Flex backing plate question
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lawrenceSA
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- Feb 7, 2012
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As far as I know, no you can't. The 5" hybrids actually have a 4" velcro on the back
Mike Phillips
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- Dec 5, 2022
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If you're a better man than me when it comes to placing a smaller velcro backing surface onto a larger velcro surface and at the same time ensuring the pad is centered onto the backing plate.
The key to centering a pad onto a backing plate is to have the backing plate a tick smaller than the back of the pad so your eyes can see what you're doing.
That or like some pads, have the velcro backing recessed a little but also still smaller or exact fit to the backing plate.
When you do the opposite, that is the backing plate is larger than the diameter of the back of the pad you simply cannot see if you're correctly aligning the two parts and these leaves you with guessing.
It's important to have your pads centered on your backing plates and even more so with the gear driven, forced rotation Flex 3401.
I cover every backing plate available for the Flex 3401 in my how-to book and recommended pads for each backing plate size. In this book I don't recommend trying to use the 5" Hybrids with their 4" velcro backing on the 4 3/8" backing plates.
What I do state on page 12 is that the Flex 4 3/8" backing plates "can" be used with 5.5" and 6" pads but then it's a little undersized. There are some microfiber pads and foamed wool pads that fit this backing plate the best but I'm not a huge fan of using microfiber pads on the Flex 3401. I do like using wool pads like traditional wool pads used on rotary buffers on the Flex 3401 and mostly for boat detailing.
On Autogeek.net
How to use the Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Polisher
For both Production Detailing & Show Car Detailing
:xyxthumbs:
Rommel
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- Aug 11, 2014
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Glad I saw this because I was looking at using them based on description of the 5" Hybrid pads.
Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish 5 Inch Foam Pads
"The backing material on each pad is 4 inch, which makes it self-centering on the Flex XC3401 VRG Orbital Polisher equipped with the Changeable Backing Plate System. With all other applications, a 3.5 to 3 3/4 inch backing plate is suitable."
Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish 5 Inch Foam Pads
"The backing material on each pad is 4 inch, which makes it self-centering on the Flex XC3401 VRG Orbital Polisher equipped with the Changeable Backing Plate System. With all other applications, a 3.5 to 3 3/4 inch backing plate is suitable."
Velocitybts
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- Apr 11, 2013
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Java and Rommel,,
The Flex 3401 runs the best using the LC Hybrid pads which has been gone over tons on the forum. Mike highly suggests the usage of these pads over anything else.
Get the LC Backing Plate SYSTEM, and it will have the 4" plate that you will need to use the 5" pads ( the one sold separately is the 4 3/8in which you don't want). The 5" pads are the best size to maximize the 3401's potential. The backing plate, pad, and machine are perfectly matched in this combination. Go larger and it functions great, but you will have the best results using the 5" pads. I am speaking from personal experience utilizing every pad, MF, size, and compounds, and polishes there is on this machine and I will say the results i get are amazing using the 4" plate and 5" pads.
This combination almost transformed this machine for me, and I am so happy now that I have it set up perfectly.
Hope this helps, and I took Mike Phillips advice in doing this and of course it worked out perfect.
The Flex 3401 runs the best using the LC Hybrid pads which has been gone over tons on the forum. Mike highly suggests the usage of these pads over anything else.
Get the LC Backing Plate SYSTEM, and it will have the 4" plate that you will need to use the 5" pads ( the one sold separately is the 4 3/8in which you don't want). The 5" pads are the best size to maximize the 3401's potential. The backing plate, pad, and machine are perfectly matched in this combination. Go larger and it functions great, but you will have the best results using the 5" pads. I am speaking from personal experience utilizing every pad, MF, size, and compounds, and polishes there is on this machine and I will say the results i get are amazing using the 4" plate and 5" pads.
This combination almost transformed this machine for me, and I am so happy now that I have it set up perfectly.
Hope this helps, and I took Mike Phillips advice in doing this and of course it worked out perfect.
expdetailing
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- Aug 17, 2014
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If you don't want to buy lc's bp system to run the 5” hybrids, you could use a 6" pad cut down a bit to work with your 4/38" bp.
- Thread starter
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The only reason I'm looking at the factory Flex plate is because of the breaking issue of the LC backing plate.
SSTG
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- Nov 27, 2008
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Is this as big an issue as it's reported? I am interested in the kit myself, but not if they break easily. Feed back please
Velocitybts
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- Apr 11, 2013
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I would bet that the ones that have broken the Customers complained and wrote in here somewhere. ALL the ones that didn't break or crack, no one said anything.
Also, it is likely that production users are the ones that have had them crack under heavy usage. The average person probably won't have any issue and if so would be rare and could possibly contact AUtogeek about it. Or LC
I personally used for 4 months the 4 3/8's plate with the 5" pads. I had no problem at all using them. I just made sure the pad was centered very closely for smooth operation. So if it worries you so much then just get the 4 3/8 plate and be done with it. I got the LC kit just to get the right one, no issues so far.
Mike Phillips
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It's not a problem. Do yourself a huge favor and ket the kit.
It's one of those things where thousands of people that don't have any problems also don't start threads on forums stating they don't have any problems.
They just move on in life using their Flex polisher.
When their is the exception to the rule once in a while a post about it ends up on a forum somewhere.
It's definitely the exception not the rule. Also, Lake Country addressed the issue with a specific washer and spacer for the 6" backing plate.
There hasn't been a repetitive issue with the 4" backing plate and for what it's worth, I've never used the 6" backing plate just the 4" backing plate.
Most people buying the adapter system are doing so JUST to get the 4" backing plate so they can burn and turn 5" Hybrid pads.
The 6" comes in the kit but it won't do anything you can't already do with the 5.5" from the Flex factory that comes on the Flex 3401.
So the breaking issue is for the most part only about the backing plate most people will never use thus it's really a non-issue to start with and again... Lake Country addressed the issue with a specific washer and spacer FOR THE 6" BACKING PLATE ONLY.
And.... I cover all of this on 6 to 8 of my how-to book for the Flex 3401 with LOTS of pictures.
I don't hesitate recommending to people to purchase the Lake Country Backing Plate Adapter System to anyone, both in person and of course in my new how-to book.
I also taught Brandon and Marius at F40.com how to use this mod on their Flex 3401 when working on Wayne Carini cars.
If the 4" backing plate does break, chances are it's from one of two reasons,
1. Abusive punishment
2. Using the WRONG washer. The 4" backing plate comes with a dedicated washer and bolt.
3. Over tightening the bolt.
All three of the above are operator errors.2. Using the WRONG washer. The 4" backing plate comes with a dedicated washer and bolt.
3. Over tightening the bolt.
If you own a Flex 3401 and don't have the LC adapter kit or if you're going to buy a Flex 3401 then I HIGHLY recommend getting the LC adpater kit so you can use the 5" Hybrid Pads.
The ability to use both large and small pads with the Flex 3401 enables YOU to maximiuze your time and energy. You can work faster and do better work. You don't have to get it right away but definitly put it on your must have list.
FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System
Kamakaz1961
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- Aug 23, 2013
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I have used the Lake Country Backing Plate system with no issues at all. My guess is that the universal backing plate needs to be correctly mounted. It must fit in the Flex shaft properly. My guess if it is not mounted correctly then damage to the plates can occur. That is the only reason why it would break.
Again, I have no issues with the LC Backing Plate system and I use it quite often.
I do dab a little oil around the Flex gears for lubrication purposes.
IMO, the Flex Backing Plate is an awesome system. The original flex backing plate is a good one too.
Again, I have no issues with the LC Backing Plate system and I use it quite often.
I do dab a little oil around the Flex gears for lubrication purposes.
IMO, the Flex Backing Plate is an awesome system. The original flex backing plate is a good one too.
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
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Please do let us know what you think...
Also, it's less about the actual foam resin or form formula and more about the size and fitment to the Flex 3401. The foam formula used to make the Hybrid line of foam pads does in my opinion work very well for the Flex 3401 and for Rotary Buffers. It's very possible the same size and shape of the Hybrid pads could be made using the foam resin used to make the LC Flat Pads or the LC Hydro-Tech pads and the pads on the Flex 3401 would still work great.
I'm sure I listed all the reasons the 5" Hybrid pads are great for the Flex 3401 in my newest and most recent how-to book for this tool. I'm proof positive I did as I went on to strongly recommend this mod and upgrade for this tool in the book.
While what you stated is 100% accurate and I share high resolution pictures showing exactly how to attach these backing plates and adapters to the Flex on page 6 to page 9 of my how-to book I know the breaking issue in the PAST had to do with the stress to the plastic from the bolt and that's why there's a WASHER and a SHIM, (that's 2 things), that Lake Country engineered for the 6" backing plate.
The 4" backing plate just uses a single washer but it is different than the factory washer and I show this in the how-to book also.
I will say that all backing plates do wear out and sometimes some backing plates (all manufactures for all tools) do break.
From experience, when I see or hear of a backing plate breaking it's also almost always happening to a tool that is being used a lot. As in a high production shop.
I agree. More than half of the Flex 3401 polishers in our garage are set-up with the 4" backing plate. I think we have around a dozen Flex 3401's in the Show Car Garage for our classes. I've been doing this a while, I know what works best when teaching people to use the Flex 3401 for the first time and smaller pads are better.
You learn to walk before you learn to run...
Mike, I just got your Flex Book and it appears that it must be available in electronic form also as there are numerous entries that look like links. Is there an electronic version?
Great book by the way .... makes me much more comfortable in being able to effectively use the Flex.
Great book by the way .... makes me much more comfortable in being able to effectively use the Flex.
Velocitybts
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- Apr 11, 2013
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No, no kits have the system. Get the system when you order the Flex. You will be glad you have it. The Hybrids are the way to go in the 5" without a doubt. The system is built well and I cannot see how or why it would have any issues. They 4 3/8 plate works, but for the $20 extra get the kits. I have both, and the 4" in the system is so much better to use.
I don't think the book is in digits. Only paper copy, I would purchase it in digits if it were.
cardaddy
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- Nov 20, 2012
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Your instructions aside Mike, I have a question. (Especially for those that may not have the book.)
Being as Lake Country has included a dedicated bolt, a thick washer, and TWO shims, what puzzles me is WHY there are no instructions what-so-ever. If indeed they only intend for the shims, 1 shim, 2 shims, whatever.... to be used with only ONE of the two interchangeable backing plates, then it just makes sense that they include those instructions. :dunno:
So from what you are saying, you'd not used their bolt even? That's unless you were mounting the 4" backing plate?
Seems I remember that the OEM bolt/washer doesn't even fit inside the Lake Country drive plate.
It'd help to have clarification, which shims *how many* with which BP?
Inquiring minds and all that.
Thanks, Cardaddy /AKA - Tony
Detailed Reflection Auto Spa
Mike Phillips
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I think due to the volume of work everyone has on their plates here at Autogeek, especially heading into the holidays, there has not been time to convert the how-to book into an ibook yet. But that is normally the plan.
About the hyper-links in the print version.
I type those links and title when I type out the book. I do this because since I wrote my articles I know where they're at and when they match the topic in the book. So when I'm typing I take a few minutes to also type a title and the actual full accurate hyper-link. Yancy doesn't know every article I've written so he can't do this plus even if he did know every article I wrote it would be a huge time killer to make him hunt down the articles and snag both the title and the link. So I do it while I"m typing out the words for any book.
Then I hand the manuscript off to Yancy who prepares it for publishing.
Of course you cannot use your finger to press on paper and have a link show up on your computer. The links are for the ibook version.
The reason they are in the paperback version is for an additional resource to the reader.
If you type the words in any hyper-link you're interested in into Google and add my name Mike Phillips the article will/should pull up. (Try it and see)
The hyper links will take you to information that is related to the topic where you find the hyperlink words in the print version.
I think it's better to include them and let the reader decide if they are interested enough to use Google to locate them or not. It's really simple to do.
You can also use the search feature on the forum or start a thread and ask for help locating the article.
Stripping them out would prevent this question you ask but it would also not provide further help to the reader. I would rather provide more help than less help.
There's a benefit to the electronic version and that is the online resources available by clicking the link.
I hope that makes sense...
Thank you. I worked very hard on it and it is very thorough and accurate.
I know the Flex company also really likes it.
:xyxthumbs:
Mike Phillips
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- Dec 5, 2022
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Great question Tony.
Before I answer... do you have the adapter kit? Or a copy of my book?
I think I can better answer your question with this information.