My Homemade Flex adapter

[Lasthope05]

I have been contemplating on making an adapter for the Flex 3401 polisher for a while now but have never had to driver to make one, seeing as I dont one a flex (Dewalt&Griots.) But after seeing tuscarora dave post about his homemade adapter that finally gave me what I need to get this project started.

Looking at the Edge 2000 adapter for the flex, I decided I wanted to somewhat model the adpter after this. After figuring out I would need to still utilize the driving gear I deciede it would be best to leave the factory BP on and start off from there.

After an hour or two of research on the thread size of the socket bolt, diamater of the hole in the center of the stock BP, finding if the parts I need were readily accessable...etc. I went to work.

About an hour later this is what I came up with.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/lasthope05/CIMG5664.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/lasthope05/CIMG5665.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/lasthope05/CIMG5666.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/lasthope05/CIMG5667.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/lasthope05/CIMG5668.jpg

Its my first prototype so its a little rough. This would replace your M8 socket bolt and would be used inconjunction with the stock BP. It has a rounded and smaller diameter end to fit into the recessed area of the backing plate and the other side has two different end types. One a 5/8 stud for rotary backing plates and the other is is nut that accepts the 5/16 DA backing plates.

I really like this design will probably start on another to refine my techines. Its simple, can utilize a DA or rotary BP, and its very cheap and easy to make. Hope you guys like it.

Now all I need is for someone the test it out.;)

[tuscarora dave]

Very nice and yes very simple. Wouldn't a lathe be nice? I spent way too much time with not enough tools today to cut, drill and tap a section of an old chisel that I had in my toolbox to replace the section of screwdriver handle that I made my prototype with.

Now it is solid and strong and I have no doubt that it will work safely as I have to pry the velcro attachment off of the polisher. Honestly though I like your design better and yours will definitely be cheaper to make than the one I came up with. Nice work

[tuscarora dave]

Did you have to do some welding to come up with your design or did you start with a solid piece of hex steel and drill and tap both ends?

[Lasthope05]

Yes it would have been nice to have a lathe. That way I wouldnt have to stand in front of the table grinder spinning adapter to get it round. I have everything I need in my buddies garage including TIG.

Yes I did have to do some welding. On the end that connects to the flex a M8 bolt was first set inside the coupler(after a bit of grinding of the head) and welded in. I then took a 1/4" washer that I cut down to size and slipped it over the M8 bolt and welded that together to give it a cleaner look. Thats it. The DA adapter is a 5/8 bolt cut down thats been drilled and tapped.

[tuscarora dave]

Nice Thanks for the info. I am glad to see some folks stepping up to make such adapters.

[Lasthope05]

Even though I dont own a flex its always bugged me on how there was no BP to use smaller pads. I've see GEWB's trimmed backing plate on TID to use 5.5" pads but I figure this would be a better solution than cutting your stock BP.



[Anybody in or near the Philadelphia area that owns a flex and would like to test(and keep) this adapter out let me know. I would like to see it in action.]

[rohnramirez]

Well done, Alan! I'm sure the flex users will be very pleased! :thumbsup: