Just bought this machine, hope it lives up to the hype... Additionally i have 3 tips for working on doors 1. I separate them, click the latch on the door to create a space to work the edges (pulling the handle releases the latch) , 2. If working the back door I open the front door so I can work to the edge also, 3. I'd work parallel to the body line above the handle Including the door handle, then divide the lower section into halves, I always try to work along a body line and not crossing against it that could potentially burn the edge
I bought the corded version of this polisher about 2 years ago and two different backing plates to accommodate both 5 and 6 inch pads.. The 3 screw were a problem experience i had
Also... I find that most detailers underwork the correction fluid or work at too high a machine speed, polishes/compund have 2 parts, the abrasive and the carrier, if you work the machine at a high speed the carrier burns out before the abrasives get a chance to do any major correction, instead work at around speed 3/4 at first, clean the pad (to remove the spent product) and reduce speed to 2/3 and do 1 extra pass before wiping off the polish, this would ensure a complete buff cycle (note that most polishes to date use diminishing abrasive technology, DAT)
Why not have someone that has experience with forced rotation machines help review this tool. The “beast” Is legendary. Forced rotation is for heavier paint corrections. It is by far a better tool for step 1 than a d a polisher.
Yes, the 3401 is a beast and will cut just about anything. However, some detailers like a little smoother operation for typical single-step details. The 3401 will definitely let you know that it's working. Thanks for watching and commenting.
The cordless machines won’t match the performance or power that it’s corded version , which is why there is so much hate on the XFE15 150 , many people claiming it can’t cut at all , therefore for that money it’s better to get your corded gear driven , or your corded 15mm
@@marksafady5986 I know but to spent 570$ for a tool that can do only finishing ? So think about 580$ for the cordless beast And 570$ for the XFE 15 = 1050$ In order to cut , polish and finish . A mark 3 15 is 435$ which does all 3 mentioned IMO I respect flex for introducing the cordless polished but I think there’s still a lot to work on in order for these cordless polishers to stand out
@Ernesto Benavides both of you make some very valid points. The cordless polisher industry is definitely still evolving, but I think it will get there. Yes, corded forced rotation machines still produce more power, Now. But, keep in mind, that typical outlets are limited to 15A output. We've seen battery powered tools (in other industries) that are exceeding 15A output. My point is, there is no real cap on what a battery can do...of course, limited to the size and runtime. The XFE 15 150 will definitely cut, and we'll show this very soon in another video. As for the Mk III, it's a great machine, but there are others that are better IMO. Thanks again to both of you for commenting.
This is no comparison. The Flex is a much better polisher, in probably every area. The 18V XCE is a forced rotation machine and will do a much better job at paint correction (polishing 1000-3000 grit sanding marks). Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hello Tim. Need some advice. I’m looking to purchase my main polishing/correcting tool so I’m debating between this cordless Flex version or the corded version. I much prefer going cordless but people have stated (and by looking at the specs) that the corded version is the most powerful between the two. If time is not of the essence, could this cordless tool pretty much tackle any paint correcting project. ie heavy swirls, or oxidation? I also have the Milwaukee m18 fuel rotary, but I need to practice A LOT more, so thinking this tool could be my main go to. Thoughts?
Be sure to read this in full: Yes, the cordless FLEX can handle paint correction (removing heavy swirls, oxidation, etc.). However, the cordless unit is not as powerful as the corded counterpart. So, the corded version is going to handle the job faster. This FLEX is the most powerful cordless polisher available, so no other cordless polisher is any faster. Let's talk about power tools in general. It's hard to find a corded drill or impact wrench on a jobsite or in a shop. Cordless drills and impacts have caught and even surpassed their corded counterparts. However, if you look at grinders and polishers, the power output and battery capacity has just not reached that of corded tools. I'm sure we'll get there soon, but it hasn't happened yet. We work closely with a detail shop that has been doing their trade for more than 30 years. They've seen everything come and go over the decades. While cordless tools are not as powerful, it's very common when I pull up to their shop, they have a cordless FLEX in their hand. My point is, it's the convenience and ergonomics (no cord needed) that make them choose the cordless version rather than the more powerful corded model. Of course, if they have a tough paint correction job, they're going to stick with corded FLEX. That M18 Milwaukee rotary is an awesome tool, but you need to be very comfortable with your abilities to jump into paint correction with that. Much easier to burn and ruin a finish with a rotary, rather than an orbital. Sorry for the book of a response, but I wanted to be clear. Thanks for watching.
This will post soon. We would have posted this review already; however, some of the video footage was corrupt. We have to shoot some more video. Thanks again.
It's definitely an investment, but they're very well built machines. If you're in the detailing business, it's more of an asset. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I don't think so. I love Makita tools, but the Makita polisher doesn't stand a chance against the FLEX, or any of the FLEX polishers. No haters here, just honesty. FLEX is king in the cordless polisher market right now. Thanks for watching.
Just bought this machine, hope it lives up to the hype... Additionally i have 3 tips for working on doors 1. I separate them, click the latch on the door to create a space to work the edges (pulling the handle releases the latch) , 2. If working the back door I open the front door so I can work to the edge also, 3. I'd work parallel to the body line above the handle Including the door handle, then divide the lower section into halves, I always try to work along a body line and not crossing against it that could potentially burn the edge
I bought the corded version of this polisher about 2 years ago and two different backing plates to accommodate both 5 and 6 inch pads.. The 3 screw were a problem experience i had
Also... I find that most detailers underwork the correction fluid or work at too high a machine speed, polishes/compund have 2 parts, the abrasive and the carrier, if you work the machine at a high speed the carrier burns out before the abrasives get a chance to do any major correction, instead work at around speed 3/4 at first, clean the pad (to remove the spent product) and reduce speed to 2/3 and do 1 extra pass before wiping off the polish, this would ensure a complete buff cycle (note that most polishes to date use diminishing abrasive technology, DAT)
Why not have someone that has experience with forced rotation machines help review this tool. The “beast” Is legendary. Forced rotation is for heavier paint corrections. It is by far a better tool for step 1 than a d a polisher.
Excellent video but for me it's gonna be the flex 3401 corded, "the beast"the torque on this machine is unbelievable.!! 👍🇨🇦
Yes, the 3401 is a beast and will cut just about anything. However, some detailers like a little smoother operation for typical single-step details. The 3401 will definitely let you know that it's working. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Is the speed control really loose for you? Not tight like dewalt or rupes
Nice review. I thought about this machine, but it doesn’t spin fast enough like the corded version.
The cordless machines won’t match the performance or power that it’s corded version , which is why there is so much hate on the XFE15 150 , many people claiming it can’t cut at all , therefore for that money it’s better to get your corded gear driven , or your corded 15mm
@@ernestobenavides6716 for a finishing step only, the cordless 15mm would be great.
@@marksafady5986 I know but to spent 570$ for a tool that can do only finishing ?
So think about 580$ for the cordless beast And 570$ for the XFE 15 = 1050$
In order to cut , polish and finish .
A mark 3 15 is 435$ which does all 3 mentioned
IMO I respect flex for introducing the cordless polished but I think there’s still a lot to work on in order for these cordless polishers to stand out
@@ernestobenavides6716 I agree with you, was just saying.
@Ernesto Benavides both of you make some very valid points. The cordless polisher industry is definitely still evolving, but I think it will get there. Yes, corded forced rotation machines still produce more power, Now. But, keep in mind, that typical outlets are limited to 15A output. We've seen battery powered tools (in other industries) that are exceeding 15A output. My point is, there is no real cap on what a battery can do...of course, limited to the size and runtime.
The XFE 15 150 will definitely cut, and we'll show this very soon in another video. As for the Mk III, it's a great machine, but there are others that are better IMO.
Thanks again to both of you for commenting.
It’s a lot easier to control if u grab it by the battery
how are the vibrations at the handle? Is 3 kilos heavy?
How does this compare to the dewalt cordless for cutting paint? I'm in a body shop, so I need a powerful da that can cut wet sanding spots. Thanks
This is no comparison. The Flex is a much better polisher, in probably every area. The 18V XCE is a forced rotation machine and will do a much better job at paint correction (polishing 1000-3000 grit sanding marks). Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hello Tim. Need some advice. I’m looking to purchase my main polishing/correcting tool so I’m debating between this cordless Flex version or the corded version. I much prefer going cordless but people have stated (and by looking at the specs) that the corded version is the most powerful between the two. If time is not of the essence, could this cordless tool pretty much tackle any paint correcting project. ie heavy swirls, or oxidation? I also have the Milwaukee m18 fuel rotary, but I need to practice A LOT more, so thinking this tool could be my main go to. Thoughts?
Be sure to read this in full:
Yes, the cordless FLEX can handle paint correction (removing heavy swirls, oxidation, etc.). However, the cordless unit is not as powerful as the corded counterpart. So, the corded version is going to handle the job faster. This FLEX is the most powerful cordless polisher available, so no other cordless polisher is any faster.
Let's talk about power tools in general. It's hard to find a corded drill or impact wrench on a jobsite or in a shop. Cordless drills and impacts have caught and even surpassed their corded counterparts. However, if you look at grinders and polishers, the power output and battery capacity has just not reached that of corded tools. I'm sure we'll get there soon, but it hasn't happened yet.
We work closely with a detail shop that has been doing their trade for more than 30 years. They've seen everything come and go over the decades. While cordless tools are not as powerful, it's very common when I pull up to their shop, they have a cordless FLEX in their hand. My point is, it's the convenience and ergonomics (no cord needed) that make them choose the cordless version rather than the more powerful corded model. Of course, if they have a tough paint correction job, they're going to stick with corded FLEX.
That M18 Milwaukee rotary is an awesome tool, but you need to be very comfortable with your abilities to jump into paint correction with that. Much easier to burn and ruin a finish with a rotary, rather than an orbital.
Sorry for the book of a response, but I wanted to be clear. Thanks for watching.
@@Shoptoolreviews thank you for taking the time to respond! Great insight. Thank you!
Still waiting for the XFE15 150
This will post soon. We would have posted this review already; however, some of the video footage was corrupt. We have to shoot some more video. Thanks again.
@@Shoptoolreviews cant wait for the video!
Nice review! Wouldn't mind having one one but at $600 bucks? Gonna have to pass.
It's definitely an investment, but they're very well built machines. If you're in the detailing business, it's more of an asset. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Yes you can run your business. I have 6 battles. 😂
Frederique Grove
Makita force rotation much superior….. this is for a weekend warrior 10 min battery…. Better buy 3 extra batterys…..
I don't think so. I love Makita tools, but the Makita polisher doesn't stand a chance against the FLEX, or any of the FLEX polishers. No haters here, just honesty. FLEX is king in the cordless polisher market right now. Thanks for watching.
Brah.
Need 15 mm