New 4" and 6" Backing Plates for Flex 3401

Danube said:
I don't want to start anything here (nor I have any bad intention), but it appears that instead of the new 4" BP Flex users would be better off with 3" BP to go with 4" pads.

Pairing 4" BP with 4" pad means one has to be extremely careful not to inflict damage to the paint by accidentally touching the paint with the BP.

.. my 0.2 cents


:awman:
Click to expand...



In my opinion after using the 4" pad on the Flex 3401, a 3" pad would be too small.

The 4" pad works and works well but it does require the operator to focus on the task at hand....


The shroud around the gear mechanism is wider than 4" so with a 4" adapter and a 4" pad you also have to pay attention to the shroud as you're buffing so you don't run it into any component you're buffing around.

As for the 4" and suggested 3" footprint for the 3401, as the pad gets smaller, the tool can become tippy when buffing horizontal panels, just like when using a 3" or 4" buffing pad with any of the PC style polishers or on a rotary buffer, especially with an extension.

These types of pads and applications are not a problem for experienced detailers but anyone new to machine buffing will want to pay close attention just to be on the safe side.



:)
 
Harleyguy said:
Better off safe then sorry .I would tend to agree on changing the 6.5 BP down too the 6 inch pad I feel the trend is moving away from these large pads that are out . Large pads play nicer on a rotary .
Click to expand...
Will they make it before March?
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
These types of pads and applications are not a problem for experienced detailers but anyone new to machine buffing will want to pay close attention just to be on the safe side.



:)
Click to expand...



Majority of the people are just the opposite, UN-experienced, thus my concern.





:confused:
 
Mike, I have a few questions.

Who is Eric Dunn? Is he with Flex, or is he making aftermarket backing plates for the Flex?

As often as a shop like yours would run a Flex, what kind of life are you getting from the stock backing plate?

I may be a rookie, but I prefer my pad to stick out past the edge of the backing plate by at least a bit. For example, I am running LC CCS 6.5 inch pads on my standard Flex backing plate.

Thanks!
 
Mirror Finish said:
Mike, I have a few questions.

Who is Eric Dunn? Is he with Flex, or is he making aftermarket backing plates for the Flex?
Click to expand...

Eric Dunn is the Senior Account Manager Lake Country Mfg, Inc. I'm confident that new backing plate adapter system is a joint partnership between Lake Country and Flex.

Mirror Finish said:
As often as a shop like yours would run a Flex, what kind of life are you getting from the stock backing plate?
Click to expand...

There is no pat answer to that question because the more you remove a pad from a backing plate the more the hoods relax and wear-out.


Mirror Finish said:
I may be a rookie, but I prefer my pad to stick out past the edge of the backing plate by at least a bit. For example, I am running LC CCS 6.5 inch pads on my standard Flex backing plate.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

That's a good best practice. As this relates to the 4" backing plate mated to 4" foam buffing pads, I'm pretty sure 4" is as small a diameter backing plate that can be made for the design of the housing on the Flex 3401. This being true then there's only 3 options,


1. Re-tool the design of the Flex 3401 to make the housing surrounding the gear drive mechanism smaller. - Probably not going to happen.

2. Make 4.5" pads for the 4" pad adapters

3. Choose to use the 4 3/8" backing plate with 5.5" foam buffing pads​


:)
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
1. Re-tool the design of the Flex 3401 to make the housing surrounding the gear drive mechanism smaller. - Probably not going to happen.

2. Make 4.5" pads for the 4" pad adapters

3. Choose to use the 4 3/8" backing plate with 5.5" foam buffing pads​
:)
Click to expand...


Finally someone addressed the question that has been asked and ignored so many times on this forum.

It's about the time to make the 4.5" pads now.
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
2. Make 4.5" pads for the 4" pad adapters
​
Click to expand...
I would always want a buffer zone around my backing plate, so that is the only way I would go if I used a 4" backing plate.

And ultimately, I would prefer that Flex produces a 3" version of their XC 3401 VRG that I have, in a smaller overall size. I really would like a quality 3" DA polisher.

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
3. Choose to use the 4 3/8" backing plate with 5.5" foam buffing pads​
Click to expand...
That is a backing pad I would go for should I choose/need to go with a 5.5" foam pad.
 
Mirror Finish said:
I would always want a buffer zone around my backing plate, so that is the only way I would go if I used a 4" backing plate.

And ultimately, I would prefer that Flex produces a 3" version of their XC 3401 VRG that I have, in a smaller overall size. I really would like a quality 3" DA polisher.
Click to expand...


Great idea, I wonder if Flex has ever considered this?


I'll send the link to this to Bob Eichelberg, the President at Flex North America and my engineer buddies at Flex in Germany.


:xyxthumbs:
 
I bought a bunch of the 6.5 " LC Flatss on BOGO. The new 6" BP is a perfect mate for them! I use a GG 3" for tight spots. I also tried the Optimum MF Cutting Pad. It is a stunningly fast correction combo. Much faster than the Megs DA MF combo. The pads arent that different but the machines are!
 
If this has been asked and answered already I apologize, but does the felt ring need to be removed in order to use this system (mentioned on page 1) or can it be left in place? Thanks!
 
I think for a 5.5 inch pad, there should be a 5 inch backing plate. The 6inch bp is perfect for the 6.5 pads, but why no 5 inch bp? I think the 4 3/8 is a little too small, and when you're applying pressure, it seems like the outer edge of the pad wouldn't have as much pressure as the rest of the pad that has the bp behind it.
 
Thanks Mike! I couldn't see a reason why it would need to go, but after re-reading the first page and seeing the pics with it removed, I wanted to be sure before I took the leap and tried mine out.

As always, thanks for your assistance and have a great weekend!
 
a mini xc3401? now that's brilliant. I'd definitely have to buy that.
 
Kaban said:
a mini xc3401? now that's brilliant. I'd definitely have to buy that.
Click to expand...

Its why I suggested it....a need for a top quality 3" DA.

It has to be quality, compact and made in Germany like the Flex.

My charge card is ready and hopefully they'll have one within a year.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top