wetsanding via FLEX 3401?

[The Enforcer]

Has anyone ever wetsanded using their FLEX 3401 and the foam interface pad and the trizac or unigrit sanding discs? I really didn't wanna fork out almost $200 for a new machine just for a project, if my FLEX will get the job done just the same. Any input appreciated!

[Mike Phillips]

Here you go... pictures and recommendations...


Can the Flex 3401 be used to wetsand?

[The Enforcer]

Thanks mike!

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks mike!

No problemo...

[Paul A.]

While i NEVER, EVER doubt Mike P's advice, the thought of "forced rotation" wetsanding scares me. Again, just one member's opinion here but i have wetsanded with my PC 7336 (old machine with some use/wear enough to render it even less forceful) and even then watched my downward pressure so as to lightly apply the force.

As Mike pointed out very accurately, the 3401 can dig a little deeper if not careful.

Bottom line for me? Yes, Mike can do it but i'd be just a little more cautious being several hundred levels below his expertise and skill level.

Again, Mike, not discounting your advice in the least. Just offering my opinion on something that remains scary for me personally.

[dlc95]

Here you go... pictures and recommendations...


Can the Flex 3401 be used to wetsand?

That is awesome!

[Mike Phillips]

Again, Mike, not discounting your advice in the least. Just offering my opinion on something that remains scary for me personally.

Just to note...

If you click the link and read the article, I don't recommend using the Flex 3401 for machine sanding.

I titled the article a as a question because it comes up enough in the forum world and when it comes up it's usually as a question.

Except for the sanding I did to take pictures for the article I've never used a Flex 3401 to sand down a car and wouldn't.

[Paul A.]

Got it and sorry for any confusion, Mike. My bad, big time. I admit to scanning the article and saw you answered "yes" and overlooked the qualifying comments. I gotcha now.

(New Years Resolution #17 - read EVERY word of EVERY post before offering opinions)

[The Enforcer]

I have ordered the 3M #20317 air powered 5 incn sander, as well as a case of unigrit 1500 (25 pack) and 3000 (15 pack) 6 inch sanding discs (also with foam interface pad) after reading this. Total of $243 shipped. This should be all I need, correct? And common sense tells me the 6 inch system works on this 5 inch machine (pad/disc overlaps backing plate for safety purposes). Could not find 5 inch pads anyways.

[Mike Phillips]

I have ordered the 3M #20317 air powered 5 incn sander, as well as a case of unigrit 1500 (25 pack) and 3000 (15 pack) 6 inch sanding discs (also with foam interface pad) after reading this. Total of $243 shipped. This should be all I need, correct? And common sense tells me the 6 inch system works on this 5 inch machine (pad/disc overlaps backing plate for safety purposes). Could not find 5 inch pads anyways.

Yes the 6" pads will work on the smaller backing plate you'll just have some overhang but that won't hurt anything.

I'm not sure why we don't carry the 5" size, my guess is because we sell the 6" sander and the 6" size is more common in the industry so the 6" discs will sell faster/better versus gather dust on the shelf.

I've only used the Rupes 5" and like them. They are kind of like the Mirka Abralon which I also like.