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  1. #1
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    Microfiber pads for the 3401

    I use LC Hybrid pads on my 3401. When compounding I use their orange pad. I just had a car that I probably could have used a pad that was more aggressive. I compounded with FG 400.

    I was curious if a microfiber cutting pad would work on the Flex??
    Any suggestions?? I’ve heard pros and cons using microfiber with the 3401.

    Thanks!!

  2. #2
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    You can use a MF pad on the 3401. You may experience an aggressive grabbing action which causes the machine to jerk around a bit. I too use the 3401, Hybrids, and Menzerna range, and when heavier compounding is needed I use the Hybrid wool pad.

    I tried using some Optimum MF pads with FG400 and it was very grabby for sure. I'll stick to wool pads with the 3401 when more cut is needed.

  3. Likes Paul A. liked this post
  4. #3
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    I've tried a few on the flex and didn't really like it. Try the grey force pad or the wool. I never tried wool

  5. #4
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike@DedicatedPerfection View Post
    You can use a MF pad on the 3401. You may experience an aggressive grabbing action which causes the machine to jerk around a bit. I too use the 3401, Hybrids, and Menzerna range, and when heavier compounding is needed I use the Hybrid wool pad.

    I tried using some Optimum MF pads with FG400 and it was very grabby for sure. I'll stick to wool pads with the 3401 when more cut is needed.
    Yea. Now I remember you or another member suggesting the Hybrids.
    As far as amount of product, priming the pad and speed; would the technique be similar to using foam pads??

    And do you clean while buffing with a brush or spur?? And wash with pad cleaner or Dawn???

    I’m gonna order a few of them.
    I just checked the Store.
    You’re referring to the Force Hybrid Blue Wool pad??

    Thanks.

  6. #5
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    Quote Originally Posted by Bicycle View Post
    Yea. Now I remember you or another member suggesting the Hybrids.
    As far as amount of product, priming the pad and speed; would the technique be similar to using foam pads??

    And do you clean while buffing with a brush or spur?? And wash with pad cleaner or Dawn???

    I’m gonna order a few of them.

    Thanks.
    Most likely me. I am the one that laid out the "Smack Technique"
    My technique concerning the 3401, Menzerna products, and Hybrid pads

    The technique will be identical but with MF pads you want to pre season the pads like you would with a normal DA.

    I have always used a brush as I most of the time I did not have air.

    Always wash with a pad cleaner.

    Mike

  7. #6
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    I use a purple foamed wool pad with FG400 when I need to cut through the bad stuff on my 3401. It's a HUGE step up from an orange foam pad.
    2005 Dodge SRT4 400whp/480wtq | 2015 Nissan Frontier (daily driver) Both are corrected and coated with CQuartz UK 3.0 by me
    I detail out of my garage as a side job on the weekends and do about 6-8 cars per month.

  8. #7
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    LC Foamed Back Lambswool pads


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    '03 Corvette Z06

  9. #8
    Super Member Dr Oldz's Avatar
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    I like the LC Hybrid Foamed Wool Pads. I don’t like the Grey Hybrid pads.

    Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish Ultra Performance Pad System, buffing pads, foam pads, polishing pads

    The wool cuts really well while running cool. Finishes decent also for a wool pad. (Still gonna need a finish polishing after)
    Jim

  10. #9
    Super Member Aaryn NZ's Avatar
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    Ever since I picked up some Lake Country Low Lint Wool Pads I have been loving them. I love the Hybrid Foamed Woolones too but the feel with the Low Lint ones is great.

    Be sure to get the ones with the foam interface though, in my experience on the 3401, something with a little bit of depth to it is far more comfortable. They cut just like the Hybrids but just a touch nicer to use.


    Aaryn NZ.
    a DETAILS Blenheim New Zealand - IDA Member - C.Quartz Finest Authorized Installer

  11. #10
    Super Member Paul A.'s Avatar
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    Re: Microfiber pads for the 3401

    I tried a MF cutting pad with my Flex 3401 but didn't like the "action" as much as the Hybrid blue wool.

    Aaryn now has me interested in trying the low lint wool!

    I will say that when I need to break out the wool (or MF cutting pad) I grab my rotary and go to town. I don't really need the benefits of dual action because I know I will be refining the work with a finer step. I'll most likely be getting some fine holo's and hazing after cutting aggressively with wool/rotary. Those are very easily cleaned up with my Flex and foams.

    Now, if I only had my Flex I would be using wool pads instead of MF pads.

    Just me...

  12. Likes Aaryn NZ liked this post
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