New member from Atlanta, new Flex user...

[rose jackets67]

Hi all. I've already pulled in lots of info from the veteran posters here and figured it was time to register.

I found the site after both my PC 7424 (pre-XP) and cheap Craftsman random orbital died. I started shopping for a new polisher and came across a great local deal on a Flex 3401 that included 4-3/8 and 5-1/2 backing plates, bag, and three new LC Smart Pads (Yellow, Orange, and Green).

Up to now I've used Griots products with only a few exceptions. My plan is to finish out the Griots pads, polishes, and wax I have on hand and begin experimenting with the options I've found here (LC Hybrid pads, Menzerna polishes, etc).

I'm a car guy/hobbyist only. Currently, between the wife and I we have my '67 Impala (old single stage paint), my 2007 Ford Truck and her new '14 Toyota Avalon.

I'm looking forward to reading in the forum and maybe even passing along some advice.

Thanks,
Adam

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Hi Adam, welcome to AutoGeekOnline!

Congrats on the 3401 purchase!

To really maximize the performance of the 3401, grab the Hybrid pad lineup along with either Menzerna or Wolfgang polishes. I have written an article on extracting the most from this setup.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/77155-my-technique-concerning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Adam,

Welcome to AGO! :welcome:


You're going to love the capabilities of the Flex 3401! :buffing:


After you read Mike's most excellent article on using the Flex here's a few more...

Lubricating the Felt Ring on the Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/34201-lubricating-felt-ring-flex-3401-a.html)


How To Use The Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/55570-how-use-flex-3401-a.html)

How To use Nanoskin Autoscrub Pads on Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/56304-how-use-nanoskin-autoscrub-pads-flex-3401-a.html)

New 5" pads for 4" Backing Plate on Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/49549-new-4-5-pads-4-backing-plate-flex-3401-a.html)

Can the Flex 3401 be used to wetsand? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wet-sanding-cutting-buffing/60696-can-flex-3401-used-wetsand.html)

Flex 3401 - How to clean your pad on the fly (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/77784-flex-3401-how-clean-your-pad-fly.html)

Speed Settings for the Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/flex-polishers/49262-speed-settings-flex-3401-a.html)

How many orbits are there in one rotation for the Flex 3401? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/56789-how-many-orbits-there-one-rotation-flex-3401-a.html)

DVD - How To Use the Flex 3401 & PE14 Rotary Buffer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/59214-dvd-how-use-flex-3401-pe14-rotary-buffer.html)


Not my article but a good discussion, see my input and pictures in posts 22 & 23

MF pads on the Flex 3401? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/69898-mf-pads-flex-3401-a.html)


Not my thread but a good discussion...

Test Spot vs Working Area - Using a Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/81470-test-spot-vs-working-area-using-flex-3401-a.html)


:)

[BobbyG]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online Adam!! :props:

[molarman]

the flex will amaze u compared to the pc

[jamesboyy]

Welcome to autogeek

[281]

Welcome to AGO!

[Corey@OptimalDetailing]

Adam,

Welcome to AGO and to the Flex family! It's a great machine. Along with Mike's recommendation (Mike@DedicationPerfection), I also use the LC Hybrid pads. The 5" pads make the Flex so easy to maneuver and work it's unreal. The thread Mike Philips offered was my thread about using MF pads on the Flex and I have yet to find one that works well with the Flex. Between Meg and B&S MF pads, the PC w/ Meg's MF cutting pad cuts and finishes better in my opinion.

[WillWashesCars]

Welcome to the forum!

The Flex is a great machine, I personally use other machines now more-so but I am sure there are hundreds of people here to swear by the 3401.

[DetailKitty]

Welcome Adam!

You will love the 3401. And there is such great info here :dblthumb2:

[allenk4]

Throw that Griot's Show Car Wax away immediately.

You are going to love some of the products on AGO, that are soooo much better.

[allenk4]

Adam,

Welcome to AGO and to the Flex family! It's a great machine. Along with Mike's recommendation (Mike@DedicationPerfection), I also use the LC Hybrid pads. The 5" pads make the Flex so easy to maneuver and work it's unreal. The thread Mike Philips offered was my thread about using MF pads on the Flex and I have yet to find one that works well with the Flex. Between Meg and B&S MF pads, the PC w/ Meg's MF cutting pad cuts and finishes better in my opinion.

I have heard that adding a Megs Interface Pad to the equation when using MF pads.

I have heard it helps tremendously.

[Corey@OptimalDetailing]

Allen, I'll try that, thanks!

[Mike Phillips]

I have heard that adding a Megs Interface Pad to the equation when using MF pads.

I have heard it helps tremendously.




I would agree. Same thing for the thin 5.5" PFW's.


For "forced rotation" having a thicker foam backing helps...

For non-forced rotation, anything thick is a negative.


The Flex 3401 works best with thicker pads versus thinner pads. Same for Rotary Buffers.


:)

[sproketser]

Welcome aboard , nice score on the Flex !