I'm confused

[WAXOFF]

I recently purchased a Flex 3401 VRG HD with the LC backing plate system and also got the 4/38 backing plate. I haven't used it yet but was watching the video on here and can't figure the reason that they show the 4" plate with a 4" pad and a 6" plate with a 6" pad. My question is the Flex comes with a 5.5" plate but Flex tells you to use a 4 3/8" plate with a 5.5" pad. I know I'm old but I didn't think I was crazy. What do you use with the 5.5" backing plate?

[Mike Phillips]

What do you use with the 5.5" backing plate?



I always use any of the many 6.5" pads including, CCS, Flat and Hydro-Tech.


Which video are you talking about because normally I would show the most common configuration for any tool, not just the options.


What pads do you have?


:dunno:

[WAXOFF]

LC 5.5 CCS. The Video I watched was at the bottom of the page on here when you click on Flex Buffers. Don't you sleep? I guess the best don't rest!

[kochdalton87]

I believe the 4 3/8" backing plate that you are referring to is meant to be used in conjunction with the 5.5" LC Hybrid pads. They do not have "90 degree vertical" sides. Instead they have a backing plate contact area around 4 3/8" and the sides of the pads are sloped outward to approximately 5.5". Sorry if my description is confusing but if you refer to the LC Hybrids in the store and look at the picture I think you'll see what I mean.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/flexhybrid.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75304)

[WAXOFF]

Mike the video was on the page if you click on the backing plate system and then scroll to the bottom. It's a You Tube video.

[WAXOFF]

I believe the 4 3/8" backing plate that you are referring to is meant to be used in conjunction with the 5.5" LC Hybrid pads. They do not have "90 degree vertical" sides. Instead they have a backing plate contact area around 4 3/8" and the sides of the pads are sloped outward to approximately 5.5". Sorry if my description is confusing but if you refer to the LC Hybrids in the store and look at the picture I think you'll see what I mean.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/flexhybrid.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75304)
Now that makes sense to me. Thanks.

[Mike Phillips]

LC 5.5 CCS. The Video I watched was at the bottom of the page on here when you click on Flex Buffers.







Don't you sleep? I guess the best don't rest!



Actually getting ready to hit the hay right now, just wanted to check on the forum first. I'll check the video out as soon as I get a chance as we have a couple of them....

:)

[kochdalton87]

Now that makes sense to me. Thanks.

Glad I could help!

[asalesagent912]

I always use any of the many 6.5" pads including, CCS, Flat and Hydro-Tech.


Which video are you talking about because normally I would show the most common configuration for any tool, not just the options.


What pads do you have?


:dunno:
how wrong is it to use 5.5 pads on the flex backing plate.
I know you are supposed to use 6.5 pads but was wondering what can go wrong if you use
the 5.5 pads

[Tato]

I believe the 4 3/8" backing plate that you are referring to is meant to be used in conjunction with the 5.5" LC Hybrid pads. They do not have "90 degree vertical" sides. Instead they have a backing plate contact area around 4 3/8" and the sides of the pads are sloped outward to approximately 5.5". Sorry if my description is confusing but if you refer to the LC Hybrids in the store and look at the picture I think you'll see what I mean.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/flexhybrid.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75304)


Dear,

The picture above shows the 5.5" standard Flex backing plate and a 6.5" Lake country Hybrid orange cutting pad, not the 4 3/8 plate.

See:
Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish Ultra Performance Pad System (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-hybrid-pads.html)

There are no 5.5" hybrid pads, just:

- 6.5" Hybrids that fits 5.5" standard backing plate
- 5" Hybrids, that fits 4" LC changeable backing plate from system.

With the 5.5" plate, you can use the 6.5" hybrids as I said above, any 6", 6.5", or somewhat larger (I've never used indeed).

With the 4 3/8 plate, you can use 5" to 6" pads with more 'security margin' than when using 6" pads and 5.5" plate.

With the LC changeable plate system, you can use:

- 4" (flat, CCS) without security margin between the pad and the 4" plate.

- 4 x yyy" pads like 4.25" MF pads

- 5" hybrid pads

- 6.5" or larger pads with 6" plate from changeable system.


There are plenty of options, please ask if you need more suggestions or have any question.

Kind Regards.

[Tato]

how wrong is it to use 5.5 pads on the flex backing plate.
I know you are supposed to use 6.5 pads but was wondering what can go wrong if you use
the 5.5 pads

There's nothing WRONG in the meaning of the word if you are using 5.5" pads on 5.5" backing plate.

What happens is when the pad ends exactly on the end of the backing plate, polishing may become dangerous.

That's because if you 'accidentally' tilt the polisher, the backing plate border may become in contact with paint, scratching it.

However, I've used pads and plate matched in size in some occasions, triple the caution and go for it.

I do prefer some security margin, but that may also reduce total effective area of the polishing pad.

That's why the Hybrid pads are so great, the beveled edge gives you plenty of security margin, while distributes the force throughout the whole pad.

Please, ask if you have any question regarding it.

Kind Regards.

[asalesagent912]

There's nothing WRONG in the meaning of the word if you are using 5.5" pads on 5.5" backing plate.

What happens is when the pad ends exactly on the end of the backing plate, polishing may become dangerous.

That's because if you 'accidentally' tilt the polisher, the backing plate border may become in contact with paint, scratching it.

However, I've used pads and plate matched in size in some occasions, triple the caution and go for it.

I do prefer some security margin, but that may also reduce total effective area of the polishing pad.

That's why the Hybrid pads are so great, the beveled edge gives you plenty of security margin, while distributes the force throughout the whole pad.

Please, ask if you have any question regarding it.

Kind Regards.
thank u