Meg's DA MF system comments...

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I hadn't used a traditional DA in a long time, I really got used to the Flex 3401. Anyhow, I polished a car today with the MF system and a Griots DA. The system was pretty effective, I was dealing with some pretty hardcore swirl, and it removed them for the most part. I liked the system, but I didn't like using a DA......continued below...

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.....you have to really concentrate on keeping the pad spinning and after getting used to the 3401, it was a real PITA. I tried the MF system with my Flex 3401 and it didn't mesh good at all. While the DA MF system is effective, I'm going to stick to my 3401 and surbuf/m105 combo.

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Why do you say you had to concentrate on keeping the pad spinning? I have played with this system on both the Griots DA and a PC7424. I had no problems keeping it spinning on either system. Maybe it is because I am more used to a traditional DA and you are using the 3401 pretty much exclusively? Who knows.

Did you take any pics of the vehicle and the results?
 
I didnt get to use mine today, had cars all day and an RV tommorrow, will probably be sunday before I get to play with my new toys :(
 
Thanks for your input Mark, much appreciated. I plan to order and test the system next weekend using the Griot's ROP. Did you only try this system with D300? Did you use D301? How about any other polish?
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
.....you have to really concentrate on keeping the pad spinning and after getting used to the 3401, it was a real PITA. I tried the MF system with my Flex 3401 and it didn't mesh good at all. While the DA MF system is effective, I'm going to stick to my 3401 and surbuf/m105 combo.

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I know what you mean. I was using my Flex 3401 with M105 and got tired having to stop around tight spots. So, I went back to using my flex rotary because I could change backing plates on the fly. I found the flex 3401 worked best at finishing with M205. I agree use what you are comfortable with.
 
Interesting comments but what your saying makes sense to me.

Looking forward to giving them a shot sometime soon.
 
M.P. Cobra Fan said:
Why do you say you had to concentrate on keeping the pad spinning? I have played with this system on both the Griots DA and a PC7424. I had no problems keeping it spinning on either system. Maybe it is because I am more used to a traditional DA and you are using the 3401 pretty much exclusively? Who knows.

Did you take any pics of the vehicle and the results?
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I didn't have problems keeping to pad rotating on flat surfaces. However, and any type of uneven surface or curve, the pad will stop spinning. This happened MANY times, and it really got annoying. Plus, if you don't put enough pressure with a DA, the pad will just vibrate. I think polishing is SO much easier with the 3401, because you can throw all these nuances out the window. Keep the pad flat and polish, simple as that. Much more consistent, IMO. I guess I'm just used to the 3401.

No pics, had no time.

rwright said:
Thanks for your input Mark, much appreciated. I plan to order and test the system next weekend using the Griot's ROP. Did you only try this system with D300? Did you use D301? How about any other polish?
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I used both, Richard. Didn't try any other polishes.
 
i am getting more and more excited about this system and can not wait til i have the extra money to try it out. since i do not have a flex it should be easier for me to use this then it was for you from the way it sounds. if you are looking to unload it send a pm letting me know what you got and what you are looking to get for it. thanks
 
Thats interresting Mark, thanks for the input. I just did a small review with a few pics of D300. I think it will have a serious place in my arsenal but time will tell.

I understand what you are talking about going from Flex to a traditional DA being more "work" from the stand point you have to pay much more attention on keeping the pad rotating.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
I didn't have problems keeping to pad rotating on flat surfaces. However, and any type of uneven surface or curve, the pad will stop spinning. This happened MANY times, and it really got annoying. Plus, if you don't put enough pressure with a DA, the pad will just vibrate. I think polishing is SO much easier with the 3401, because you can throw all these nuances out the window. Keep the pad flat and polish, simple as that. Much more consistent, IMO. I guess I'm just used to the 3401.

No pics, had no time.
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I understand now. I have not really played with it long enough to work it on curves. Hopefully I can get around to it this weekend. Thanks for your insight, it is always appreciated.
 
Interesting thoughts, Mark. I will agree with you 100% that the technique used with a 3401 is notably different than what is used for a "traditional" DA, though I still honestly think both tools have their strengths and weaknesses -- both have a spot in my arsenal and will continue to be used depending on the job.

I am curious though, what size MF pads and what backing plate were you using on the Griot's?
 
Mark so far from everyone one I spoke too that's used the Flex says the same thing it just doesn't work or the results are worth it . I thank you for the comments but like everyone else I'm going to try it also . You journey to find the right machine has been a long one I agree that you shouldn't go back wards since it took you so much time to find that sweat spot you were looking for .
Just remember I always will take your hand me downs since I know how well you take care of your products .:dblthumb2:
 
PAR Detailing said:
I understand what you are talking about going from Flex to a traditional DA being more "work" from the stand point you have to pay much more attention on keeping the pad rotating.
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You couldn't have summed it up any better, Jon. :dblthumb2:

Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Interesting thoughts, Mark. I will agree with you 100% that the technique used with a 3401 is notably different than what is used for a "traditional" DA, though I still honestly think both tools have their strengths and weaknesses -- both have a spot in my arsenal and will continue to be used depending on the job.

I am curious though, what size MF pads and what backing plate were you using on the Griot's?
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Charlie, I used a 5" BP and 5.5" pads.

Harleyguy said:
Mark so far from everyone one I spoke too that's used the Flex says the same thing it just doesn't work or the results are worth it . I thank you for the comments but like everyone else I'm going to try it also . You journey to find the right machine has been a long one I agree that you shouldn't go back wards since it took you so much time to find that sweat spot you were looking for .
Just remember I always will take your hand me downs since I know how well you take care of your products .:dblthumb2:
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You know me all to well, Adam. I don't plan on selling the Griot's DA as I can use it in tight areas with 4" pads.

I will say to those that like using a traditional DA, the MF system works great!
 
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07 z-oh-6 said:
Charlie, I used a 5" BP and 5.5" pads.
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Well that killed that theory! I was thinking you might have been using the 6" pads instead of the 5", and the added mass would make it tougher to keep the pad spinning. :buffing:
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Well that killed that theory! I was thinking you might have been using the 6" pads instead of the 5", and the added mass would make it tougher to keep the pad spinning. :buffing:
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Forced roation is where it's at for me!:buffing:
 
Interesting find!!! I'm not sold on this system nor do I think I will be! How did u clean the pads? If it was with compressed air, was it as effective as they claim it to be?
 
Dr Oldz said:
Interesting find!!! I'm not sold on this system nor do I think I will be! How did u clean the pads? If it was with compressed air, was it as effective as they claim it to be?
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I cleaned with a pad conditioning brush. Wasn't very effective. I only had 2 pads so I had to stop and wash the pads with Dawn pretty frequently, then spin dry them. It was a PITA. If you don't have compressed air, plan on buying 1 pad per panel, IMO. The MF pads accumulate build up pretty quickly.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
I cleaned with a pad conditioning brush. Wasn't very effective. I only had 2 pads so I had to stop and wash the pads with Dawn pretty frequently, then spin dry them. It was a PITA. If you don't have compressed air, plan on buying 1 pad per panel, IMO. The MF pads accumulate build up pretty quickly.
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I can see that being too time consuming. Thanks for the info :props:
 
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