New 4" and 6" Backing Plates for Flex 3401

[Mike Phillips]

I don't want to start anything here (nor I have any bad intention), but it appears that instead of the new 4" BP Flex users would be better off with 3" BP to go with 4" pads.

Pairing 4" BP with 4" pad means one has to be extremely careful not to inflict damage to the paint by accidentally touching the paint with the BP.

.. my 0.2 cents

In my opinion after using the 4" pad on the Flex 3401, a 3" pad would be too small.

The 4" pad works and works well but it does require the operator to focus on the task at hand....


The shroud around the gear mechanism is wider than 4" so with a 4" adapter and a 4" pad you also have to pay attention to the shroud as you're buffing so you don't run it into any component you're buffing around.

As for the 4" and suggested 3" footprint for the 3401, as the pad gets smaller, the tool can become tippy when buffing horizontal panels, just like when using a 3" or 4" buffing pad with any of the PC style polishers or on a rotary buffer, especially with an extension.

These types of pads and applications are not a problem for experienced detailers but anyone new to machine buffing will want to pay close attention just to be on the safe side.

[Old Tiger]

I could always use a nap. Ask Old Tiger, we love naps

We sure do! I had one this afternoon!

[Old Tiger]

Better off safe then sorry .I would tend to agree on changing the 6.5 BP down too the 6 inch pad I feel the trend is moving away from these large pads that are out . Large pads play nicer on a rotary .

Will they make it before March?

[The Pad Man]

First shipment left our factory yesterday.

[Old Tiger]

First shipment left our factory yesterday.

I am excited about these! Thanks!

[Danube]

These types of pads and applications are not a problem for experienced detailers but anyone new to machine buffing will want to pay close attention just to be on the safe side.

Majority of the people are just the opposite, UN-experienced, thus my concern.

[Mike Phillips]

Majority of the people are just the opposite, UN-experienced, thus my concern.

Good point but the only way to get experience is by putting time behind the buffer...

If a person is not confident with the smaller pads then practice on cars where there is no risk involved...

[Mirror Finish]

Mike, I have a few questions.

Who is Eric Dunn? Is he with Flex, or is he making aftermarket backing plates for the Flex?

As often as a shop like yours would run a Flex, what kind of life are you getting from the stock backing plate?

I may be a rookie, but I prefer my pad to stick out past the edge of the backing plate by at least a bit. For example, I am running LC CCS 6.5 inch pads on my standard Flex backing plate.

Thanks!

[Mike Phillips]

Mike, I have a few questions.

Who is Eric Dunn? Is he with Flex, or is he making aftermarket backing plates for the Flex?

Eric Dunn is the Senior Account Manager Lake Country Mfg, Inc. I'm confident that new backing plate adapter system is a joint partnership between Lake Country and Flex.

As often as a shop like yours would run a Flex, what kind of life are you getting from the stock backing plate?

There is no pat answer to that question because the more you remove a pad from a backing plate the more the hoods relax and wear-out.

I may be a rookie, but I prefer my pad to stick out past the edge of the backing plate by at least a bit. For example, I am running LC CCS 6.5 inch pads on my standard Flex backing plate.

Thanks!

That's a good best practice. As this relates to the 4" backing plate mated to 4" foam buffing pads, I'm pretty sure 4" is as small a diameter backing plate that can be made for the design of the housing on the Flex 3401. This being true then there's only 3 options,

1. Re-tool the design of the Flex 3401 to make the housing surrounding the gear drive mechanism smaller. - Probably not going to happen.

2. Make 4.5" pads for the 4" pad adapters

3. Choose to use the 4 3/8" backing plate with 5.5" foam buffing pads

[Danube]

1. Re-tool the design of the Flex 3401 to make the housing surrounding the gear drive mechanism smaller. - Probably not going to happen.

2. Make 4.5" pads for the 4" pad adapters

3. Choose to use the 4 3/8" backing plate with 5.5" foam buffing pads

Finally someone addressed the question that has been asked and ignored so many times on this forum.

It's about the time to make the 4.5" pads now.