Flex 3401 2 weeks on

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gaschob

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Well, my first post regarding the Flex was not completely positive. It was hard switching from a rotary to the 3401, the vibrations, the ergonomics and new pads were all hard to get used to. Two weeks in and I have a new appreciation. The biggest change was changing the products I've been using with it. I had been using the same shop products that I used with the rotary and wasn't seeing better results. The game changer was getting a hold of the Menzerna fg400 compound and sf4000 polish. What a revelation! I'm now seeing the same results that I've seen reported from other users reviews. The Menzerna cuts so quickly, and polishes so crisp and clearly! I was working on a grey 2009 Nissan and I didn't even know I had a metallic paint until I used the sf4000. I immediately brought over a coworker who wants his vintage black mustang polished and let him know this is the product I would be using on it. I can safely say, I won't be bothering with any other compounds or polishes at work other than the Menzerna. You use less product, it works faster and stay wet longer. This has given me a new appreciation for the Flex 3401. Together they really are unstoppable. The 3401 is an exceptional machine, but it is picky about what you use with it for the best results. This reminds me of when photoshop came out and traditional photographers were upset because it was almost too easy to get good results. Its the same case.. professionals still have the advantage but I have no doubt I could teach a newcomer how to get damn good results in very little time. Very happy with these products!
 
Thanks gaschob…. just got my Flex 3401 last week and haven't had the chance to use it yet.

Can't wait!~

Going to also be ordering the Menzerna line up here soon enough.

Coooooooome ooooooooooon Xmas sales :)
 
I would highly suggest the Menzerna! It's worth every penny. Even at regular price, it's better value than most other products as you won't use as much or need as many different products. Good luck!
 
Way cool to see you have seen the light!! Welcome to the Flex Force!!!...LOL Menzerna FG400 and SF4000 are a great combo!! I use SF4500 as IMO it is more of a jeweling polish and I see slightly better results (like really nit picking).

If you want to see even better results; I like any Lake Country Pads...period!! But try their Hybrid Pads. The 5" and 6.5" Pads. They work wonders for the Flex. Don't hold me to this....but I believe these pads were designed for the Flex, however, do not hold me to it.

You will work quite a bit faster as they reduce grabbing and walking if you aren't perfect. I would get them. I like the 6.5" as they cover quite a bit more area per pass.

Definitely, get the Lake Country Backing Plates (even the Flex backing plate too) and try the 5" Hybrid pad with the 4" backing plate. Your technique for accuracy and finesse will be improved for the tougher areas.

I even remember posting on your previous thread that you would need to change your technique a little.

I know I had to when I got the Flex 3401. Way cool to see you are very happy with the Flex. IMO it is the BEST DA out there bar none!!
 
Appreciate the encouragement! I got the SF4000 because I was worried I would need the extra cut coming straight from the FG400. But the FG400 finishes extremely well,so I might just try the sf4500 next time.
 
I curious as to what polishes you were using previously.
 
Some good, some not. Shop brands like car brite, huttons, and some meguiars. This is a huge step up.
 
To be fair there are some good products, but none as good or as good a match as the menzerna
 
gaschob said:
Its the same case.. professionals still have the advantage but I have no doubt I could teach a newcomer how to get damn good results in very little time.
Click to expand...


It used to be it took some talent and experience to get professional results... now with better,

  • Tools
  • Pads
  • Products

Just about anyone can get pro results their first time polishing. The biggest hurdle for some is switching from always working by hand to working by machine.


The Flex 3401 is a beast of a dual action polisher, I even sign my new how-to book to that effect. It's just a matter of optimizing it wit the right pads and products and then putting some time behind it to become proficient with it.


:)
 
Glad to hear you are enjoying your FLEX 3401 MUCH better. Another tip if you are getting any "walking" or having difficulty controlling the machine is to invest in the LC interchangable backing plate and use the 4in plate and the 5.5" hybrid pads from LC. These smaller pads give you better control, but as always keeping the face of the pad flat is key. Menzerna and this machine are a match made in heaven!
 
Caleb@ImpeccableImage said:
Another tip if you are getting any "walking" or having difficulty controlling the machine is to invest in the LC interchangeable backing plate and use the 4in plate and the 5.5" hybrid pads from LC.

These smaller pads give you better control, but as always keeping the face of the pad flat is key.
Click to expand...


I agree. In fact, that's not just a "tip" in my new how-to book it's a "strong recommendation".


Page 6 - LC Backing Plate Recommendation.
Page 11 - 6.5" Hybrid Pad Recommendation for full size pads.
Page 13 - 5" Hybrid Pad Recommendation for small size pads.


This is how you optimize the Flex 3401


:)
 
Couldn't agree more. The trouble with dealerships is they tend to rely on local distributors who only bring in certain products. So we have maybe 3 options. Luckily one can order in other products, just a long wait.
 
I appreciate the extra help! I'm using 6.5" pads with no difficulty now. Only trouble I'm finding is they break apart easier than the ccs pads did. I think next time I'll skip the hydrotech and go with ccs again. I mAy try some 5" pads as well, although in my mind that sounds so tiny! I can see how it would be beneficial for small spots though. Just polishing a blur 2004 Pontiac now, getting excellent results with much better time. Hopefully it doesn't make me too lazy..
 
gaschob said:
I appreciate the extra help! I'm using 6.5" pads with no difficulty now. Only trouble I'm finding is they break apart easier than the ccs pads did. I think next time I'll skip the hydrotech and go with ccs again. I mAy try some 5" pads as well, although in my mind that sounds so tiny! I can see how it would be beneficial for small spots though. Just polishing a blur 2004 Pontiac now, getting excellent results with much better time. Hopefully it doesn't make me too lazy..
Click to expand...

Gaschob--- Follow Mikes direction. He subtly suggested that LC Hybrid pads 5" are the best for the 3401. Use the LC backing plate made specifically for the 3401 also.

I was using 5.5 or 6" with the factory plate for a long time. I also used the Meg's D300 and the mF pads. Worked excellent however after reading all the threads and emailing with Mike, I went with the 4" backing plate, and full set of Hybrid pads. Bought Mens FG400 and already used the SF4000. Match made in heaven for sure. The FG400 dusts too much for me, but the cut and use is unbelievable. GO this route, several other members have suggested this also.

Key is to use numerous pads when cutting, keep them clean and yours results will be even better.

MY personal regiment is typically a Hybrid Orange cutting with FG400, then a Hybrid white with SF4000. Thats for customers cars. Personal car gets an additional Rupes Diamond Polish with a Hybrid Black pad on a setting of 2.5 with no pressure.

I use Rupes 3" LHwhatever with the Rupes pads and Zephyr, SF4000, and Diamond for bumpers and small areas. However I am thinking of selling this due to the pads are 4" and not that much smaller than the 5" Hybrids on the Flex. Since the Flex is a forced rotation, I can use it similar to a rotary and get most of the small areas anyway. Or go to the GG3" or rotary for those small areas. I really want a 2" pad on a rotary. NO air, so hopefully the new Flex will be able to get a small plate and someone will make a 2.5 in pad. I cannot decide but I think the R 3" will go, and I will get a Flex small Rotary for small areas.

Follow Mikes advice and other members, there is a thread covering the specific Hybrid pads and the Flex with a speed suggestion for it also.

Hope this helps you out
 
Yes I did catch that. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, I can't get a hold of those pads in Ontario so I will be making the best with what I have for now. Thanks for all the help!
 
gaschob said:
Yes I did catch that. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, I can't get a hold of those pads in Ontario so I will be making the best with what I have for now. Thanks for all the help!
Click to expand...

IF you have paypal I will be happy to help you out with those pads. Make up a list of what you want done, and then I will get them and ship them to you. No problem. I ship items everyday anyway. Just let me know buddy
 
Thank you! That's really kind to offer. The issue is actually my work place, not customs or anything. Appreciate the kind offer though
 
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