pad selection again

primo spaghetti

primo spaghetti

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So after stocking up on some LC HT's for my PC, i bought a Flex.

im not really a big fan of these pads for the Flex, but im still working out the kinks getting used to the flex...im not convinced it does rotate counter clockwise, but there is definately a different feel to it probably because of the forced rotation.

anyhow, ive seen recommendation for the LC hybrid pads, but never heard anything about the LC waffles?
has anyone tried them and what was your experience? Ive also tried the CCS and MF pads, and found they are ok...but im wondering what a waffle pad would be like...ive only ever used a waffle on a rotary, and i believe they were 3M.
 
I dont have experience with the waffles on the Flex but the waffles on the rotory sling product everywhere if you are not careful. Since then I quit using the waffles and use the Hydros on the rotory and hybrids on my Flex.

I think the 5 inch hybrids are probably the best pad for the 3401 as this size was designed for the machine. I recommend trying your hand at the 5 inch hybrids first before any other pad.
 
smack said:
...
I think the 5 inch hybrids are probably the best pad for the 3401 as this size was designed for the machine. I recommend trying your hand at the 5 inch hybrids first before any other pad.
Click to expand...

:iagree:

That's also MP's opinion. One thing: you have to have the 4" BP.
 
and that was the other concern..im now looking at having to buy the LC backing plate system..

i did see flex pad made by LC (so im sure they are the LC Hybrids). ill have to check on the size of them again...if they have Flex pads, maye a 4" flex backing plate is/will be available...
 
You can run the 6.5 inch hybrids on the factory plate as well if you chose. Since you are polishing that big truck compared to me polishing my BMW's, I think the 6.5 hybrids would be a better choice for you to start with. Later on down the road you can pick up the interchangeable bp system and the 5 inch hybrids.

Im in the same boat just with the smaller pads. I soon would like to get the bigger 6.5 hybrids.
 
i use the waffles all the time on a rotary and like them.i wish we could get them in 5.5 inch.i would get the hybrids for the 3401 if it was me,along with the 4 inch bp for the 5 inch pads
 
I have used CCS and HT Flat pads on the Flex 3401. Where i am right now with each is as follows:

- I use flat pads for correcting (heavy/medium compounding and swirl removal) and finishing (applying sealants and lsp's)

- I use CCS pads for polishing (AIO's mostly) and finishing (applying sealants and lsp's)

Others have stated that with DAT polishes the best way to go is with flat pads (so the abrasives diminish evenly), and for SMAT polishes you can go with either flat or CCS/Waffle. I agree with them.
 
alot of interesting info here...i appreciate the feedback.

personally. i prefer the smaller pads...and id like to stick with 4 inch and 5.5 inch.

i guess ill have to bite the bullett and get the LC backing plate system. too bad the 4 3?8 backing plate doesnt fit the 5.5 hybrids...i guess it is because of the indent for the backing plate placement

for some reason, i find any flat pad and the HT's ive tried seem to be more tempermental than the CCS pads...i found they were a little grabby because of the entire surface hitting the paint and the forced rotation being that, forced.

the MF worked fine too, although i only have 2 of the OPT 5.5 finishing pads. I found they were alot of work to clean after very panel (i wasnt trying after every pass), and i was only using a pad brush. they cleaned well, but i would need more MF pads to make them more efficient.
 
I have used 5.5 LC HT's on the 3401 without issue more than a few times. Trick is to keep the pad totally level with the surface otherwise they have a tendency to walk a bit. If you want to stay in the same family as far as cut and finishing try some of the LC HT 6.5 as they are a regular height pad not low profile if I remember correctly and I little easier to work with on a flex. The 5" LC Hybrid is a also an excellent choice but as you already know you will need the LC changeable or Flex 4 3/8 BP! I've used a 6.5" waffle a few times without issue also, pretty easy to control. Just stay away from any of the cross groove ones like the Cobra as they are a hand full with anything less than perfect technique. Microfiber pads works well with the flex but I can only comment on the 6" Meg's pads.
 
stibuki said:
I have used 5.5 LC HT's on the 3401 without issue more than a few times. Trick is to keep the pad totally level with the surface otherwise they have a tendency to walk a bit. If you want to stay in the same family as far as cut and finishing try some of the LC HT 6.5 as they are a regular height pad not low profile if I remember correctly and I little easier to work with on a flex. The 5" LC Hybrid is a also an excellent choice but as you already know you will need the LC changeable or Flex 4 3/8 BP! I've used a 6.5" waffle a few times without issue also, pretty easy to control. Just stay away from any of the cross groove ones like the Cobra as they are a hand full with anything less than perfect technique. Microfiber pads works well with the flex but I can only comment on the 6" Meg's pads.
Click to expand...

i found i liked the thinner pads over the thicker pads...some of my pads are thin, and they were dinfinately what i liked..

am i getting you right? i can use the 4 3/8 backing plate with the 5 " hybrids?? i thought i needed the 4" BP....

if so, thats great news, i have the 4 3/8 backer already!
 
primo spaghetti said:
i found i liked the thinner pads over the thicker pads...some of my pads are thin, and they were definitely what i liked..

am i getting you right? i can use the 4 3/8 backing plate with the 5 " hybrids?? i thought i needed the 4" BP....

if so, thats great news, i have the 4 3/8 backer already!
Click to expand...

Yes the Flex mini 4 3/8 BP will work with a 5" hybrid pad and I have used it that way before. There is enough contact patch to secure the pad firmly. However it all depends on your skill and comfort level. With the 4 3/8 BP you will have less of a cushion between pad and BP opposed to a LC 4" BP. If you not careful you might bump the BP on something like a mirror or door handle. When things get tight I also have the option to go to a 4" or 3" pad on one of my PC's so the 4 3/8 BP works for me and when in doubt I switch to a smaller pad.
 
stibuki said:
Yes the Flex mini 4 3/8 BP will work with a 5" hybrid pad and I have used it that way before. There is enough contact patch to secure the pad firmly. However it all depends on your skill and comfort level. With the 4 3/8 BP you will have less of a cushion between pad and BP opposed to a LC 4" BP. If you not careful you might bump the BP on something like a mirror or door handle. When things get tight I also have the option to go to a 4" or 3" pad on one of my PC's so the 4 3/8 BP works for me and when in doubt I switch to a smaller pad.
Click to expand...

Actually the 4 3/8 plate is a bit bigger than the velcro on the pad and I recommend using the actual 4 inch interchangeable BP as it was designed to for use with the 5 inch hybrids. Under your method of using a bigger plate, please do so at your own risk.

primo spaghetti said:
perfect thanks!
Click to expand...

Please read my comment above before you attempt.
 
smack said:
Actually the 4 3/8 plate is a bit bigger than the velcro on the pad and I recommend using the actual 4 inch interchangeable BP as it was designed to for use with the 5 inch hybrids. Under your method of using a bigger plate, please do so at your own risk.
Click to expand...

Agreed. The velcro from the BP will start digging into the foam and chew it up.
 
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