I am pretty new to performing complete detailing on my cars and truck. I have been speaking to Moe about the XC3401 and it sounds like the machine i should be looking for.
But as always looking at all the stuff out on the web (always scary!) i also see a lot of positive things about the Flex P14 machine. The benefit that I guess i read is that this machine is a lot quieter than the others.

So my question is basically being new to using a machine, what are the differences between these machines (other than then noise level) and is it suitable for a newbie??

I would use this machine on my vehicles and friends and family, if that is any help

Thanks

 

Purchasing your first machine polisher can be intimidating, just the thought of using what looks like an angle grinder on your beloved vehicles paint surface makes you shiver. It’s not simply that an orbital is better for a beginner because it is safer, and a rotary for the more advanced / experienced detailer; it is actually not that clear cut.

Some find they are more comfortable and therefore more confident using an orbital. Many users get experience with an orbital and then go over to an orbital. My advice in this instance would be to go with a lightweight rotary (Flex P-14) until you become accustomed to using a rotary on vertical panels. Many found the orbital uncomfortable to use due to its inherent vibration and some found it hard to control.

The type of machine (Orbital or Rotary) to purchase is really dependent upon your detailing goals

 

Thanks for the post.
My goal is to use the machine to preform light polishing, cleaning and wax applications.
On some of the family's cars, there is light swirls and scratches and some mild oxidation.

 

Hate to sound like a broken record, but IMHO, a rotary should be in the hands of a pro or someone that polishes a few times a week. The learning curve associated with a rotary is a big one. Only when you are taught by someone that knows how to use the tool, then practice for countless hours, and various cars, will you truly master the rotary and use it to its full potential.

Most polishes are designed to be worked around 1200-1500 rpm....the DANGER ZONE. So when someone uses the rotary at 900 or 1000 rpm, you're not properly breaking down the polish.

The XC3401 is not a toy by any means. We use it almost daily to perform paint corrections. The reason for a DIYer to choose a rotary opposed to a da is not noise, speed of correction, what hype is around the tool. It should be risk vs. reward. The bottom line is, can you stomach seeing a burned edge on the soft plastic bumper if you rub the pad the wrong way with a rotary. And are you prepared to spend $300-1200 to repaint the whole bumper to get it back to factory. With the level of correction an xc3401 does, the ease of use, and the small learning curve, I'm not sure why any DIY detailer that does it for a hobby would choose a rotary. If you plan on becoming a pro, then still get the XC then work your way to a P14.

Hope this helps sway you in the safer and still effective direction.

 

Thanks Moe
I think that it will be the 3401 when i am ready to jump in!
The internet is a great place to get info but it also makes things a bit more confusing!!