Oiling the Flex 3401 felt ring

[top banana]

How often should air tool oil be applied to the felt ring on the Flex 3401?

[CEE DOG]

I do it about ever other time I do a car.

[Mike Phillips]

I asked Bob Eichelberg about this for a online class video we made and he suggested a drop or two any time you change the backing plate.

We show the oil and how-to in this video,

Mike Phillips demonstrates how to remove swirls and scratches using the Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher


On this page, Autogeek's Online Classes

[Crazy Amos]

Should I add oil if I am removing the backing plate to clean out the gear housing or is the original oil still good?

Did he say which type of oil to use? I have heard air tool oil. Is that correct?

[top banana]

I asked Bob Eichelberg about this for a online class video we made and he suggested a drop or two any time you change the backing plate.

We show the oil and how-to in this video,

Mike Phillips demonstrates how to remove swirls and scratches using the Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher


On this page, Autogeek's Online Classes

So Mike what you are saying,is that once I initially apply oil to the felt ring,it doesn't need it again unless I change to a new backing plate,due to wearing out the backing plate and/or switching to a smaller BP?

[Crazy Amos]

Ill have to watch the video on my computer tonight. I didnt see where you stated "it shows the OIL" in the video.

[top banana]

$14.99 to watch a video to find out how to apply oil to a felt ring??!!!!!

[Harleyguy]

So Mike what you are saying,is that once I initially apply oil to the felt ring,it doesn't need it again unless I change to a new backing plate,due to wearing out the backing plate and/or switching to a smaller BP?

From what i was told you only need to oil it one time . A few years back they had a bad batch of Backing Plates that were actually melting from the heat that comes from there area of that felt ring . They corrected the problem but we all still place some light weight oil on the felt ring better safe then sorry .

[BobbyG]

I apply a light synthetic grease to mine called Shooters Choice. This is a Teflon based grease and does not begin to degrade until temperatures exceed 350F.

[Mike Phillips]

So Mike what you are saying,is that once I initially apply oil to the felt ring,it doesn't need it again unless I change to a new backing plate,due to wearing out the backing plate and/or switching to a smaller BP?

What "Bob" the President form FlexNorthAmerica.com is saying is that you can add a few drops when the tool is new and then add a few drops anythine you replace or switch to a different backing plate.

I don't think there's an "official" company recommendation on this maintence issue and if you choose you can lubricate the felt ring to your liking and schedule.


Lubricating the Felt Ring on the Flex 3401
I went to NAPA and purchased some Air Tool Lubricant, (see picture), but any light machine oil should work including the traditional 3-in-1 Oil.


Here's the felt ring on the Flex 3401



Here I've placed some oil on my finger ...



and then spread it onto the felt ring...



You can see the oil penetrate into the felt to lubricate it and from here it will migrate through the felt...



You could also place some drops around the felt ring and then spread it and work it in using your finger...



This brand new Flex 3401 is ready to go to work for a new project next week...