Short-throw cordless random orbital polisher??

[Mike Phillips]

I’ve never used one of the longer throw RO polishers in the 15-21mm range. Just the short 8mm Porter Cable.

Will the longer throw be a big adjustment to make and will it be as smooth feeling as the old Porter Cable?

I would say "yes" the quality brands of long-stroke polishers will feel smoother than a Porter Cable 7424XP. Not by a lot but enough that this is a feature some people look for in a polisher.

Even thought about trying one of the cheap Kobalt or Ryobi brand from Lowes or HD.

My guess is the ability to maintain any level of pad rotation and/or pad oscillation will be anemic, but just a guess. Good for very light correction or machine applying a wax. Normally you want to see a little of both as you're buffing.

Sorry for the stupid questions. Just don’t have the experience to know what I really want in the cordless realm. I definitely have all I need to get the job done now. I’m just getting lazy and looking to make it easier…

I don't blame you. I MUCH prefer to use a cordless rotary over a corded rotary. I also love my FLEX FX3411 cordless D.A. Sander as compared to any pneumatic or electric options.

If you think the C beast would be what I’m looking for, how is the battery life on the 18v version?

The 24 volt system is more powerful and I think I can feel the difference comparing the two different voltage options.

I also have the adapter that lets me use the new 24 volt batteries in the older 18 volt tool and again, I think I can feel more power when comparing the tools.

Me? I rarely use the CBEAST except how I described above. And I almost never use the 15mm Finisher in either corded or cordless options.

I have been liking the new RUPES cordless 15mm and 21mm free spinning, random orbital polisher, but I only use these for final finishing work and they are smooth.

Some of the reviews I’ve seen online say that the batteries take a dive after 10-15minutes and there is a a significant decrease in speed/power…

Thanks

This is true. The reason why is because the tool is asking a LOT from the battery.

Unlike a rotary which only has to spin a pad in a single rotating direction. Same goes for a FREE SPINNING, random orbital polisher. Because the spindle spins freely, it allows the tool/pad to SLIP as you're buffing, and this means it needs less power, and the battery will last longer.

Asking a cordless tool to both rotate and oscillate a buffing pad simply requires a lot more power and thus the batteries don't last as long.


Here's my 3 reviews and videos for each of the new 24 volt polishers.

REVIEW: Flex FX3331 24V 8MM Gear-Driven Orbital Polisher

REVIEW: Flex FX3311 24V Cordless Rotary Polisher

REVIEW: Flex FX3321 24V 15MM Random Orbital Cordless Polisher



Mike

 

[Mak]

Thanks very much for your time and responses. Very helpful as always.

The Dr Beasley $500 deal for the 18v kit was too tempting to pass-up. Went ahead and ordered.

Hopefully I’ll be happy with the decision and the battery life will be satisfactory.

 

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks very much for your time and responses. Very helpful as always.

The Dr Beasley $500 deal for the 18v kit was too tempting to pass-up. Went ahead and ordered.

Hopefully I’ll be happy with the decision and the battery life will be satisfactory.

Looking forward to your assessment of the tool after you get some hours behind it.

 

[Mak]

Looking forward to your assessment of the tool after you get some hours behind it.

Ugh! Figures…. Fast shipping, but with my luck I’m unable to start using this weekend. Both batteries have some sort of wet black goo on the inside of the new boxes that has oozed from the batteries and escaped the plastic bags. Haven’t heard back from Dr Beasley’s yet. Oh well, maybe next week.

 

[Mike Phillips]

Both batteries have some sort of wet black goo on the inside of the new boxes that has oozed from the batteries and escaped the plastic bags.

I spoke with Chris Metcalf about this in the past and he said the black goo is nothing to worry about but I'll contact him and get some precise info.

I've had black oily stuff come out of my batteries in the past, I wiped them clean and put them into service with no issues.

I don't remember the specifics, but the black goo has nothing to do with the actual battery technology, but I'll find out and get back to you.


Mike

 

[Mak]

I spoke with Chris Metcalf about this in the past and he said the black goo is nothing to worry about but I'll contact him and get some precise info.

I've had black oily stuff come out of my batteries in the past, I wiped them clean and put them into service with no issues.

I don't remember the specifics, but the black goo has nothing to do with the actual battery technology, but I'll find out and get back to you.


Mike

Thanks. From what I read yesterday it has to do with cooling. Sorta like the heat sink on a cpu maybe. Anyway, probably will run fine, but I would think it would then affect the battery life not keeping them as cool. I don’t know. Waiting to hear back from Dr Beasley. Apparently folks reporting the issue online with their used batteries have had them replaced by Flex.
Will be interested to hear what you find out. Thank you.