How To Use The Flex 3401

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
You mean,

What size pads are people using with the Flex 3401?



or

What size pads are people using with the Porter Cable type polishers?


:dunno:
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I'm also curious which size pad you prefer on the flex. I've been using 6.5" pads with great results but have always been curious how much more cutting power could be had by dropping pad size down to 5.5". I've pre-ordered a 75E mini with 4" pads for intricate work so dropping pad size on my flex would not be for intricate work. Only to increase cutting power. Would it be worth it?
 
If I recall correctly, Mike will recommend the 5" flat hybrids. Need the LC interchangeable backing plate as well.

I recently started using those, and like them better than the 6.5 CCS pads I had been using.
 
Just02896 said:
I'm also curious which size pad you prefer on the flex.

I've been using 6.5" pads with great results but have always been curious how much more cutting power could be had by dropping pad size down to 5.5".

I've pre-ordered a 75E mini with 4" pads for intricate work so dropping pad size on my flex would not be for intricate work. Only to increase cutting power.

Would it be worth it?
Click to expand...


In my opinion and experience, if you're going to have and use a Flex 3401 then getting the Lake Country Adapter Plate System so you can get the 4" backing plate is a MUST.

5" pads fit so many panels better than 6.5" pads. The idea being not to buff on a raised body line or an edge.

Last night I buffed out my own truck. Classic Chevys like mine have HUGE flat panels so I used a 6.5" pad on the Flex 3401. But for most newer cars you want and need smaller pads. Then the ability to switch to the backing plate and pad that works best for the project in front of you is nice.


I just got off the phone with a guy in Houston, Texas. He's buying a Flex 3401 to remove sanding marks out of freshly painted, restored Kawasaki motorcycles.

I strongly recommended he get the backing plate adapter system and 5" Hybrid pads.


FWIW


:)
 
Sicktred08fsi said:
Mike,

What speeds do you use when working the Optimum MF pad with compound, then polishing?
Click to expand...


I use the 4-5 setting. I learned a long time ago when writing how-to instructions for Meguiar's to always recommend a range, not a specific number. The reason why is there are too many variables involved for most people and most tools.

An exception to this rule would be the Porter Cable 7424XP. For the most part, if you want to do correction work you want to be on the 6 speed setting. Even with thin pads, small diameter pads.



:)
 
Great write up Mike. I have really been thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these. I know you are doing a demonstration at cars and coffee with the FLEX. I won't be able to attend as I will be out of town.

I had a couple questions for you.

1. Would I have to change my technique when using this vs my Shurhold DA polisher that I have now? How much of a learning curve is there with this tool? Or is it pretty user friendly like most DA polishers? I do have plenty of experience with a rotary (Makita 9227c) so I am used to the power of a rotary.

2. Can I use the 5.5 CCS smart pads with it? Or do you recommend buying new pads?

Thanks again. Hope to see you soon.
 
Smokinss said:
Great write up Mike. I have really been thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these. I know you are doing a demonstration at cars and coffee with the FLEX. I won't be able to attend as I will be out of town.

I had a couple questions for you.

1. Would I have to change my technique when using this vs my Shurhold DA polisher that I have now? How much of a learning curve is there with this tool? Or is it pretty user friendly like most DA polishers? I do have plenty of experience with a rotary (Makita 9227c) so I am used to the power of a rotary.
Click to expand...

With your experience you'll pick up on how to hold and run the Flex 3401 in not time at all.



Smokinss said:
2. Can I use the 5.5 CCS smart pads with it?
Click to expand...


Yes with a smaller backing plate as the factory backing plate leaves no room for error.


Smokinss said:
Or do you recommend buying new pads?
Click to expand...

In my opinion, the Lake Country Hybrid Pads are optimized for the Flex 3401. If you get a Flex 3401 you should also get the Lake Country 4" backing plate so you can use the 5" Hybrid pads.

The Flex 3401 with 5" Hybrid Pads turns you into a swirl destroying machine.


:)
 
How about pressure?? Do you use more or less pressure when using MF pads verses the foam pads??
And is the Optimum the best choice of MF for the Flex?
 
Bicycle said:
How about pressure?? Do you use more or less pressure when using MF pads verses the foam pads??
Click to expand...

Not really, when doing any cutting step where you're trying to remove some paint you want to use medium to firm downward pressure after first spreading your product out and the reduce pressure for the last few passes.

Remember, polishing paint is not a grinding process. You're trying to create beauty.


Bicycle said:
And is the Optimum the best choice of MF for the Flex?
Click to expand...

That or the Lake Country THICK MF pads. Forced rotation dual action polishers buff smoother with some cushion versus a hard thin pad.


:)
 
Great advice Mike! I know you have been away but I picked up a 3401 and was able to use it on Saturday on a SL 550. I followed your tips and tricks and got great results. Check out my thread. Thanks for the help!!!
 
Smokinss said:
Great advice Mike! I know you have been away but I picked up a 3401 and was able to use it on Saturday on a SL 550. I followed your tips and tricks and got great results. Check out my thread. Thanks for the help!!!
Click to expand...


Just checked it out...

SL550 detailed (First with a Flex 3401)

IMG_20140621_120618_097_zpsbbrhx7mu.jpg



IMG_20140620_150834_054_zpsp5tjrzkm.jpg




Looking good!

:dblthumb2:
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Not really, when doing any cutting step where you're trying to remove some paint you want to use medium to firm downward pressure after first spreading your product out and the reduce pressure for the last few passes.

Remember, polishing paint is not a grinding process. You're trying to create beauty.




That or the Lake Country THICK MF pads. Forced rotation dual action polishers buff smoother with some cushion versus a hard thin pad.


:)
Click to expand...

Have you tried the 3401 and DAMF using the Meguiar's foam interface pad?
 
Mike Phillips said:
With your experience you'll pick up on how to hold and run the Flex 3401 in not time at all.






Yes with a smaller backing plate as the factory backing plate leaves no room for error.




In my opinion, the Lake Country Hybrid Pads are optimized for the Flex 3401. If you get a Flex 3401 you should also get the Lake Country 4" backing plate so you can use the 5" Hybrid pads.

The Flex 3401 with 5" Hybrid Pads turns you into a swirl destroying machine.


:)
Click to expand...

I apologize for bringing this thread back from the dead fellas but I have question about Mikes comment here.
Was there any difference besides size between the 5" Hybrid pads and the 5.5" Hydro Teck pads?
To put it simple, did the Hybrid pads work harder with the same effort of the user than the Hydra Teck pads?
 
Inside Man said:
I apologize for bringing this thread back from the dead fellas but I have question about Mikes comment here.
Click to expand...

First off... never worry about bringing an older thread back to life. I have articles on this forum dating back 8 years now and I would bet that the information in them is just as accurate today as it was when I wrote it. That's my writing style, as I often post here,

I write for the future -Mike Phillips


Inside Man said:
Was there any difference besides size between the 5" Hybrid pads and the 5.5" Hydro Teck pads?
Click to expand...

The shape of the pad
The size of the velcro backing
The foam formula

And all make a huge difference.


The shape of the pad
The Hybrid pads are tapered. Somewhere I explained on this forum the BENEFIT to a tapered pad. I've never seen any other detailing guru explain this.


The size of the velcro backing
The size of the velcro backing on a pad simply makes it easier to center the pad and this means longer pad life, better pad and tool performance and less vibration.

The foam formula
The hydro-tech pads are closed cell and what I wrote in my how-to book about this is,


Page_72_73_01.jpg


Page_72_73_02.jpg


The above is in my book, The Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine BUT I also cover this on pages 14 and 15 in my FLEX how-to book. (I tend to write my books like my replies in the forum/facebook worlds and that's IN-DEPTH as the original source.


Inside Man said:
To put it simple, did the Hybrid pads work harder with the same effort of the user than the Hydra Teck pads?
Click to expand...


They Hybrid pads last longer.


:)
 
Justin@FinalInspection said:
Great advice Mike! I know you have been away but I picked up a 3401 and was able to use it on Saturday on a SL 550.

I followed your tips and tricks and got great results. Check out my thread.

Thanks for the help!!!
Click to expand...


Sorry I just now found this thread Justin but I've been following your write-ups on our forum and you are indeed kicking butt!

I'm always impressed with your work and thank you for purchasing my FLEX how-to book, reading it and putting the information I shared into use.


:dblthumb2:
 
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