3401/MF Pads??

[Bicycle]

I have a vehicle thats needs to be compounded. I usually use Menz 400 and orange hybrid pads.
I thought this time I would try a mf cutting pad or wool.
Any thoughts or suggestions on either of these pads with the Flex? It seems like I remember reading that if you use mf with the Flex it should be a pad that has more foam padding.
Either way, I want to use the 400 compound. What do guy think suggest?

[Jay's 128i]

I've never used this combination, but I think I remember some saying that the flex doesn't like mf. I'm sure others will offer better answers....

[dlc95]

A good friend of mine uses the original Buff and Shine microfiber pads on his 3401.

They have a taller foam, and are more forgiving.

[dcjredline]

I have used the Meguiars MF pads on my FLEX 2x and was very happy, one was black too.

[Joe@NextLevelDetail]

You don't want to use a lower profile microfiber pad on a 3401.

Like DLC above stated a higher profile pad is the ideal choice.

[BudgetPlan1]

I thought the B & S Uro Fiber were good with Flex 3401?

https://www.autogeek.net/buff-and-shine-uro-fiber.html


While Buff and Shine Uro-Fiber Pads were designed for long throw or high action polishers originally, they can successfully be used with any type of polishing machine.

[Joe@NextLevelDetail]

I thought the B & S Uro Fiber were good with Flex 3401?

https://www.autogeek.net/buff-and-shine-uro-fiber.html

The exception to the rule!

I Did forget about these pads. They do work well on the 3401, Due to the shorter Pile it does not "grab" the paint like the longer microfiber pile.

[B5visser]

The exception to the rule!

I Did forget about these pads. They do work well on the 3401, Due to the shorter Pile it does not "grab" the paint like the longer microfiber pile.

I gave this combination a run 2 days ago, and it worked pretty well. Was able to compound the hood on a 2004 Toyota Matrix (extremely oxidized) with D151 with pretty good results. Although it works, my personal preference is for a Lambswool cutting pad on the 3401, and MF on a free spinning tool like the XFE7. The uro-fiber pads tend to mat down a little more on the 3401, especially when medium/heavy pressure is used.

I'd say give it a go! The 3401 is a very versatile tool in regards to the pads that work well on it!

[Mike Phillips]

Posted this back in 2012 on the topic of using microfiber pads on gear-driven orbitals...

2012 Dodge Challenger + Menzerna Color Lock Makeover (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-autogeek-s-car-week/58125-2012-dodge-challenger-menzerna-color-lock-makeover.html)





Test Spot
Next up we did some testing and I had Robert and Paul compare the Lake Country Ultra Microfiber Pads on identical tools, the Flex 3401.

The difference was that one polisher had the THICK LC Ultra Microfiber Pad and the other polisher had the THIN Ultra Microfiber Pad.

If you want to know which one works best I'll let you post the question and I'll let Robert and Paul tell you their opinioins...

After some testing we buffed out the car using Menzerna SI 1500 with Lake Country Ultra Microfiber Pads on both the Flex 3401 and the Griot's DA Polisher and then followed that using Lake Country 5.5" white foam polishing pads with Menzerna SF 4000 and then sealed the paint using Menzerna Color Lock machine applied using Lake Country 5.5" Blue Finishing Pads on Griot's DA Polishers.


Here's Robert testing out the thick LC Ultra MF Pads and Paul testing out the thin LC Ultra MF Pads

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1526/2012_Challenger_Makeover_019.jpg


Robert is very good behind any polisher and always focuses on using good technique...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1526/2012_Challenger_Makeover_020.jpg


Look at the THICK foam core for this MF Pad...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1526/2012_Challenger_Makeover_021.jpg



Below is the thin MF pad as the foam core is much thinner than the thicker version...

NOTE: The linting is normal when breaking in a new LC Ultra Microfiber Pad

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1526/2012_Challenger_Makeover_022.jpg


Then I had both guys switch keeping all other variables the same except the thickness and thinness of the foam backing of the pads.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1526/2012_Challenger_Makeover_023.jpg


Robert with the thin pad...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1526/2012_Challenger_Makeover_024.jpg

Paul with the thick pad...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1526/2012_Challenger_Makeover_025.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1526/2012_Challenger_Makeover_026.jpg




You can find comments about what the guys above thought after using thin and thick microfiber pads on page 4 of the thread here,

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-thursday-night-detailing-classes/58125-2012-dodge-challenger-menzerna-color-lock-makeover-4.html


Me?

I find any brand of microfiber pad on a gear-driven polisher to simply be grabby. And by grabby I mean the pad will want to hop around and it simply not a smooth buffing process as compared to ANY brand of foam pad.

The only exception is if there is a thick foam intercore between the microfiber face and the velcro back or if you want to add some foam interflex or interface pads to the buffer before attaching a thin mf pad.

Just my take for what it's worth...

Free spinning orbitals - now this is where microfiber pads tend to excel.

NOTE: I have not used the new RUPES mf pads with the Millie yet so I reserve the right to change my opinion after real-world experience with NEW technology, including the compounds and polishes. RUPES is on top of their game and I expect to be impressed in 2 weeks when Jason Rose and I teach a RUPES BigFoot class here.

1967 Chevelle Training Car for RUPES Paint Correction & Polishing Class (http://tinyurl.com/y8yftoag)



:)

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Although it works, my personal preference is for a Lambswool cutting pad on the 3401, and MF on a free spinning tool like the XFE7.


Agree 100%