Pad & Polisher recommendations

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smriddlert

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I’m looking to buy a FLEX 3401 and wanted to ask what pads everyone uses? I also want to make sure that the Flex is going to tackle everything I want to do. I plan on using it for wetsanding, compounding, polishing and waxing. What pad line-up would be best to tackle all of these tasks with the 3401?

Thanks!
 
Re: Pad & Polisher recommendations

Lake Country Force Hybrid

Buff & Shine Uro Fibers work well also. Did remarkably well w GG Correcting Cream on average, every day Ford paint.
 
I agree. The Force Hybrid pads are awesome. But thru the years, pretty much any pad worked great on it. I will say the LC Hydro Tech cyan pads do have a shortened life span on the 3401 tho.
 
Dr Oldz said:
I agree. The Force Hybrid pads are awesome. But thru the years, pretty much any pad worked great on it. I will say the LC Hydro Tech cyan pads do have a shortened life span on the 3401 tho.
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Hydros are probably the least durable on any tool.

That being said, they deliver some nice results.
 
Thanks for all the replies! Does pad size matter? Pretty sure my current setup is 6" and I like how the equipment isn't so big and bulky. (I started off by using a 7 or 8" rotary.)

As far as your heavy cut, I read microfiber pads work the best. Any truth to this? How about wetsanding pads? Any thoughts on a specific brand?

What are your pad choices? I was thinking of just narrowing it down to three. Heavy cut, polish and wax..?

Final question... Do you all use paste or liquid LSP's (waxes/sealants)? If liquid, do you apply them by hand or by machine? What yields the best results?



Thank you all for your time and effort in responding!
 
dlc95 said:
Hydros are probably the least durable on any tool.

That being said, they deliver some nice results.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I change them often to help save them. They give great results no doubt. I’m a big fan. The 3401 really chews them up fast tho. But I’m usually ok with that as It means I can work fast and efficiently.
 
Dr Oldz said:
Agreed. I change them often to help save them. They give great results no doubt. I’m a big fan. The 3401 really chews them up fast tho. But I’m usually ok with that as It means I can work fast and efficiently.
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I buy them in 12 packs. I'm willing to sacrifice a few bucks to get the job done quicker for sure.
 
Ive been using the Force Orange pads on my FLEX and cant complain. Since I am ready for new ones I am trying the SDO's and I have a wet sanded repainted Civic coming in this week so I will have a good chance to see what they can do. I also do like MF pads on my FLEX but they can be too thin for such a powerful machine you have to be careful.

As for wet sanding with it get an interface pad FOR SURE, and some Mirka or Meguiars papers.
 
smriddlert said:
Thanks for all the replies! Does pad size matter? Pretty sure my current setup is 6" and I like how the equipment isn't so big and bulky. (I started off by using a 7 or 8" rotary.)

As far as your heavy cut, I read microfiber pads work the best. Any truth to this? How about wetsanding pads? Any thoughts on a specific brand?

What are your pad choices? I was thinking of just narrowing it down to three. Heavy cut, polish and wax..?

Final question... Do you all use paste or liquid LSP's (waxes/sealants)? If liquid, do you apply them by hand or by machine? What yields the best results?



Thank you all for your time and effort in responding!
Click to expand...

For the forced rotation of the 3401 I would use wool.
 
I apply all my LSPs by machine. Liquid or paste form. Best way to lay down a thin, uniform layer. By laying down a nice thin coat, any LSP is easier to remove verse hand application.
 
For wool, the Force Hybrid is available in a wool pad too which works quite well.
 
Dr Oldz said:
I apply all my LSPs by machine. Liquid or paste form. Best way to lay down a thin, uniform layer. By laying down a nice thin coat, any LSP is easier to remove verse hand application.
Click to expand...

Which LSP's do you prefer?
 
Dr Oldz said:
I apply all my LSPs by machine. Liquid or paste form. Best way to lay down a thin, uniform layer. By laying down a nice thin coat, any LSP is easier to remove verse hand application.
Click to expand...


I feel the opposite. Applying on large panels is one thing, but I can only save a a minute or two vs. hand application. (At best).

Setting the machine down and grabbing the hand applicator for tight spots (50 times) is not my cup of tea. And I do not like the idea of doing panels, then going back around to hit tight spots.

I can actually hand apply wax to my entire truck faster than machine applying, and in only one go-round.

As for the thin application, I have never had a problem applying it thin by hand. Nor have I ever had removal problems.

Just my opinion, and what works best for me.
 
If that's true, and I'm not saying it's not, you're doing it wrong. By all means though, whatever works best for you.
 
PaulMys said:
I feel the opposite. Applying on large panels is one thing, but I can only save a a minute or two vs. hand application. (At best).

Setting the machine down and grabbing the hand applicator for tight spots (50 times) is not my cup of tea. And I do not like the idea of doing panels, then going back around to hit tight spots.

I can actually hand apply wax to my entire truck faster than machine applying, and in only one go-round.

As for the thin application, I have never had a problem applying it thin by hand. Nor have I ever had removal problems.

Just my opinion, and what works best for me.
Click to expand...

There is really no right or wrong way! Whatever works for you as long as it’s protected in the end.
 
sudsmobile said:
If that's true, and I'm not saying it's not, you're doing it wrong. By all means though, whatever works best for you.
Click to expand...

I've certainly tried it both ways. Several times.

I just have more control by hand in tight areas (trim edges, glass, narrow sections), and it definitely saves me time on the wife's Wrangler. Polishing that thing is a real PITA with all the times I have to switch to 3,2, or even 1 inch pads.

Doing so for applying LSP by machine would actually double my time on that thing.
 
PaulMys said:
I've certainly tried it both ways. Several times.

I just have more control by hand in tight areas (trim edges, glass, narrow sections), and it definitely saves me time on the wife's Wrangler. Polishing that thing is a real PITA with all the times I have to switch to 3,2, or even 1 inch pads.

Doing so for applying LSP by machine would actually double my time on that thing.
Click to expand...

Wranglers aren’t your typical polish/wax job. They are a real PITA. Good reason why I charge hourly.
 
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