New flex 3401

**EddieF** · 07-20-2015, 07:03 PM

Hi all, I know this topic has probably been beaten to death, but I could find a direct answer. My wife is buying me a 3401 for my birthday, I currently have a pc and use 5.5 lake country, and B&S pads. My question is, do I need to purchase any other backing plates for the flex for the 5.5 pads to work? Thanks in advance.

**Kamakaz1961** · 07-20-2015, 07:13 PM

Just get the Lake Country 4" Backing Plate and might as well get the Flex 4 3/8" Backing plate too! Get the 5" and 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Pads...I think they were designed for the Flex 3401. The 4 3/8 Flex backing plate works for the 5.5" Pads. The 4" BP works for the 5" Hybrids.

Make your PC into a 1, 2 or 3" DA for the tight spots. I have the Flex 3401 and it is an incredible DA! It is a beast! You will cut your correcting time in less than 1/2 the time.

Here are a couple of pics as to what I did with my PC. I made it handle all sizes of pads from 1" to 5.5".

**dlc95** · 07-20-2015, 07:29 PM

Yes, the 4 3/8 plate will be needed for 5.5" pads.

**AGOatemywallet** · 07-20-2015, 07:41 PM

If your intention is to always uses 5.5 inch pads and never go bigger...just take your FLEX BP to a Machine Shop and have them take it down to 5.3 inches for an Exact Fit BP

The shop I went to offered to do it for $5. I gave the guy $10. Took <5 minutes

**EddieF** · 07-20-2015, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Kamakaz1961

Just get the Lake Country 4" Backing Plate and might as well get the Flex 4 3/8" Backing plate too! Get the 5" and 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Pads...I think they were designed for the Flex 3401. The 4 3/8 Flex backing plate works for the 5.5" Pads. The 4" BP works for the 5" Hybrids.

Make your PC into a 1, 2 or 3" DA for the tight spots. I have the Flex 3401 and it is an incredible DA! It is a beast! You will cut your correcting time in less than 1/2 the time.

Here are a couple of pics as to what I did with my PC. I made it handle all sizes of pads from 1" to 5.5".

Thank you for braking it down for me. I can't wait to try this machine.

**EddieF** · 07-20-2015, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by dlc95

Yes, the 4 3/8 plate will be needed for 5.5" pads.

Thank you sir.

**EddieF** · 07-20-2015, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by AGOatemywallet

If your intention is to always uses 5.5 inch pads and never go bigger...just take your FLEX BP to a Machine Shop and have them take it down to 5.3 inches for an Exact Fit BP

The shop I went to offered to do it for $5. I gave the guy $10. Took <5 minutes

Damn good idea!

**mbpress01** · 07-20-2015, 08:43 PM

Please buy M Phillips book.

Mike Phillips' How to use the Flex XC3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher Paperback Book

It is not that expensive and will really help you when you are ready to start using this tool. A lot of the stuff in there is on these forums (but not all) and the book is perfectly laid out and will allow you to avoid issues. There is some important recommendations on preferred options. Good luck and I would tell your wife to "pre buy" the tool asap. That way you can get a few details in before winter and post your experiences. Also, Please think about Menzerna product Line as well as 3D.

**EddieF** · 07-20-2015, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by mbpress01

Please buy M Phillips book.

Mike Phillips' How to use the Flex XC3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher Paperback Book

It is not that expensive and will really help you when you are ready to start using this tool. A lot of the stuff in there is on these forums (but not all) and the book is perfectly laid out and will allow you to avoid issues. There is some important recommendations on preferred options. Good luck and I would tell your wife to "pre buy" the tool asap. That way you can get a few details in before winter and post your experiences. Also, Please think about Menzerna product Line as well as 3D.

That's a good idea, the polisher is sitting in our spare bedroom waiting for my birthday. LOL. I currently have a couple of Menzerna products and I do like them. If you don't mind me asking, what does the MB stand for in your name?

**AZ Mike** · 07-20-2015, 09:19 PM

This is the one I got.
FLEX XC 3401 VRG HD Orbital Polisher, FLEX buffer, car polisher
(I like the 25' cord)
and
FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System
I can run 5" Lake County Hybrid pads on the 4" backing plate and 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid pads on the standard 5.5" backing plate.
So far I have only used the 5" Hybrid pads and I love this machine. I have been using Pinnacle Advanced Compound, Swirl Remover and Finishing Polish. They have worked great for me so far. From all of the reviews that I have read, the 5" Hybrid pads are made for the Flex 3401.