Why Is There No Small Beast?

[Setec Astronomy]

It seems like I've been asking this question forever, there are plenty of small polishers now, from the iBrid Nano to the PiXiE to many variations on that theme, as well as small short throw, long throw, and rotaries.

Why isn't there a small gear driven orbital? A Beast or CBeast in a smaller form factor? Something for a 3" or 4" pad, rather than a 5" or 6" pad. Is it just too much going on in a small package?

I thought you might have some insight into this, Mike, since you have such a long relationship with Flex.

 

[Mak]

It seems like I've been asking this question forever, there are plenty of small polishers now, from the iBrid Nano to the PiXiE to many variations on that theme, as well as small short throw, long throw, and rotaries.

Why isn't there a small gear driven orbital? A Beast or CBeast in a smaller form factor? Something for a 3" or 4" pad, rather than a 5" or 6" pad. Is it just too much going on in a small package?

I thought you might have some insight into this, Mike, since you have such a long relationship with Flex.

I‘ve been wondering the same thing but would guess it’s probably due to the extra size and weight required for the gearing. I recently purchased a PXE and am very disappointed. It’s my first battery powered polisher, and I absolutely love not having a cord getting in the way, the compact size is great and it will get in the tight places I had hoped. However, I’m either using it incorrectly or it’s just vastly underpowered for random orbit use. Unless the pad is just barely touching the surface it just doesn’t want or seem to rotate with the RO attachments. I find myself basically only using it with the 1” pad in rotary mode.

 

[Mike Phillips]

Why isn't there a small gear driven orbital?

I thought you might have some insight into this, Mike, since you have such a long relationship with Flex.

I hear you. I get asked about this topic and tool idea all the time. If I did know anything, I couldn't say anything, but like you, I would love to have a BEAST Mini.


Mike

587 Pictures - No Chairs! No Sitting! September 2024 Detailing Class with Mike Phillips

 

[opie]

I‘ve been wondering the same thing but would guess it’s probably due to the extra size and weight required for the gearing. I recently purchased a PXE and am very disappointed. It’s my first battery powered polisher, and I absolutely love not having a cord getting in the way, the compact size is great and it will get in the tight places I had hoped. However, I’m either using it incorrectly or it’s just vastly underpowered for random orbit use. Unless the pad is just barely touching the surface it just doesn’t want or seem to rotate with the RO attachments. I find myself basically only using it with the 1” pad in rotary mode.

You can use 3 inch in rotary, jsut dont apply much pressure on an angle. Also did you purchase the 6mm head? Works better than 3 and 12. Just remember ever tool has its limits

 

[Mak]

You can use 3 inch in rotary, jsut dont apply much pressure on an angle. Also did you purchase the 6mm head? Works better than 3 and 12. Just remember ever tool has its limits

Yes, I also have the 2” plate and the 6mm RO adapter.
I’ve got a corded Flex Kompact 3” rotary but need that RO action to follow-up when doing the aluminum. I did have a little more success with the 2” - 6mm the other day. The almost complete lack of rotation, even with almost no pressure and not even using the 3” pads, is what baffles me.

 

[Mike Phillips]

I‘ve been wondering the same thing but would guess it’s probably due to the extra size and weight required for the gearing.

My friend Russel purchased some kind of mini version of the beast out of some South American country, (I think). He says it works. I can find out what it is and maybe get a picture.

I recently purchased a PXE and am very disappointed. It’s my first battery powered polisher, and I absolutely love not having a cord getting in the way, the compact size is great and it will get in the tight places I had hoped.

When cordless tools work, it's great not having to mess with the cord.

However, I’m either using it incorrectly or it’s just vastly underpowered for random orbit use. Unless the pad is just barely touching the surface it just doesn’t want or seem to rotate with the RO attachments. I find myself basically only using it with the 1” pad in rotary mode.

My experience also. Same for the RUPES Nano too and my guess is any small FREE SPINNING random orbital polisher.

For the most part, I use the FLEX PXE-80 aka the PiXiE as a machine sander. For sanding, it works very good. Not great, but there's really no other alternative for a 3" random orbital sander.

I LOVE the PiXiE when using it in rotary mode, often times with an extension. Then to remove any holograms I buzz over the area with the BEAST or the Supa BEAST and if I cannot get the larger pad size to do the job then I either use the PiXiE in orbital mode, (6mm), and or polish by hand.

From this class,

256 Pictures - January 20th 2024 1-Day Detailing Class at Dr. Beasley's in Stuart Florida

Mike

 

[Mak]

My friend Russel purchased some kind of mini version of the beast out of some South American country, (I think). He says it works. I can find out what it is and maybe get a picture.




When cordless tools work, it's great not having to mess with the cord.




My experience also. Same for the RUPES Nano too and my guess is any small FREE SPINNING random orbital polisher.

For the most part, I use the FLEX PXE-80 aka the PiXiE as a machine sander. For sanding, it works very good. Not great, but there's really no other alternative for a 3" random orbital sander.

I LOVE the PiXiE when using it in rotary mode, often times with an extension. Then to remove any holograms I buzz over the area with the BEAST or the Supa BEAST and if I cannot get the larger pad size to do the job then I either use the PiXiE in orbital mode, (6mm), and or polish by hand.









Mike

Cool. Would love to see the mini version if you get any pics. Sounds interesting.
mine so far has mostly been used in rotary mode in the right spots and then the other cleaning up holograms with the 1“ or 2” in RO. I’ve been experimenting with the different adapters on diff size pads. Having some success but still learning. After having this PXE cordless, I wish all my others were battery powered too. If this was anything other than an expensive hobby for me I would sell my corded and get new cordless. As a newbie, I didn’t realize how much a PITA the cords would be. Hard to keep it on my shoulder and have twice had it caught-up in my rotary…. That could have been a real disaster. Started clipping a carabiner on my back belt loop to hold the cord and keep tighter to my shoulder….

 

[Mike Phillips]

As a newbie, I didn’t realize how much a PITA the cords would be. Hard to keep it on my shoulder and have twice had it caught-up in my rotary…. That could have been a real disaster. Started clipping a carabiner on my back belt loop to hold the cord and keep tighter to my shoulder….

Been there done that


Mike