Flex running time

[Zoraduntov]

How long can you run the flex 3401 before you need to give it a rest ?

I know it depends on pressure applyed and ambient temperature , but on the average ?

Do you go by the flex's temperature ?

 

[Accumulator]

I've simply never given it any thought, and I've run it for extended periods when doing the YukonXL. You'll have to stop to clean, or at least change, pads often enough that I can't see it being a real issue.



I always counsel people to take it easy with the applied pressure; don't press so hard that you force the backing plate against the felt ring, especially when working the machine at an angle.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

I also wasn't aware that the machine needed a rest period. Certainly it's possible to overheat power tools, and the Flex has a reputation for not being lubricated properly at the factory, but if that's the case, it's going to fail eventually however you use it. I certainly remember no cautions in the instructions as to duty cycle, or as Accumulator suggested, they were so long relative to how often you have to stop when polishing to apply more polish, check your work, clean/change pads, that it simply didn't register.