Flex XC3401VRG Dual-Action Polisher
 
Flex XC3401VRG.
A German-tough true
dual-action polisher!
Product review by Terry Freiberg
Many enthusiasts refer to the Porter
Cable 7424 as a D-A or dual-action polisher. It isn't. The 7424 is an orbital
polisher. This Flex XC3401VRG is a true dual-action machine. There's a huge
difference between the two. With the Porter Cable 7424, the pads do not rotate,
they oscillate, or jiggle, in a random pattern designed to simulate hand
application. The "throw" or amount of "jiggle" is not disclosed by Porter Cable
but it is very, very small. With the Flex XC3401VRG, the pads do have a
forced circular motion, they rotate or "cut". Plus, as the pads rotate, they
oscillate, or move, in a random pattern. Hence the name, dual action. One action
is the circular rotation and the second action is the random movement of the pad
while it is rotating. This random oscillation also has a exceptionally "long
throw" of 8 mm. The forced circular pad rotation coupled with the long throw of
the oscillations give the Flex considerably more cutting power than the Porter
Cable 7424. In fact, after spending an afternoon with this machine, I feel it
will do 90% of what a pure circular polisher can do with the safety of the
random oscillations to prevent swirls. A case of having your cake and eating it
too!
| The Flex XC3401VRG has a
bale-style handle which puts your hands at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock
position which most professionals prefer. This gives you an even weight
distribution between your hands, making the polisher less fatiguing when
used for long periods. A six position speed control allows you to limit
rpm's between 160 rpm and 480 rpm. Under the speed control, a variable speed
trigger allows you to feather the oscillations per minute (OPM's) up to the
maximum set by the speed dial. A very nice touch for keeping the rpm's low
for applying waxes and sealants which you normally can not apply with a
circular polisher.
Speed Control Note: Since the Flex XC3401VRG has a forced
circular motion, every speed setting is slightly more powerful when compared
to the Porter Cable 7424. If you are stepping up from a 7424, we recommend
starting one speed setting lower than you would with the 7424. In other
words, If you typically polish in a speed range of 3 to 4 with the 7424,
start with a speed range of 2-3 with the Flex. You can always increase the
speed if you need more cutting power. |
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Front, adjustable
bale-style grip. |
Thumb speed control with
lower,
finger-control, squeeze trigger. |
This machine has a very solid "feel", like
it could operate all day without stopping (which it probably does in some
plants). It never feels strained or "near the edge". Feature wise, the Flex
XC3401VGR is one of the most technologically advanced machines on the
planet. It features a seven function microprocessor to insure consistent
speed, restart protection after power interruption, overload protection and
temperature monitoring. Auto shut-off carbon brushes automatically shut off
the motor when they wear down to prevent motor damage. A 13 foot power cord
allows you to work around most vehicles and the machine comes with a one
year warranty through service centers across the US.
The machine comes with a 5-1/2 inch padded
backing plat that is not changeable but will accommodate all of our 6-1/2
inch and 7-1/2 inch pads. |
Nit-Pics:
The bale handle is adjustable up
and down but it requires an Allen wrench. I wish there were a button that I
could press to quickly raise and lower the handle.
My second nit pic is the
supplied 5-1/2 inch backing plate. While the size fits the pads I use most often it is
not replaceable with any other size backing plate. If I'm working on a small
defect, I like to use a 4 inch pad but the Flex doesn't give you that
option. |
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5-1/2 inch backing plate
is not
changeable to other sizes. |
Bottom line: Awesome
machine! I personally own a Porter Cable 7424 and a DeWalt 849 Circular
polisher. Knowing everything I know about machine polishing, if I were
starting over, I would own this machine in a heartbeat and call it quits.
It's that good!
Specifications:
Motor Amps 7.5
Rotary RPM: 160-480
Orbital OPM: 3200-9600
Recommended pad size 6.5" - 7.5"
5.5 inch Velcro®
backing plate included (not changeable)
Weight 5.75 lbs
Warranty 1 year
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