Getting a Flex 3401 (Need some advice)

[hernandez.art13]

Hello my friends :xyxthumbs:

So getting a new machine. (No it's not for me lol) maybe one day but not at the current moment. A family member of mine wants to get a polisher too. Which is my Uncle and the owner of the car down below, his name is Paul Galvez, which we AutogeekOnline Forum Members teamed up to do a 3 step on his car. (Awesome work everyone! :dblthumb2:)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2421/medium/IMG_74891.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2421/medium/IMG_7496.JPG

Well he wants to buy a polisher too and he asked me which one. Since we've been talking about teaming up together and doing work together. I suggested he get a Flex 3401. Since I already have a Rupes 21, Porter Cable, Harbor Freight, Rotary and the polisher I made.

So we could add another polisher to the family, especially since we are planning on working together.

I know the Flex 3401 doesn't take to well to the microfiber pads, which is ok, because I have the Lake Country Hybrid Wool pads he can use in the meantime. I also have 6.5" orange foam pads and 6.5" polishing pads.

I also have the 5.5" orange pads and 5.5" polishing pads that he could use.

I think the shop he works at uses Meguiar's, 105/205. (but not to sure)

So my question is, with the Flex 3401 should he get the interchangeable backing plate system by Lake Country or would getting an additional machine, like say a Porter Cable and switching the backing plate down to a 3" be a better option (which is what I currently have and use with my Rupes 21 and love it, since I don't have to keep spending time switching backing plates)

[hernandez.art13]

So these two?

Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html)

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-xc3401-backing-plates.html)

[hernandez.art13]

Or this combo?

Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html)

Porter cable 7424xp, 7424xp, Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher, Porter Cable polisher, car polisher, buffer, sander-polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html)

3 Inch Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate, da backing plate, random orbital backing plate (http://www.autogeek.net/3inch-dual-action-backing-plate.html)

[FUNX650]

Hi Art...

IMO:
Most of the information you need regarding
the Flex 3401 is found in this thread:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/77155-my-technique-concerning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

Bob

[expdetailing]

Art, I wouldn't suggest using any pad larger than 5.5". I feel, it is too tiresome. I am younger and fairly fit. I felt 6" on my Flex was too taxing on my body. I'm sticking with 5" on my Flex.
Lake Country sells the 5" Hybrid pads to be used with their interchangable bp system. The system comes with 4" and 6". The velcro on a 5" Hybrid is exactly 4".
I say, eliminate any package offering larger than 5.5" pads.
Flex owners REALLY like the Hybrid pads. They say it's the "bee's knees."

[Tato]

This,

Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer

This,

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

And a lot of these!

Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish 5 Inch Foam Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/5-inch-hybrid-pads.html)

I'd recommend to go with the 'basics', lots of orange, white, and some black. Sure you can risk other colors to see how they work for you, but the ones I've mentioned are the classics, works awesome and are a lot durable (with proper care, sure!).

The Flex with smaller plate is a lot better than any PC-style machine fitted with smaller plate, there's no such comparison. You can even attach 4" CCS or flat pads to the 4" Flex plate, (sure one should be careful with such setup, but it's not even close to dangerous to use). No comparison, since PC machines will bog down with pressure, whetter with the Flex you can Literally STEP over the machine working and it'll not bog/slowdown.

The only disadvantage would be the 'Flex Machine Front' which turns out difficult to fit and polish some intricate spots, but this may happen with the PC as well.

To handle this, hand polishing, a rotary with extend spindle, or (why not) the Hernandez Polisher would be a best fit,

The 5" pads are beveled edge, which even helps on intricate parts.

You for sure will win a lot having a 'Flex guy' by your side.

About switching plates, I don't 'suffer' with it anymore, I actually have three units, a 4" Flex, a 4 3/8" Flex and a 5.5" Flex... Really love this menage!

Kind Regards.

[toycar18]

I personally love having larger 6.5 pads... gets the job done quickest

[hernandez.art13]

I personally love having larger 6.5 pads... gets the job done quickest

I am wondering if it's the same as a Rupes 21 with a 6" bp.

Meaning, I know a lot of Detailers including myself at times switch the the 6" bp to a 5" bp on the Rupes. Which at times felt like a hassle.

So what I do now is just use my Rupes 21 with it's OEM 6" bp and a Porter Cable with a 3" bp.

So figured this might work for him, but I don't really have to much experience with the Flex, but have used, got to use it more on a Lamborghini (what a car to pick to pick to do some machine testing lol)

and the "forced rotation" really felt nice. Especially with a wool pad. Flex with wool pad was a killer combo.

[hernandez.art13]

Here is Kyle with his Flex on the Lamborghini.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2426/medium/10495859_1535408326690763_7785630288691302199_o.jp g

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2426/medium/10007267_1535408323357430_1088097258594436964_o.jp g

[hernandez.art13]

and here is my combo, that I like very much.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2426/medium/IMG_52232.JPG

[hernandez.art13]

This combo on a Flex works great.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2426/medium/IMG_33222.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2426/medium/IMG_33273.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2426/medium/IMG_33291.JPG

[expdetailing]

If this helps: Changing bp is a lot easier with the Flex since it doesn't want to rotate on you like all the rupes do.
Tato, what do you use with the 4 3/8" bp? I use the 4" and assumed there was no need for anything else, but I see you use both.

[CarolinasFinestDetailing]

I us Meg's MF pads on my Flex often with no issue.

[Tato]

If this helps: Changing bp is a lot easier with the Flex since it doesn't want to rotate on you like all the rupes do.
Tato, what do you use with the 4 3/8" bp? I use the 4" and assumed there was no need for anything else, but I see you use both.

I have many pads in 5-5.5" like Meg's MF, CCSs, Flats, Hydrotechs, and many others, even Rupes 6" pads if fits the test spot (which has a 5" velcro side). 4 3/8 plate is very useful, IMO.

Kind Regards.

[pg_style]

Hey guys I'm Paul, Art's uncle.
I appreciate all your help & input on this subject. I have decided to go with Flex 3401with the original bp and upgrade my artisan as I develop my skills

Art mention getting a discount and free shipping. Can anyone guide me on how to add these on check-out?? Below is the link of Flex I'm looking to purchase. Thank you all! :)


Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html)