Advise for flex noob

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Shadowworldz

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First of all..english is my second language so excuse if there is sometimes not perfect grammar. :)

So I'm getting kinda tired of the manual waxing and polishing of my ride.
Any tips and tricks and recommendations will be appreciate.

Which electric buffer/polisher would you recommend? I lean towards FLEX.
Important for me is the safety part and peformance. I have never used something like a Flex on my car paint.
If there is a sticky or FAQ appreciate if you can point me towards that, too.
I am kinda nervous of using this kind of equipment..don't wanna screw up the paint of my nu ride.. ;)
Are they pretty safe?

Ok, for now, appreciate your time for a noob in this section.. ;)

(hope I dont get all the hate I got when I posted about a question about a windows cleaner 1 year back...lol..or not so-lol)

~~SW~~
 
Which flex 3401(Forced D/A) Or XFE7-15(longthrow)?

IMO, their are better options than both of these. But they'll get the job done non the less

The forced DA will always spin, won't bog nor stall
Won't cut as fast as a longthrow on the flats, but will be quicker in the curves.

If pad isn't flat ,pad will grab and machine will walk
Being forced, it stresses your body and nervous system more than a longthrow.

Longthrows cut the fastest out of any D/A in reguards to swirls.
Really smooth
Can just use weight of machine, no need for pad pressure
Best matched with a dedicated 3in machine.
If pad isn't flat in the curves it can stall.
 
I'm aligned with Mike on this point. There is a difference in handling forced rotation vs. free spinning. If you've never used a machine on vehicle paint I would recommend the long throw Flex or the Griots machine as free spinning is a bit less forgiving and somewhat easier to get used to. Plus the fact that the development of pads and products with the right machine can give you outstanding results.
 
what would you recommend instead? longhrow but different brand? Flex is a trusted brand..thats why I thought might be the first choice...:)
 
Griot's Garage 6". A great tool to learn and grow with. I have 2 of them and still find myself reaching for them once in a while. Griot's also has excellent customer service and warranty.
 
If I had to pick just one machine it would be the Flex 3401. It’s fast, powerful, safe and versatile.
 
I'd recommend Makita PO5000C/PO6000C of you're wanting forced
If you're wanting longthrow I'd recommend Griot G21 boss..but knowing they don't have a 220v version
I'd recommend Maxshine unit
 
Dr Oldz said:
If I had to pick just one machine it would be the Flex 3401. It’s fast, powerful, safe and versatile.
Click to expand...

how do I go about attachments/pads and such... don't have much clue... but won't the very best. ;) do they usually come with those and I just need the pads or what?
 
The 3401 will come with a backing plate already. You will just need pads.

I personally like Lake County foam pads. Easy to use, easy to clean.

My Flex was my first machine and I've always loved it. I also have a Rupes (long throw machine) and really enjoy it as well. 2 different feels but both work great.
 
DetailKitty said:
The 3401 will come with a backing plate already. You will just need pads.

I personally like Lake County foam pads. Easy to use, easy to clean.

My Flex was my first machine and I've always loved it. I also have a Rupes (long throw machine) and really enjoy it as well. 2 different feels but both work great.
Click to expand...

tnx buddy!

PS: Ford Focus RS, huh...how do you like it? heard mostly positive. PM if you want to get into some car talk (since its offtopic). ;)
 
For 3401, Lake Country Force Hybrids seem to work best. B&S Uro-Fiber nice too.
 
so i am looking at this: flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher. pricey..... but worth it??? so that's not a 'long throw', correct?

Griots...seem less expensive but same quality? where is that made in? (looking at the Griots Garage BOSS G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polisher)
dont know if I should go full mental with the flex or take it easy with Griots or Rupes (??) or how about that Meguiars MT300 Dual Action Polisher? Dont like that large handle/lever...
So far I am leaning towards the flex 3401....

Before I spent like 400-500 buckerionos I need to know if this is worth it...and I am not screwing up my paint with it....... ;)

thanks alot people. :)
 
Sizzle Chest said:
Griot's Garage 6". A great tool to learn and grow with. I have 2 of them and still find myself reaching for them once in a while. Griot's also has excellent customer service and warranty.
Click to expand...


I think for now I will go with your advice. The flex is prob great tool - but like $500 for a beginner... IDK... The Griot 6" is reasonable priced and to get a feeling for a DA it's prob good for a start.
Which pads are you using with it? I might go with some 'lake country' like some other usw recommended... Do I need special wax/sealent/polish for the DA, does it have to be the liquid kind or can I go with whatever I got?

thanks guys for your advice. :)
 
I like the PC 7424xp.

For most jobs it's the first tool I grab.

I tend to use my Rupes set up for more high end, and specialty work. I'll use the 3401 for huge vehicles like campers, and industrial vehicles. The PC will do everything else. While I have a 7424xp, I'm usually using the original version which has the least amount of power, but still works great, is small, durable, reliable, and dependable. If I could only have one tool this would be it.

My most used pads are 5.5" (6.5 for the 3401) Buff and Shine.
I recommend:
4 - Orange/Black Microfiber - Heavy cutting
4 - Green - General cutting / One step polishing
4 - Blue - General polishing / Fine finishing
4 - Black - Cleaner Wax
2 - Red - Sealant / Wax

The "juice":
Meguiar's Ultimate Compound
Meguiar's Ultimate Polish
Meguiar's Cleaner Wax (A12, M06, or D166)
Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax.

Sort of an "outdated" set up, but it really works. Especially in the pad world. Those pads are just some no frills, workhorse, get the job done items. Nothing sexy there.

I prefer these foams to the standard orange and white because I just don't like the way they work. I find they don't do a lot of cutting on their own, need a ton of pressure to do anything, and resist contouring to surface irregularities. They are also the most resistant to spinning, which can severwly hamper defect removal. Conversely, if you use a lot of pressure on the green, blue, and black pads you'll kill the benefits of their characteristics. The bigger drawback is that green, blue, and black can absorb product more if you're not paying attention to reload quantity, or if you're doing the whole face priming thing. You just need a circle of product, or a few dots arpund the perimeter to get started.

The Super Micro Abrasive Technology used in the Meguiar's Ultimate line is related to their professional formulas, and work great with random orbital tools. Because there is no need to "work them down" as you would a diminishing abrasive product. This allows you to "short cycle". If your defects are gone in three passes instead of five... you can save a ton of time. In fact, Ultimate Polish almost works better short cycled. I also really like their old school cleaner wax. I don't sell the service where I'd use a product like that, and promise to deliver a lot if any correction with it.

You have a lot of good options here though. I just thought I'd share mine.
 
dlc95 said:
I like the PC 7424xp.

For most jobs it's the first tool I grab.

I tend to use my Rupes set up for more high end, and specialty work. I'll use the 3401 for huge vehicles like campers, and industrial vehicles. The PC will do everything else. While I have a 7424xp, I'm usually using the original version which has the least amount of power, but still works great, is small, durable, reliable, and dependable. If I could only have one tool this would be it.

My most used pads are 5.5" (6.5 for the 3401) Buff and Shine.
I recommend:
4 - Orange/Black Microfiber - Heavy cutting
4 - Green - General cutting / One step polishing
4 - Blue - General polishing / Fine finishing
4 - Black - Cleaner Wax
2 - Red - Sealant / Wax

The "juice":
Meguiar's Ultimate Compound
Meguiar's Ultimate Polish
Meguiar's Cleaner Wax (A12, M06, or D166)
Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax.

Sort of an "outdated" set up, but it really works. Especially in the pad world. Those pads are just some no frills, workhorse, get the job done items. Nothing sexy there.

I prefer these foams to the standard orange and white because I just don't like the way they work. I find they don't do a lot of cutting on their own, need a ton of pressure to do anything, and resist contouring to surface irregularities. They are also the most resistant to spinning, which can severwly hamper defect removal. Conversely, if you use a lot of pressure on the green, blue, and black pads you'll kill the benefits of their characteristics. The bigger drawback is that green, blue, and black can absorb product more if you're not paying attention to reload quantity, or if you're doing the whole face priming thing. You just need a circle of product, or a few dots arpund the perimeter to get started.

The Super Micro Abrasive Technology used in the Meguiar's Ultimate line is related to their professional formulas, and work great with random orbital tools. Because there is no need to "work them down" as you would a diminishing abrasive product. This allows you to "short cycle". If your defects are gone in three passes instead of five... you can save a ton of time. In fact, Ultimate Polish almost works better short cycled. I also really like their old school cleaner wax. I don't sell the service where I'd use a product like that, and promise to deliver a lot if any correction with it.

You have a lot of good options here though. I just thought I'd share mine.
Click to expand...

thanks for your thoughts. I doesnt come with a backing plate though..
Also keep in mind I don't need lots of 'cutting' power as it would be used to maintain a new paint.

~~SD~~
 
Shadowworldz said:
thanks for your thoughts. I doesnt come with a backing plate though..
Also keep in mind I don't need lots of 'cutting' power as it would be used to maintain a new paint.

~~SD~~
Click to expand...

Oh right!

I'd pick up the 5" Buff and Shine plate..

That green pad and a polish might be all that you need.
 
dlc95 said:
Oh right!

I'd pick up the 5" Buff and Shine plate..

That green pad and a polish might be all that you need.
Click to expand...

Yeah, seems like the Porter is the one I will go with 'cause for the price it seems like the best deal. Still confused about the backing plate/pads. Do I need to get a 5" or 6" backing plate? The pads need to be one size up? Like 6" pads for 5" backing plate?? Can I run the Porter with an extension cable?
thanks my friends.

~~SD~~
 
If you are choosing the PC 7424xp or the GG 6 I highly suggest this backing plate.

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate

This is the best backing on the market right now In my opinion.

It is a 5 inch backing plate. So it will be used for 5.5 inch pads.

If you want to keep you pad selections simple I also suggest 5.5 inch x 7/8 Lake country hydro techs. Only three colors so it’s easy picking for the task u need it for. They are awesome pads.

Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads , hydrotech foam pads for water-based polishes, lake country foam pads, buffing pads


These are just my suggestions as others will have others I am sure. But they have worked great for me over the years.
 
Dr Oldz said:
If you are choosing the PC 7424xp or the GG 6 I highly suggest this backing plate.

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate

This is the best backing on the market right now In my opinion.

It is a 5 inch backing plate. So it will be used for 5.5 inch pads.

If you want to keep you pad selections simple I also suggest 5.5 inch x 7/8 Lake country hydro techs. Only three colors so it’s easy picking for the task u need it for. They are awesome pads.

Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads , hydrotech foam pads for water-based polishes, lake country foam pads, buffing pads


These are just my suggestions as others will have others I am sure. But they have worked great for me over the years.
Click to expand...

Still don't understand why I should use a 5" plate with a 6" DA??

ok, sounds good. tnx :) I was looking at a 3M backing plate... suppose to be good?
So the size of the pads correlates with the size of the backplate?

also cleaning those pads...guess I can't throw 'em in the laundry right.. ;) all just use new ones for every job?
 
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