turning flex 3401 into free spinning DA

[VISITOR]

saw this on YT with optimum's yvan lacroix...

***this isn't recommended by Flex so do so at your own risk***

[Setec Astronomy]

Ha ha, that's almost too easy. I have no idea why I would want to denude my Flex in that way...it may no longer be forced rotation, but it won't be a long-stroke machine...how do you say in French? Ze worst of both worlds?

[Zubair]

Very interesting! That easy!

[VISITOR]

well at least we know the plastic /gear teeth come out. i would have thought that it was permanently attached inside but then again i never examined and looked to see if something like that was possible. for those who have the flex 3401 and don't like the fact the it rotates the opposite way (and hardly use it), now you can still keep it and use it in this free spinning mode i suppose (hopefully it doesn't cause any damage)...

[7.3powerstroke]

I saw this the other day. I might give it a shot with mine. He said on Facebook it is a little smoother then the PC style orbitals. I dont really care for the forced rotation, so I dont have much to lose. I was surprised its that easy.

[Setec Astronomy]

well at least we know the plastic /gear teeth come out. i would have thought that it was permanently attached inside but then again i never examined and looked to see if something like that was possible.

I'm not at all surprised that it comes out, I would consider it a wear part...I'm just surprised it isn't held in with screws, that it essentially is only retained by the backing plate. Still don't know why anyone would want to do this, if you don't like the direction of rotation, this doesn't change that.

[7.3powerstroke]

I'm not at all surprised that it comes out, I would consider it a wear part...I'm just surprised it isn't held in with screws, that it essentially is only retained by the backing plate. Still don't know why anyone would want to do this, if you don't like the direction of rotation, this doesn't change that.

The reason I would try it is I dont care for the 3401. I prefer the Rupes. So my 3401 just sits around. Might as well get some use out of it, right? Do some finish polishing, AIO polishing, who knows? I will wait to see if I hear any bad reports about it. I might try it, might not.

[Setec Astronomy]

Why don't you just try it, you can change it back in a few seconds. If you don't like your Flex, why don't you sell it and buy a different size Rupes?

[7.3powerstroke]

Why don't you just try it, you can change it back in a few seconds. If you don't like your Flex, why don't you sell it and buy a different size Rupes?

I probably will give it a try when I get the time. Working long hours gives limited time for fun stuff. I thought about selling it but I already have 5 Rupes tools and they all run great. I randomly try the flex with different pads but always come back to the Rupes. So I will hang onto it for now.

[Setec Astronomy]

Well, if you have 5 Rupes you surely don't need another DA. I'd sell it and use the money to buy something you need...like a cabinet for your polishers...