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  1. #1
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    3401/pad?/compound?

    With the 3401(that’s the only polisher I have) and a couple of vehicle with heavy paint damage, what would you guys suggest, MF pads or wool? Are these pads run at a lower speed?
    Also, what compound(s) for heavy cutting?
    Tanks

  2. #2
    Super Member spazzz's Avatar
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    I am not a fan of microfiberr pads. They probably work great on my PC but never bothered because Flex3401 rules.
    When I have stubborn spots I go for a TufBuf black wool and M100. I start slow speed to spread then crank to 6
    I usually have good luck with a LC orange hybrid and Menzerna HC400. Almost bought some HC300 but didn't bother.
    I use the gray LC hybrid occasionally with HC 400 on trouble spots but they have to be wide open flat panels because the pads are so stiff
    '

  3. #3
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    Yep 3401/Orange LC force pad/Menzerna 400. I get fantastic 1 step results with this combo

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  5. #4
    Super Member JustJesus's Avatar
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    I've used MF, wool, and the LC Orange pads (among others).

    All work well. For the more serious defects, I do reach for wool. Usually, the Orange Hybrids work well enough for most jobs

  6. #5
    Super Member Kamakaz1961's Avatar
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    I have been using my Flex 3401 for a few years. My BEST (IMO) compounding method (for me) is the Lake Country Orange Hybrid Foam Pad and Menzerna FG400. If the swirls are very severe, I use Menzerna FG300. I use Speed setting 5 after priming the pad. BTW, I do believe Lake Country makes the Hybrid Pads specifically for the Flex 3401.

    I hope this helps.
    CJ
    2013 Mustang GT w/Track Pack 6-Speed Manual
    Save the Manual!

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  8. #6
    Super Member TMQ's Avatar
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    Kamakaz....

    YES...this helps me a lot! A newbie to the flex and the info you posted is what I needed to know.

    Thanks..

    Tom
    Mr Tommy's
    Wash, Buff, Wax
    Website: mrtommyshine.com

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  10. #7
    Super Member 98CayenneTA's Avatar
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    What year, make and model vehicles are you working on?
    Ripping through your mind like a hurricane full of novocaine

  11. #8
    Super Member spazzz's Avatar
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    I did try the Microfiber pads on my Flex but no bueno.
    They take quite a bit of muscle to guide along to avoid getting bouncy. I wasn't patient enough to deal with the needy fiber upkeep between passes, towels, air and fluffing.
    I use a towel and wipe the foam pad of old residue in between passes then apply polish and hit it again. Pretty quick process.

    Yeah, Billy I spaced last night trying to respond on my tablet. I should have said orange Force Hybrid.

  12. #9
    Super Member JustJesus's Avatar
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    Quote Originally Posted by spazzz View Post
    I did try the Microfiber pads on my Flex but no bueno.
    They take quite a bit of muscle to guide along to avoid getting bouncy.
    Curious, what polish were you using??


    Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

  13. #10
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    Re: 3401/pad?/compound?

    In most cases, paint can be finished down with simply a compound. As Mike Phillips says "micro abrasive technology" has come a very long way, and the compounds finish down with virtually no haze.... Its amazing

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