Mini polishers, one and only one what’s your choice.

[Skier404]

I am in the market for a cordless mini polisher. What are peoples thoughts on the 2 main mini polishers, the FLEX Pixie and the Rupes iBrid? Years back I remember Mike was saying if you could have both get both. Sadly I’m not willing to swing the cost for both.

That said if you could only have one what would be your choice and why? They both have their respective pros and cons, I’m interested to hear what people have to say.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mike Phillips]

Great question.

After using both polishes for as long as they have both been on the market, I would opt for the FLEX PiXiE. But let me preface this to say one of the major reasons I would chose the PXE over the Nano Long Neck would be because I do enough machine sanding that I appreciate and need a 321 sander. I have 3" sanding discs already to go for this week's 1967 Mustang Dry Sanding Project.

1967 Mustang California Special - Dry Sand - Cut & Buff + Graphene Ceramic Coat Project

If needed, I'll take a 6" disc and cut 2" and 1" discs for sanding thinner panels. The new 6mm drive unit makes the FLEX PiXiE a functional tool for sanding as it will maintain sanding disc rotation.

I also like the PiXiE for doing surgical rotary work using a 1" and 2" pad. Note to anyone reading this, there's a reason both RUPES and FLEX limit the size of backing plate that will fit their tools for rotary work and that's because with a larger pad - the risk for burning through the paint is too great. Been there done that had to get a side mirror repainted. BUT - if you use common sense and the slow speed settings, you can use a 2" pad without burning through the paint.

I will also say this, I really like the RUPES Nano Long Neck as a dedicated micro-rotary polisher. Yes the FLEX PiXiE can do the same thing I just really like the longer neck on the Long Neck model for getting into tight places without the tool body getting in the way. I think there are now extension shafts available for the FLEX PiXiE but I haven't tried one yet so no real-world opinion.

I always thought this was a cool picture I took while buffing out an old 2-door European job.

FLEX easily have better cordless battery technology but that's something I'm hoping RUPES will improve on moving forward.


-Mike

 

[DanaDetail]

I'm fortunate to have both, and there are two different animal entirely. I like the iBrid for the same reason. And the PXE for a dedicated 2" I just grabbed the Shinemate rechargeable 3"

 

[CroMatch]

I'm fortunate to have both, and there are two different animal entirely. I like the iBrid for the same reason. And the PXE for a dedicated 2" I just grabbed the Shinemate rechargeable 3"

I sold my ibrid nano bc since I got my PEX80 I stopped using it, no regrets so far. I’ve been waiting for the 6mm adapter for the Pixie, I’m using it with the 3mm adapter with 3”sanding discs for headlights restoration, it’s not bad but I’d love to try the 6mm based on Mike’s experiences.

 

[Mike Phillips]

I sold my ibrid nano bc since I got my PEX80 I stopped using it, no regrets so far. I’ve been waiting for the 6mm adapter for the Pixie, I’m using it with the 3mm adapter with 3”sanding discs for headlights restoration, it’s not bad but I’d love to try the 6mm based on Mike’s experiences.

I spoke with Chris Metcalf last week, he said the 6mm drive units are in route, but does not have firm date that they will be available.

Mike

 

[Marino]

all the way the FLEX pxe80.

 

[JohnU]

The 6mm is on the corp. website. The world waits!