Flex LE12-3-100 5-Inch Variable Speed Wet Polisher for Natural Stone and Concrete

I got this tool to wet grind cast concrete countertops. I just finished a rough grind of a practice cast outdoor bench yesterday and this tool exceeds expectations. I looked at other grinders here and read all the user reviews carefully - I decided to get this one even though it was about twice the price (it does not include a set of diamond pads). Flex makes a less expensive version that does not have variable speed and I am glad I got this one that does. For flat grinding it does not make a difference - dial it up to high and grind away but for edges, sides and smoothing corners it makes a huge difference - the 50 grit pad was impossible to control at full speed. It would dig in and gouge the still soft concrete; but when I slowed it down to speed 1 or 2 things were totally controllable.The reviews of the other, less expensive wet grinders noted that the water controls were cheap and they had to replace them with parts from a hardware store; but not this tool - the water valve is metal and works perfectly - you can adjust the flow precisely; but after I while I just turned in on full blast and just got wet - who cares, water is cheaper than the pads. Also some noted that you had to be careful on other grinders not to press too hard and bog the tool down; so one of the first things I did was try the same thing with this tool. Not possible with the Flex - with a 50 grit pad and all my weight on the tool (I weigh 190#) you could hear it slow slightly but it did not stall by any means - I did not put too much pressure on the grinder during use only because it became difficult to control and not that I was worried about over loading it.My only minor ding on the purchase is the fact that the water connection to the tool is a standard garden hose quick connect fitting - it is brass and well built like everything on the tool BUT they did not include the 50 cent hose adaptor in the kit. I had to run to the hardware store with the tool in hand (there were a couple of different quick connect versions) to get the right part but after that it was smooth sailing. For what this tool cost I feel they should have included that inexpensive part; but it was an easy fix.Bottom line - expensive, but clearly worth it. I like German tools - I have a number of Festool products in my woodshop and this wet grinder is in that league. If you are willing to spend the extra coin to get top notch tools then this a purchase you should consider.Final note - first thing I did after using this grinder is buy a set of serious raingear - everything within 8 feet is going to get soaked - especially the operator.

Polishing petrified wood and it comes out like glass...

This polisher is a very quailty tool. I used it to polish a concrete countertop and radius the edges. It does not bog down at all even when leaned on heavily with a 50 grit diamond polishing pad or when using a radius profiler. The positioning of the front handle allows great control. The on-off switch feels substantial as does the brass water valve, and the variable speed dial is well postioned out of the way.

The unit arrives well packaged. It's clearly a quality piece of equipment. The 'quick-connect' hose adapter doesn't fit any American made quick connects...which is why I only give it four stars. Otherwise I would give five. I figure if a company is going to sell their product in the USA they should at least do some research on what works here.Try if you like, but no amount of pressure I was able to apply would slow this thing down. I drove it through marble with a 1/2" Damo Diamond Roundover without issue. It took some time of course...it's not a wood router, but I was able to do a full cut in one pass and a second pass just to dress it up. Naturally it got warm, but only i the drive head. The motor never heated up at all.Be prepared to buy a full rain suit and rubber boots. If you're going to operate this rig properly you're going to get wet. I ran the water pretty much full on to preserve the expensive diamond abrasives.I looked at the less expensive 'Made in C***A" tools and weighed the potential for disappointment before choosing this unit. I'm glad I did. Worst thing that can happen to me now is I sell it after I'm done with my projects.In summary the tool is ergonomically designed with a powerful motor, quality electronic speed control. User fatigue is minimal.

Ordered a variable speed LE. Box said LE. Tool is not variable speed. Hope the next one is correct.Also, the advertised power input is 1150. The manual says 1100. Output power is listed at 650.

The FLEX variable speed polisher is a great tool. It runs smooth and stays cool during use.The only issue encountered was receiving the wrong item. The seller has done their best to resolve the issue.

I bought this Flex LE12-3-100 polisher on March 15 '13. The tool works good, but I noticed the GFI didnt trip when tested. Amazon promptly sent another within 3 days. Yesterday, Sept 1 '13 I recieved a severe electrical shock while using the tool, the GFI on the second tool has also failed. Amazon will not return!Obviously I would not recommend this tool.

Perfect product works fantastic for polishing tile