Cutting down Flex Mini 4 3/8 BP to use 5" Pads

[Demonizer]

I ordered the the FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate with my Flex to use 5.5" pads.

I later learned that the 5" pad were better preferred for more controle - but required a 4" backing plate like the one in the FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System - $50.

Problem: $50 - and - I would probably never use the 6" plate

Also, several reviews on AG forum mentioned the "build out" regarding the adapter moving the BP farther away from the polisher & it being slightly less manageable?. I can not speak for this as I have not tried it, but taking into consideration all the above, I decided to machine down the Mini 4 3/8 BP & keep it simple.

So, before I invested in a bunch of pads I decided to see if it would work.

YES, it did - & here is how.


[IMG][/IMG]
Mini BP is 4 3/8' which from what I understand is to big to safely use with the 5" hybrid pads.

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[IMG][/IMG]
Mini Flex BP - BACK

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I found a machinist on Craigs who lived about a mile away - He had machining equipment in his garage including a 12" lath. He chucked it on on the Gear teeth side carefully & did not mar any of the gear teeth. Charged me $5.

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Mini flex plate after being cut to 4" - FRONT

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Mini flex plate after being cut to 4" - BACK

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Mini flex plate after being cut to 4" - SIDE. Note the veins. Turns out the BP is NOT solid plastic, rather, it is kind of like a disk brake rotor inside with veins - not for cooling but most likely to save $ on material when manufacturing. Inner & Outer sides are solid. This did not cause any issues with machining, just was a surprise when I saw it. There is plenty of solid plastic on the inside, and the foam on he BP is very well attached/glued to the plastic - no issues there. You can see the Veins are not deep at all.

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Mini BP after cut to 4" compared with stock Flex BP

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Mini BP after cut to 4" on a 5.5" pad. I dont have any 5" pad yet - but this will work.

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ALSO, I decided to cover up the edges of the machined BP because it was a little "rough" - not smooth like before, and I though a small piece opf plastic could come off in use & swirl up the paint - probably never happen as there are no LOOSE shaving on the BP, but you never know.
I got some SUPER 88 electrical tape - its the best stuff, stickiest & best performing - wont come un stuck.

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Mini BP wrapped with SUPER 88 Tape

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Notice the little 1/8" lip of the tape - folds over onto the velcro


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trim it off

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perfect!

There ya have it - good luck.

[Wes Bremec]

Wow you should be working for lake country

[FUNX650]

^^^^^^

Plus: $45 bucks for pad acquisition!



Bob

[Demonizer]

Wow you should be working for lake country 

The I wouldn't have to BUY so may pads - they would all be free!

Plus: $45 bucks for pad acquisition! 

You hit the nail on the head - More pads & products!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[Eric@CherryOnTop]

That's really impressive! I'm in the same situation with Hybrid pads, I don't want to buy the LC backing plate kit because the reviews on it are so bad. I've been using 5.5" flat pads with the 4 3/8 backing plate with no issues.

[02xtreme07SS]

That's really impressive! I'm in the same situation with Hybrid pads, I don't want to buy the LC backing plate kit because the reviews on it are so bad. I've been using 5.5" flat pads with the 4 3/8 backing plate with no issues.

I'm not sure where all the bad reviews are coming from about the LC Interchangeable Backing Plate systems because I've been running two sets since they were first introduced without a single hiccup on either.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I'm not sure where all the bad reviews are coming from about the LC Interchangeable Backing Plate systems because I've been running two sets since they were first introduced without a single hiccup on either.

Agreed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[allenk4]

I purchased 3401 and had the stock backing plate ground down to accommodate 5.5" CCS pads.

The machine shop charged me $5. I was so please with the results that I gave him $10.

He used a sanding machine and it took all of two minutes.

I had him take the foam and hook & loop down to the black plastic. This gives approximately 1/4" of pad beyond the backing plate.

I used it many and enjoyed it thoroughly.

[weeecho]

i recently bought a new 4 3/8 due to my 1 year old 5 1/2 the velcro wont hold the pads anymore.

the thing is i remove the old velcro and i probably will send to a machine shop to cut to 4" to go with the hybrid pads, but i need to find new industrial velcro