Polisher questions

The video shows a full review, tear down of the machine, how to grease the gears or how to get to the gears.

It maybe a good video to watch before greasing the gears. Just in case you're stuck on removing the gears housing.

 

Depends on your down pressure. If you use "waffle" or hex shaped pads it will walk a little.

 

I also heard that the polisher has to be flat against the panel. Plus the 5" pads helps with the wandering.

 

Yes. It is not a rotary polisher, it has to be flat. Keep in mind the Flex is a random orbit/forced rotation polisher. It does "walk" more than just a RO/DApolisher.

If you have test panels, as in old fenders/hoods etc, practice on those to get a feel for a Flex.

 

All RO/DA (random orbit/dual action) polishers need to be FLAT on the panels.
Rotary polishers use the side of the pads to cut/polish. That is why they are tipped on its side.

 

Even rotary polisher has to be flat on the panel. Buffing on the side of the pads will cause trails and other marks.

This is how I was taught by Meguiars but what do they know.

 

I never used a rotary, I have one, but never used it.

 

My polishers minus the Sawzall - I don't use that for detailing. If I did, I'd have bigger problems...laugh out loud.

 

There's a lot of videos online that shows improper techniques. Mostly all polishing has to be with the pad flat to the panel.

To each their own.

 

I have the Dewalt DWP849X and the Porter Cable 7424.

Is the black polisher a Maxshine long throw?

 

The two black ones next on either side of the Sawzall are maxshine. Then the Flex 3401, Adam's 3", and my HF rotary (never used) porter cable on top left.
The porter cable is my dedicated capet scrubber with carpet brushes.

 

Believe it or not, I'm using the maxshine 15mm a lot more and liking it better than the flex.

 

How do you the Maxshine units? I heard the backing plates are junk.

 

I have not had an issue with the backing plates yet.

 

I was looking at the Maxshine 15MM or the Griots G15. I don't know which yet.

 

Notice any vibrations?

 

I don't know much about griots. For the price, maxshine had been good for me. But keep in mind a spent $400 for the Flex alone a few years back.

 

No more than usual. But I do wear mechanics impact gloves with any polisher I use.

 

I like the Flex but I don't know about the walking issue, the reverse rotation.

I can't wear gloves outside in the heat. My hand will sweat to much.

While the 7424 vibrate a lot I got used to it. It doesn't bother me.

 

If the vibration does bother you, any polisher you get will be fine.