Flex 3401 Circumcised Backing Plate

[gewb]

At long last, as promised, I cut down a Flex 3401 backing plate to fit a 5.5 inch pad and gave it a trial run.

I should have done this when I first got my Flex - what a difference!

While I have never had problems using / controlling the Flex with 6.5" pads, using the smaller 5.5" was much easier - well balanced and controlled, reduced vibration, gets into smaller areas, and the pads are less expensive. There is a small (1/8 to 1/4") shoulder left around the pad and with just a little care posed no problems with running up to a body transition.

It is almost like using a different tool with all the benefits of the Flex. Now what do I do with all of my 6.5" pads?

5.5" Pad on backing plate before circumcision (pad just fits on plate)

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv26/Linux_Rules/Miscellaneous/IMG_2777.jpg


http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv26/Linux_Rules/Miscellaneous/IMG_2779.jpg


http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv26/Linux_Rules/Miscellaneous/IMG_2778.jpg


The "operation"

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv26/Linux_Rules/Miscellaneous/IMG_2780.jpg



5.5" plate and mounted pad

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv26/Linux_Rules/Miscellaneous/IMG_2781.jpg

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv26/Linux_Rules/Miscellaneous/IMG_2782.jpg


If you are in the Denver area and would lilke to try this circumcised backing (through August of this year), just PM me and we'll make arrangements. I have the following 5.5" pads:

Yellow CCS
White Flat
Red CCS
Black CCS
Tangerine Hydro
Cyan Hydro

Regards,
GEWB

[ScottB]

very interesting ... no additional wobble ??? I cannot believe with all the Flex's being sold nobody has come to the plate with multiple sized backing plate.

[gewb]

very interesting ... no additional wobble ??? I cannot believe with all the Flex's being sold nobody has come to the plate with multiple sized backing plate.
No, all wobble is gone even at a 5.5 setting.

Regards,
GEWB

[Jenn1270]

You are just the mohel of the detailing world....Mazel tov

[CEE DOG]

You are just the mohel of the detailing world....Mazel tov

:laughing:

[gewb]

You are just the mohel of the detailing world....Mazel tov

:haha:

That's what the rabbi said...

Regards,
GEWB

[VISITOR]

here's something similiar someone else did as well...
Customized FLEX in Action (http://www.autopia.org/forum/machine-polishing/100700-customized-flex-action.html)

[BobbyG]

Necessity is the mother of invention! :props:

Nice work!! :props:

[gewb]

here's something similiar someone else did as well...
Customized FLEX in Action (http://www.autopia.org/forum/machine-polishing/100700-customized-flex-action.html)
I thought about using a lathe to cut the plate down a little more but 5.5" pad is the smallest the Flex can accept (due to housing size and stroke length). So I opted for this method first. If there was a problem with interference when meeting a body transition (needing more pad shoulder to avaoid damage) I would then cut the plate down on a lathe - but so far it's not a problem.

Regards,
GEWB

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Very cool! :dblthumb2:

Any particular reason why you did this? The Flex 3401 has *more than enough power* to spin 6.5" pads unlike non-forced rotation DA's(even the newer ones).

EDIT: I went back and read your post and it answered all my questions. Doh!

How did you cut the circle so straight?

[Mike Phillips]

How did you cut the circle so straight?



I'm curious too... if you simply cut this free-hand... you did a good job...

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv26/Linux_Rules/Miscellaneous/IMG_2780.jpg



:xyxthumbs:

[gewb]

I'm curious too... if you simply cut this free-hand... you did a good job...


Hello Mike -

Thanks.

Indeed, I cut it freehand using the utility knife in the picture (with a new blade). I placed the BP hook side down onto the cardboard (seen in the picture) and cut around the molded edge. Took about two or three passes - went quickly and easily.

Regards,
GEWB

[Bunky]

Hello Mike -

Thanks.

Indeed, I cut it freehand using the utility knife in the picture (with a new blade). I placed the BP hook side down onto the cardboard (seen in the picture) and cut around the molded edge. Took about two or three passes - went quickly and easily.

Regards,
GEWB

You have a steady hand.:props:

[feslope]

I thought about using a lathe to cut the plate down a little more but 5.5" pad is the smallest the Flex can accept (due to housing size and stroke length). So I opted for this method first. If there was a problem with interference when meeting a body transition (needing more pad shoulder to avaoid damage) I would then cut the plate down on a lathe - but so far it's not a problem.

Regards,
GEWBI've cut Flex BPs down to 4 7/8" on a metal cutting lathe. They cut really well with a sharp metal cutting tool and the size is perfect for 5.5" pads.

[Harleyguy]

Awesome job cutting free hand.Looks like you can open another side business cutting down backing plates.I have to look into doing this also but i think i will get another BP so i can use 5.5 pads and the 6.5 pads