Customized FLEX in action!!!

[shadybreal]

Customized FLEX in Action!!!

I was fortunate enough to be able to get my FLEX while there were still some in the U.S. However I did get it w/ the old red backing plate. It works very well w/ the LC CCS 6.5 pads, but I prefer something a little smaller while trying to correct. I’m still waiting on my new plate, but I too impatient so I got a buddy of mine to help w/ some backing plate trimming. He does a lot of custom motorcycle work and car restoration, so I figured he could help. I asked him about using a jig saw to trim off about ¼” off the edge and he just laughed. He then proceeded to show me a lathe. It’s a tool that spins an object, and allows you to precisely cut around the edge of something. I should have took pictures, but I didn’t have my camera. Sorry! The lathe worked wonderfully. I was dying to use the FLEX w/ the new trimmed plate, so I took it in the garage for a quick trial test. I was amazed at how the smaller pad increases the speed. I started on speed 2 which felt like at least 4 w/ the larger pads. Speed six really really moves! The only problem I had was I think when we cut around the edge we removed a lot of glue which caused the Velcro to come loose. To fix this problem I took the plate off the machine and rubbed on some concrete outside to roughen it up a little. I then used Gorilla glue to put a small bead all around the plate. Next I place the Velcro back on the plate and set it down on the garage floor w/ two 50 pound weights on top. After an hour I gave it another go, and it seems to be fine. Here are a few pictures and short video.

PICTURES:

Pads used: LC low pro white and orange, LC CCS blue, and small black waffle






FLEX w/ LC orange low pro: notice the amount of overlap.




VIDEO: I was using SIP on speed 1 to spread, then moved up to 4, followed by six just to let you hear the speed, and then finally back to 4. Hope this helps you owners and potential owners.

[justin30513]

Awesome vid Bradley! A lot will benefit from this.

[ehuth1]

Nice cut on the BP. Looks like it was suppose to come that way. How would say the harmonics change or did they? So with the new plate you can basically use all your pads, SWEET!

That thing was screaming on 6!

[maesal]

How many inches are the orange pad and the backing plate?
Thanks for the video mate

[TexasTB]

You can move the Flex that fast and still be effective?

[killrflake]

Thanks Shadyrbreal for the pics and the video. Thats the best and clearest
info on the Flex. I've seen yet. Now I'm really itching to take delivery of my
Flex. Oh, nice custom job on the backplate.

[shadybreal]

Originally Posted by TexasTB

You can move the Flex that fast and still be effective?

I really didn't think it was that fast, and yes it's effective. Have you used a FLEX, and if so how fast do you recommend? I'm still learning.

[TexasTB]

No, I haven't used one yet. Dust 2 Glory got his, and he is not too far from me. Bugging him to let me try it out. soon.
As far as the fast moving, I dunno. Looks fast to me compared to how slow you have to move a PC over the paint for it to work.
If it does work effectively at that speed, I am all over it!!!!
I may buy one the beginning of next year, if they are not on backorder still.
Thanks for the review!

[justin30513]

It's amazing how much faster a smaller pad (thinner too) will spin on a DA. It's all in the physics I guess but man, that thing is screaming.

Did it get warm?

People are scared of warm but it's required to true paint correcting. Hot is bad.

[Russecu]

[quote=justin30513;158861]It's amazing how much faster a smaller pad (thinner too) will spin on a DA. It's all in the physics I guess but man, that thing is screaming.
quote]
Thats true for a true DA but remember the flex has a forced rotation so the pad will not effect it like a DA like the pc/udm. I think at speed six its 480 rpm and not sure of the opm. I too like working with the 5.5" or even 5.25" (if ever possible) pads with the flex. Shady you haven't received your replacement backing plate yet? You need to at least contact powerhouse or whom ever you purchased from. I have got two of them already. Nice video!