Flex XC 3401 VRG Review w/ Pics

DJ_JonnyV said:
The Flex has a proprietary backing plate. The one that comes with it is a hair shy of 6", making 6.5" pads or large the obvious choice. There for a while, there were a handful of just over 5" backing plates available through Powerhouse Distributing, but I thing they might be gone. Their phone and website are listed in prior posts in this thread. The one that is supposed to become the standard is a 5.5" bp allowing you to use 6" or larger pads safely. So, you cannot use any other type of bp at this time. Although, thanks to MikeyC, he is working with Edge manufacturers about an adapter for Edge 2K pads for the Flex.
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Just to update all the Flex owners and potential owners:



Aaron is still working on making an adapter for the Flex. However, it's not as simple as I originally imagined it to be because there is a "gear" integrated into the back of the Flex backing plate. This "gear" along with the metric thread size of the screw which attaches the plate is what makes it impossible to use traditional backing plates with this machine. Obviously, overcoming the thread size difference is a simple matter but Aaron is still trying to formulate a solution to the "gear" issue. I hope he comes up with something!
 
Black Diamond said:
DJ_JonnyV:



We are gonna have to get together soon and break out that rotary I told you about and let you play with that. The PG and the rotary should bust those scratches pretty well with an orange pad.

I know what you mean about the mechanic's glove. I also own a pair. A little heat in the garage should also help out.
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I have about a week or so off of work after Xmas, so anytime in there should work fine. I do have a Flex rotary as well, but it's just sitting in a bag as I'm too worried about breaking it out and screwing something up. Just let me know and I'll bring the beer!!!
 
Mikeyc said:
Just to update all the Flex owners and potential owners:



Aaron is still working on making an adapter for the Flex. However, it's not as simple as I originally imagined it to be because there is a "gear" integrated into the back of the Flex backing plate. This "gear" along with the metric thread size of the screw which attaches the plate is what makes it impossible to use traditional backing plates with this machine. Obviously, overcoming the thread size difference is a simple matter but Aaron is still trying to formulate a solution to the "gear" issue. I hope he comes up with something!
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I don't know if I would like that. I would be kinda scared to use it. If its going to be like the system that I had with the PC, I would have to wait and see how others felt about it. I kept having to get new adapters cause of the beads coming out. This machine spins faster and gets hotter so I hope all that would be taken care of. By the way, we are talking about Edge and the double sided pads right? If not, dissregard this post. LOL.
 
Sounds good. I should have a day off during that week.

Don't be afraid of that rotary!. A little tape on that trim area, good controlled speed and constant pad motion will get you there. I think maybe the IP did not break down enough to give you the results you were looking for. The rotary will be similar to the Flex XC 3401 VRG from what I can see. I just ordered some Menzerna PG tonight from AG with the 20% off coupon.. That has a cut factor of 5 on their chart. So, goodbye scratches if nothing else will work. I like to use the least aggressive polish first. Then move up to a more aggressive polish.

Still haven't had time to try my Flex XC 3401 VRG out yet. Damn yard and leaf removal has tied me up on my days off.
 
MobileJay said:
I don't know if I would like that. I would be kinda scared to use it. If its going to be like the system that I had with the PC, I would have to wait and see how others felt about it. I kept having to get new adapters cause of the beads coming out. This machine spins faster and gets hotter so I hope all that would be taken care of. By the way, we are talking about Edge and the double sided pads right? If not, dissregard this post. LOL.
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Yes that's what I'm talking about. I remember seeing some of your posts describing your problems with the Edge system. Personally, I've been using the Edge system for close to two years and I'm still using the same adapter.



It's always puzzled me why some people use the same adapter for years and for others it falls apart on the first use.
 
I was thinking the same thing. I've had the Edge 2k ball bearings fall out on PC speed 6 before. The Flex will only add more stress to the adapter.
 
Mickeyc- I don't know why mine kept falling apart. I wish my adapter was like yours if you still have the same one. I did like the system, it is a very good idea and it worked well when it worked. I wouldn't mind having that with the flex only if it wouldn't mess up.
 
Any Updates? I'm torn between the Flex and a good rotary. I already have a UDM but need to cut my time down for paint correction. If the Flex is comparable to a Rotary then I'll get the flex. If the Rotary is still the king then I'll just go with a rotary? I am particularly interested in hearing from people who have experience with both machines for a direct comparison. Thanks!
 
Get a rotary. Learn to use it and you will use nothing but. I had never picked up a Pc until 2006. I will only use it for a super fine polishing or a LSP application. Its just too slow for me. I have 15 years of experience with a rotary, working that slow little jitter-bug makes me crazy. I tried a cyclo, I didnt like it. I bought a Flex, still dont have it. I do use Edge pads, but just bought 3 new backing plates and about 20 Lake Country pads 2 weeks ago.
 
Conan777 said:
Any Updates? I'm torn between the Flex and a good rotary. I already have a UDM but need to cut my time down for paint correction. If the Flex is comparable to a Rotary then I'll get the flex. If the Rotary is still the king then I'll just go with a rotary? I am particularly interested in hearing from people who have experience with both machines for a direct comparison. Thanks!
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Get the rotary. I have the flex, pc, makita 9227. For me the rotary is easier to control than the flex.
 
SilvaBimma said:
Wow the Flex was that hard to use with a flex?
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sometimes it acts like the pc and next thing you know it wants to go on its own.



I just read the manual and it says to move the flex in a circular motion. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:



I'll try that today.
 
tdekany said:
sometimes it acts like the pc and next thing you know it wants to go on its own.



I just read the manual and it says to move the flex in a circular motion. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:



I'll try that today.
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Wow !! :eek:

Please share what you find ;)
 
tdekany said:
Get the rotary. I have the flex, pc, makita 9227. For me the rotary is easier to control than the flex.
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I don't suppose you could give me some lessons on your rotary could ya? :think2 Maybe let me check out the difference between your rotary and the Flex since you have both. That would be extremely helpful if you are willing? I work in Fairfax, Live near South Riding.
 
Conan777 said:
I don't suppose you could give me some lessons on your rotary could ya? :think2 Maybe let me check out the difference between your rotary and the Flex since you have both. That would be extremely helpful if you are willing? I work in Fairfax, Live near South Riding.
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Sure - call me.
 
After the first few uses with my Flex I haven't had any real issues with it wanting to walk on me. I find that as long as you keep a firm grip (not a death grip, but firm) on it that it goes where you point it. What kind of pads are you using?
 
amcdonal86 said:
When your pads start caking, what are you supposed to do? Use a pad cleaner?
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Or switch to a new pad. Really, you oughta clean/replace the pad *before* you get any caking, but yeah...that is a bit of a hassle. Not as much of a hassle as [messing] up big-time with something like M105 though ;)



I'll often clean my pad after doing the first try on half of a small panel!
 
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