Flex and pad question?

[wytstang]

I've been somewhat eying the Flew to no end , but then noticed it only has a 6'' backing plate available. So all my pads are 5.5'' has anyone run into any problems using these size pads with the Flex 6'' backing plate? I want to assume no since there really isn't that much of a difference, but I'd rather ask then find out the hard way. I also don't want to buy all new pads since mine are all fairly new too.

[makdaddy626]

The Flex now comes with a 5.5" backing plate. I've used it with a 5.5" pad in very open areas but I'm not really comfortable with it, there's NO overlap.

[wytstang]

Ohh so it sits flush with the backing plate, I don't like that. May have to wait to buy the Flex then, don't have the coin for the Flex and all new pads .

[MadOzodi]

Yep, it's flush and when I put a low profile 5.5" pad on there, put it down on my kitchen table (wasn't plugged in), it felt like the BP was in direct contact with the surface of the table.

Makdaddy, props for being able to work with it...I'd have screwed up my paint for sure.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by MadOzodi

Yep, it's flush and when I put a low profile 5.5" pad on there, put it down on my kitchen table (wasn't plugged in), it felt like the BP was in direct contact with the surface of the table.

Those with some tinkering impulse have trimmed foam and velcro on backing plate down to 5".

[Al-53]

I have bought 2 extra plates and I had one cut down to the support ring and its a little over 4.5 inches now and I use my 5 and 5.5 in pads no problem....and have not seen a issue with the smaller plate...I just used it today infact for 3 hours on paint and it did just fine...in fact I ithink it has less issues with it flexing like some had and had it scraping....but that may have been a loose mounting screw also..but any ways it works fine and I use all my pads now

Al

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by Al-53

I have bought 2 extra plates and I had one cut down to the support ring and its a little over 4.5 inches now and I use my 5 and 5.5 in pads no problem ...

I don't know anybody in my neighborhood that could do it competently

Originally Posted by Al-53

and have not seen a issue with the smaller plate ... in fact I ithink it has less issues with it flexing

Makes sense as "leverage" is shorter.

[Al-53]

Zoran...it can be done by any one really....I seen one that a guy did with a dremel and a cut saw blade ..he just followed the ring and cut just the plastic area and cut the foam and velcro with a razor...looked perfect...

Al

[MadOzodi]

Originally Posted by ZoranC

I don't know anybody in my neighborhood that could do it competently

Ya, I'd end up having to buy several new BPs. Good thing I've only really had a couple of 5.5" pads. Aparently, the guy I was going to sell my UDM to doesn't really want it cuz I've yet to hear from him. I'm thinking about buying a 3.5" BP for it.

Originally Posted by ZoranC

Those with some tinkering impulse have trimmed foam and velcro on backing plate down to 5".

Hmmm, I can see how that could be done. Dremel and sharp knife maybe.


Wystang, now that you've heard what Al's done, buy one!

[k20z3kid]

hmm whats wrong with using 5.5" pads with a 5.5" backing plate??