before stalling.
Looking at a number of these polishers, they look like they come from the same factory in China and just make them from a different colour plastic.
The designs are the same. So to say one works better then another.. MMMMMMMM.
I guess you would call this colour engineering (we have moved from badge engineering)
Plus I find it interesting the cost of a polisher compared to an angle grinder, very similar.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,359
Likes: 1,203
From: Vista CA
slight pressure = loss of oscillation and rotational stalling.
I've had it ~ 5 years and it probably has ~ 80 - 90 hours of use.
= time to upgrade to a different RA polisher.
also considered the new Rupes machine, but decided to stick with German engineering instead of Italian design.
Craig
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,234
Likes: 10
From: Costa Mesa, CA
It is made in Germany, not in the aforementioned Chinese factory.
It has a more powerful motor, and has a "forced rotation" i.e. it does not bog down as you apply pressure.
I do not have mine yet, nor do I have experience with the PC, but from what I've read on the forums, the Flex is the one to have.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Bright lights will help a lot. Get a set of 500w halogens on a stand. That will make it very easy to see what you have accomplished. You can check out www.detailed domain.com as well as the concours forum here. Phil at detailers domain was a huge help to me. He can suggest the correct compounds, pads and lighting for your car.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
2:45-3:05 
Classic!
Classic!I also spent a bit of time watching a fellow on Youtube explain everything from how to wash, clay bar, polish, etc. He goes by the name of Junkman. I'm guessing some will disagree with some of what he says, but following his advice has worked very well for me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XAqpOe9Zt4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XAqpOe9Zt4
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 785
From: Canada & the Alps
Since I have a Flex, just listen to the 1' 35" mark onwards. "This will do damage...". Yeah maybe if you grab it by the cord and swing the thing into the paint. And during the video, he relates the noise the tool makes to how dangerous it is to use
I can agree being more careful when using a rotary buffer. He is amusing to watch, to say the least, and certainly more fun than watching reality shows on TV.These detailers make me laugh. You'd think listening to them that you have to go to university for ten years to figure out how to do what they do. Now, the PDR and paint film guys deserve
Last edited by IXLR8; Jan 11, 2013 at 12:48 PM.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 108
From: Midwest
The guy uses scare tactics to the extreme.
Since I have a Flex, just listen to the 1' 35" mark onwards. This will do damage...yeah maybe if you grab it by the cord and swing the thing into the paint. And during the video, he relates the noise the tool makes to how dangerous it is to use I can agree being more careful when using a rotary buffer. He is amusing to watch, so say the least, and certainly more fun than watching reality shows on TV.
These detailers make me laugh. You'd think listening to them that you have to go to university for ten years to figure out how to do what they do. Now, the PDR and paint film guys deserve
Since I have a Flex, just listen to the 1' 35" mark onwards. This will do damage...yeah maybe if you grab it by the cord and swing the thing into the paint. And during the video, he relates the noise the tool makes to how dangerous it is to use
I can agree being more careful when using a rotary buffer. He is amusing to watch, so say the least, and certainly more fun than watching reality shows on TV.These detailers make me laugh. You'd think listening to them that you have to go to university for ten years to figure out how to do what they do. Now, the PDR and paint film guys deserve
I spent probably a couple of hours last winter perusing his DIY videos, for a noob like me (I had never heard of the two bucket wash method before lol) it helped quite a bit. For someone already well versed in detailing maybe not. The results I achieved employing his advice were pretty dramatic IMO.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 785
From: Canada & the Alps
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Alexandria, VA
The Flex has some forced rotation of the pad. At it's top speed setting of 6, the pad is rotating at 480 RPM.
The porter cable is a random motion with no forced rotation. In fact, if you press hard enough you can stop any rotation of the pad.
That forced rotation is what gives the Flex machine a bit more cutting power.
FYI - A rotary machine will often have an upper end speed of 2000 - 3000 RPM.