Flex 3401 Circumcised Backing Plate

gewb

gewb

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At long last, as promised, I cut down a Flex 3401 backing plate to fit a 5.5 inch pad and gave it a trial run.

I should have done this when I first got my Flex - what a difference!

While I have never had problems using / controlling the Flex with 6.5" pads, using the smaller 5.5" was much easier - well balanced and controlled, reduced vibration, gets into smaller areas, and the pads are less expensive. There is a small (1/8 to 1/4") shoulder left around the pad and with just a little care posed no problems with running up to a body transition.

It is almost like using a different tool with all the benefits of the Flex. Now what do I do with all of my 6.5" pads?

5.5" Pad on backing plate before circumcision (pad just fits on plate)

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The "operation"

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5.5" plate and mounted pad

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If you are in the Denver area and would lilke to try this circumcised backing (through August of this year), just PM me and we'll make arrangements. I have the following 5.5" pads:

Yellow CCS
White Flat
Red CCS
Black CCS
Tangerine Hydro
Cyan Hydro

Regards,
GEWB
 
very interesting ... no additional wobble ??? I cannot believe with all the Flex's being sold nobody has come to the plate with multiple sized backing plate.
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
very interesting ... no additional wobble ??? I cannot believe with all the Flex's being sold nobody has come to the plate with multiple sized backing plate.
Click to expand...
No, all wobble is gone even at a 5.5 setting.

Regards,
GEWB
 
You are just the mohel of the detailing world....Mazel tov
 
Necessity is the mother of invention! :props:

Nice work!! :props:
 
BigAl3 said:
here's something similiar someone else did as well...
Customized FLEX in Action
Click to expand...
I thought about using a lathe to cut the plate down a little more but 5.5" pad is the smallest the Flex can accept (due to housing size and stroke length). So I opted for this method first. If there was a problem with interference when meeting a body transition (needing more pad shoulder to avaoid damage) I would then cut the plate down on a lathe - but so far it's not a problem.

Regards,
GEWB
 
Very cool! :dblthumb2:

Any particular reason why you did this? The Flex 3401 has *more than enough power* to spin 6.5" pads unlike non-forced rotation DA's(even the newer ones).

EDIT: I went back and read your post and it answered all my questions. Doh!

How did you cut the circle so straight?
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
I'm curious too... if you simply cut this free-hand... you did a good job...
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Hello Mike -

Thanks.

Indeed, I cut it freehand using the utility knife in the picture (with a new blade). I placed the BP hook side down onto the cardboard (seen in the picture) and cut around the molded edge. Took about two or three passes - went quickly and easily.

Regards,
GEWB
 
gewb said:
Hello Mike -

Thanks.

Indeed, I cut it freehand using the utility knife in the picture (with a new blade). I placed the BP hook side down onto the cardboard (seen in the picture) and cut around the molded edge. Took about two or three passes - went quickly and easily.

Regards,
GEWB
Click to expand...

You have a steady hand.:props:
 
gewb said:
I thought about using a lathe to cut the plate down a little more but 5.5" pad is the smallest the Flex can accept (due to housing size and stroke length). So I opted for this method first. If there was a problem with interference when meeting a body transition (needing more pad shoulder to avaoid damage) I would then cut the plate down on a lathe - but so far it's not a problem.

Regards,
GEWB
Click to expand...
I've cut Flex BPs down to 4 7/8" on a metal cutting lathe. They cut really well with a sharp metal cutting tool and the size is perfect for 5.5" pads.
 
Awesome job cutting free hand.Looks like you can open another side business cutting down backing plates.I have to look into doing this also but i think i will get another BP so i can use 5.5 pads and the 6.5 pads
 
I sense a new reality TV show ... Pimp My Flex

Seriously, nice job Gewb :dblthumb2::xyxthumbs::dblthumb2:
 
feslope said:
I've cut Flex BPs down to 4 7/8" on a metal cutting lathe. They cut really well with a sharp metal cutting tool and the size is perfect for 5.5" pads.
Click to expand...
That's how I wanted to do it but I don't have a lathe or a friend with a lathe. 4 7/8" or 4 3/4" is perfect as the minimum size one can go is 4 5/8".

Regards,
GEWB
 
Harleyguy said:
Awesome job cutting free hand.Looks like you can open another side business cutting down backing plates.I have to look into doing this also but i think i will get another BP so i can use 5.5 pads and the 6.5 pads
Click to expand...
Thanks but I have a job...at least this week!

I procured a new BP just to cut it down - they aren't expensive and the $$ savings on a few 5.5" vs 6.5" pads pays for it.

Regards,
GEWB
 
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