Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

[Banzai83]

I have an opportunity to purchase either next week end for the same price - $270. Is the main difference the speed (3403 = 1,100-3,700 RPM compared to 3401 160-480 RPM) - and i don't understand why there is a big difference - what would the better all-round tool? I have a Black '04 F150 Supercrew, so i will be using it for looooong periods of time ;-) So looking for light weight quality. This will be my first polisher - am i jumping in too deep?

Mahalo!

[irsankao]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

I believe they are two different buffer. 3401 is orbital, 3403 is rotary.

[Justin Murphy]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

That's the big difference.

The DA is the safer route and that things got some power. That's where I would spent my money unless you do 2-3 full paint corrections per week.

[Sydster]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

[mini44]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

I read somewhere Tom Weed has both maybe he can chime in.

[Banzai83]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

Ok, So The 3403 Is A Rotary Tool - High Rpm - Cuts Paint Fast - Not Good If You're Not Careful.

The 3401 Is An Orbital, More Precisely A Random Orbital, Which Makes It A Da (dual Action)? Slower Rpm, Doesn't Cut As Fast - More Forgiving.

What's The Difference Between An Orbital And Da?

[ZoranC]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

Some tools are incorrectly called DA even though they are not. XC 3401 VRG is dual action because it is orbital with forced rotation component. Specs are not 16-480rpm but (IIRC) from 3200 orbits per minute plus 160 rotations per minute to 9600opm+480rpm.

[the other pc]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

The 3401 has two actions, rotation and orbit but differs from “dual-action” machines.

The term “dual-action” was originally coined for pneumatic sander/polishers that were forced to orbit and free to rotate, but not forced to rotate. Machines like the G100 and G110 have the same motion but with electric motors instead of air.

The 3401 is different in that is forced to orbit and forced to rotate. Flex calls it an “orbital.” Many companies that make machines with the same motion as a DA call their machines “orbital” or “random orbit.” Porter-Cable calls the 7424/7336/7335 “random-orbit.”

Forced orbit machines like the Flex, Makita, Bosch and Festool are more aggressive than DA’s.


PC.

[Banzai83]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

thanks for ALL of the info - at least now i don't feel like a complete idiot, maybe only partial ;-)

[Tom Weed]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

Yes, I own both of these machines and are my go to machines due to their power and how light weight they are. The only thing bad to say about either one of these machines, if you really put them to work, they get extremely warm.

If your giving 270.00 for the XC3401VR, that's pretty good, but I know you can pick up the rotary for around 209.00 (L3403VR) from powerhouse dist.

here's a link: http://www.shop.pwr-house.com/catego...3?categoryId=4

Oh yea, and I agree with what everyone else said!

[mini44]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

So?? I still don't know which one to get. I have a PC 7424 and a Milwaukee 10 lb rotary and was looking for something in between. They both are in between. I dislike the fact that the backing plate on the 3401 isn't all that compatible with the softbuff pads, as they are my preference. They are both about the same size . I think I would still go to the PC for finishing so maybe leaning toward the rotary. Tom Weed , since you have both, if you could only have one which one would you take? I do one vehicle a weekend and if it's a lot of correction the Milwaukee kills me and the PC is too slow.
Thanks
Donna

[ZoranC]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

So?? I still don't know which one to get. I have a PC 7424 and a Milwaukee 10 lb rotary and was looking for something in between.

Without knowing what is the question it is tough to even try to provide an answer. To define the question it would help to know what you like and dislike about yoru rotary beside weight?

I dislike the fact that the backing plate on the 3401 isn't all that compatible with the softbuff pads, as they are my preference. They are both about the same size .

To quote you: "So?" That is easily solvable by reaching for scissors and trimming down soft foam at the edge of bp.

Tom Weed , since you have both, if you could only have one which one would you take?

I have both (lightweight rotary and XC 3401 VRG) and if I could have just one I would have just XC 3401 VRG if I am not profficient enough with rotary to perfectly finish every single dark color car 100% of the time.

[mini44]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

Without knowing what is the question it is tough to even try to provide an answer. To define the question it would help to know what you like and dislike about yoru rotary beside weight?

To quote you: "So?" That is easily solvable by reaching for scissors and trimming down soft foam at the edge of bp.


I have both (lightweight rotary and XC 3401 VRG) and if I could have just one I would have just XC 3401 VRG if I am not profficient enough with rotary to perfectly finish every single dark color car 100% of the time.

It is the weight that is the biggest issue. My arm gets sore and its an older model that I can't set the speed control. I think its useful to hang on to for compounding but I need something else for polishing.

That's good to know that the backing plate can be modified to not destroy the 8006 pads.

Thanks, I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[ZoranC]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

It is the weight that is the biggest issue. My arm gets sore and its an older model that I can't set the speed control.

In that case you might want to check out Hitachi SP18VA. It is one of lightest rotaries around, has reputation of a workhorse, and unlike Flex 3403 starts at zero RPM while 3403 starts relatively high (1100rpm).

P.S. I know many like heavy rotaries for compounding but questions I keep having are:

1) Does few pounds more of weight on horizontal surfaces change cutting ability of compound?

2) If it does would compound know difference between weight added by weight of hand on it's top and behave less good than it would be from polisher's weight?

3) Do we realize on vertical surfaces that extra weight is not being transferred on the paint anyway, it is being transferred only on our body?

In other words, do many realize it is possible it might be all placebo effect and that there is no advantage to using heavier rotary when compounding or with any task?

... and you are welcome

[mini44]

Re: Flex L3403VRG-SET vs Flex XC3401VR

All very good points.
I was thinking more of having a dedicated setup as I like the larger wool pads on the big polisher. Let the workhorse do the dirty work, I guess. Not that its that big of a deal to change backing plates. I should probably just replace the beast with the Hitachi and be done with it. Thanks. Sorry for the threadjack.