Flex 3401 questions

**jafo1219** · 06-01-2015, 09:22 AM

I am looking to get a Flex 3401 and the more I read the more unsure I get as to what combination of pads and BP's.
That said the following is what I have and what I am working on and with.

The cars are DD's and mostly VW's including a 13 Black CC (mine)

I currently have a PC 7424 with LC 5" BP and LC CCS pads. Mostly orange, white and gray. I also just got foamed wool for correction and lambs wool polishing pad and bonnetts to do final buff. Also a 3" BP but 2 pads that I am unsure where they came from.

Makita 9227C with a 6"makita BP and LC Smart Pads in yellow orange, white and gray. This is used mostly for boats.

I am using mostly Meg. 205, 105 and ReJex (8 bottles) and assorted other products.

What I need to know is what you would recommend for Backing plates and pads including color and quanity. Keep in mind I am a hobbiest on a budget and all but my car live outside and mine is driven 1000 plus miles a week.

TIA for all your input and wisdom!!!

**jafo1219** · 06-01-2015, 09:43 AM

Also what nanoskin do you recommend to replace clay and how long do they last?

**richy** · 06-01-2015, 10:15 AM

I use mine extensively and I use only 5" pads with it. I have a 4 3/4" BP for mine. It's perfect.

**tpr1634** · 06-01-2015, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by richy

I use mine extensively and I use only 5" pads with it. I have a 4 3/4" BP for mine. It's perfect.

Same here....

Mike Phillips · 06-01-2015, 11:55 AM

Smaller pads make the tool easier to control and smaller pads fit thinner body panels better than larger pads. In my how-to book for the Flex 3401 I recommend getting the LC 4" Backing plate so you can use 5" Hybrid pads which in my opinion are some of the best foam pads on the market and there's a wide selection of cutting, polishing, finishing, waxing and jeweling pads in the 5" and 6.5" Hybrid line.

As for Nanoskin pads, for you're type of work I'd go with the blue fine grade pads. Be sure to use plenty of lube and a speed around 2-3.

Lots of info in the book for this tool...

How to use the Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Polisher
For both Production Detailing & Show Car Detailing

**jafo1219** · 06-01-2015, 06:07 PM

Thanks for the info.

How many of the LC Hybrid pads in orange, whitw and gray do you recommend?

**jafo1219** · 06-01-2015, 06:10 PM

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As for Nanoskin pads, for you're type of work I'd go with the blue fine grade pads. Be sure to use plenty of lube and a speed around 2-3.

Would you suggest the same if you were using the pads by hand?

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