Flex 3401

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abstract

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I've been researching this tool quite a bit and most people seem to favor it. In my work (painted sculpture) I often have to polish inside curves (concave areas). I've used a rotary for years with good results, but looking for a polisher to fine finish even better. The rotary will sometimes leave edge swirls on these inside curves, which have to be removed by hand polishing.
The pads used with the Flex look like they have sharp edges, which may make matters worse.
Will the Flex 3401 do the same and leave edge swirls as well?
Are there better pads, curved edges perhaps, that would not create these swirls?
Maybe a different polisher?
Appreciate your input.
 
abstract said:
I've been researching this tool quite a bit and most people seem to favor it. In my work (painted sculpture) I often have to polish inside curves (concave areas). I've used a rotary for years with good results, but looking for a polisher to fine finish even better. The rotary will sometimes leave edge swirls on these inside curves, which have to be removed by hand polishing.
The pads used with the Flex look like they have sharp edges, which may make matters worse.
Will the Flex 3401 do the same and leave edge swirls as well?
Are there better pads, curved edges perhaps, that would not create these swirls?
Maybe a different polisher?
Appreciate your input.
Click to expand...
Post a picture of what you are polishing. Will a 6" pad fit? If not look at something else. You can get pads with rounded edges.
 
Depending on how tight the area are, you may want a smaller pad. Flex only allows larger pads.

Megs, PC and Griots full size DA polishers will accept down to 4 in pads.

Griots makes a little 3 in polisher that may fit into those areas. You might even be able to use a rotary on the big parts and clean up with the 3 in.
 
Hi abstract,

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you via e-mail, we just finished Detail Fest over the weekend and everyone here is still playing catch-up. Thank you also for joining the forum and posting your question here, on MeguiarsOnline.com and now here I have the same thread that asks people to post their questions to the forum and not send them to me via PM's or E-mail because it's just too much typing to try to keep up with all three and in most cases, topics are best discussed on a forum where many people can benefit from the discussion versus a set of 2 eyeballs in e-mail or PM's

Please post your questions to our discussion forum - Don't send them to me in a PM or E-mail...


Here's the picture you e-mailed me, I renamed it so it could be used on the Internet, resized it to a viewable size and then uploaded it into your gallery here on AGO and then inserted it below for everyone's viewing pleasure.

KICKINsculpture.jpg
 
For everyone that reads this into the future, just like I was able to actually insert the image above instead of "attach" it, if you're going to participate on forums, any forum, it's really not that hard to teach yourself how to crop out the fluff, resize to a normal size, uploading and insert and image. It sure makes it easier to view the photo and talk about it.

How-to work with pictures on discussion forums


As for which tool will work best for polishing your sculptures, get a DA Polisher and a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads to polish the paint after the rotary steps.


DA Polishers

Porter Cable 7424XP
4.5 AMP
500 Watt Motor
5 pounds
3 Year Limited Warranty - 1 Year Free Service - 90 Days Money Back


Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher
7.0 AMP
850 Watt Motor
5.5 pounds
Griot's Lifetime Warranty


Meguiar's G110v2
4.2 AMP
430 Watt Motor
5 pounds
1 Year Limited Warranty






The 3401 is a great tool but as long as you stick with small pads the DA style will work better because it's going to allow you to use smaller pads. You can even get 4" spot repair pads for smaller areas.

Curves can stop a pad from rotating on a DA style polisher because of the un-even pressure on the face of the pad but with the new generation polishers and small pads this shouldn't be a problem.

This thread here has links to all the different polishers plus tech specs if you scroll down a ways...

How to choose the right polisher for your detailing project


:)
 
Also, what are you using for a rotary buffer?

I don't know how small or thin of areas you have to polish are but you might really like the Flex 3403 Lightweight Rotary Buffer with smaller pads and some quality finishing polishes for your final finishing work. Using the right pad and products you can get swirl-free with a rotary buffer or really close to it.

Also, are you applying any wax or paint sealant to your finished work?


:)
 
I love the 3403 for working small and/or thin panels, it only weighs 5 pounds, has plenty of power and is super easy to control and work with using small pads under 7" in diameter.


See some action shots in the thread linked below working some long thin panels on a 1969 El Camino

If it has paint... it gets polished...


Note the safety glasses... don't want any splatter in my eyes...
WorkingLowerSections017.jpg
 
Mike
Greatly appreciate you replies.
The rotary I use is a cheap 7" B&D.
I wax by hand.
I have considered the 3403 as well.
 
abstract said:
Mike
Greatly appreciate you replies.
The rotary I use is a cheap 7" B&D.
I wax by hand.
I have considered the 3403 as well.
Click to expand...

For buffing out really cool stuff like you build, you would absolutely love the 3403, I try to keep my passion for this particular rotary buffer at bay but I wouldn't go to an off-site detailing or wet-sanding project without it.

A very good friend of mine and Pro Detailer, Nick Chapman tried one out for the first time at a class I taught in Dallas, Texas last November and then wrote a review for the Flex 3403, check it out here...

Nick Chapman's Review of the Flex 3401


FLEX L3403 VRG Lightweight Circular Polisher


Nick Chapman Polishing a 1956 Mercedes-Benz using a Flex 3401 Rotary Buffer
54MBinDallas023.jpg





And for anyone that does a lot of buffing, a pad washer makes cleaning your pads quick and easy...

Direct Link: How The Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer Works And How To Use One To Clean Foam And Wool Buffing Pads

54MBinDallas0091.jpg


54MBinDallas0101.jpg





Finished!
54MBinDallas028.jpg


54MBinDallas029.jpg
 
Mike,
I just got back from your warehouse. Matt was extremely helpful in showing me the different polishers and pads available. I got the Flex 3403, additional small backing plate, various pads with rounded edges, compounds and misc. items. I often work off a ladder, so I also like the wt. of the 3403 as well. Appreciate the info you posted on this thread.
Thanks,
robert
 
abstract said:
Mike,
I just got back from your warehouse. Matt was extremely helpful in showing me the different polishers and pads available. I got the Flex 3403, additional small backing plate, various pads with rounded edges, compounds and misc. items. I often work off a ladder, so I also like the wt. of the 3403 as well. Appreciate the info you posted on this thread.
Thanks,
robert
Click to expand...


Good to hear...

I saw Matt talking with you only I didn't realize it was you, had I known I would have loved to meet you.

Maybe consider going to our upcoming class on April 24th, or if you have any car enthusiast friends that might not know were in the area, share this link with them...

Machine Polishing Class at Autogeek's Show Car Garage on April 24th


Did Matt show you the new Studio and Training Center?


Autogeek's New Studios and Show Car Garage!


AutogeekStudioGarage001.jpg


AutogeekStudioGarage002.jpg





The Flex 3403 is a great tool, especially if you're buffing while standing on a ladder...


:dblthumb2:
 
You can run a 4" pad if you use and Edge adapter with the 4" cyclo polisher pads
 
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