new machine help?

Donavin629

Donavin629

New member
Whats up guys.. I have been reading and reading about new machines.



Since business is picking up I am trying to find better tools to give my customers better quality and maybe cut my time on paint correction.

I have been researching the PC and also the flex.. I was also recommended to look at the Bosch 1250DEVS



Im looking to try to avoid using the Makita high speed at all costs but I know there are no choices some time.



So im looking to give the customer better quality as far as scratch removal but I don’t wanna spend all day doing paint correction.. I know most customers don’t even look at the scratches I am seeing but its still bothering me that im leaving imperfections behind..



what would be the best option do you think?
 
you need a rotary in some instances...PC/DA will not always cut it....literally



I would look into the PCXP or the megs G100v2 (just recommended by bryan to me), as well as the rotary
 
Meguiars G110 v2 or a PC 7424 XP plus a rotary will cover all your needs. The KB method via DA works great on a lot of cars but I still find I have to use a rotary for Audis and VWs.
 
oh meant to ask if anyone had any tips about this tool.. like anything i need to worry about.. i read they heat up pretty much
 
donavin629 said:
oh meant to ask if anyone had any tips about this tool.. like anything i need to worry about.. i read they heat up pretty much
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I think the Flex 3401 will serve you well.



And, while I don't mean to tell you how to run your business :o I'd give a little thought to how much correction you do for customers who don't know/care about it...you know, thinning the clear and all that.



Anyhow...back on-topic- The Flex is pretty easy to get the hang of IMO. It has a little "recoil" that you have to "fight" (scare-quotes intentional in both cases, neither is a big deal).



Take off the backing plate and put a *little* light oil on the felt ring on the machine's housing. Blot off/rub in any excess and then put the plate back on. This will help if you force the backing plate into contact with the ring/housing by pressing too hard.



Try to *NOT* press too hard just to speed things up. You don't want to force the plate into contact with the felt ring if you can avoid it (and hint hint, you *can* avoid it ;) ). Be especially careful not to press hard when the pad/plate is at an angle (though it is OK to work the machine that way, you don't need to keep the pads perfectly flat).



Everything seems to be all about the KMB these days, but don't overdo the "applied pressure" aspect of that when using the Flex or you might need to send it off for a rebuild. Apply some pressure, but be reasonable.



IMO people tend to abuse the Flex, seduced by what they can get away with without burning the paint and by how fast it'll do correction under pressure...this can lead to issues, including the stripping of the plastic (or whatever material it is) gears that drive the plate (take a look at 'em while you have the plate off).



FWIW, I find the Griot's orange pads (different from other orange pads, similar to the LC Hydortech tangerine pads) to be a wonderful match with the Flex. They have corrective ability with the right products (e.g. M205) yet still finish out well.



For really serious correction, esp on hard clear, you might want to look into the SurBuf pad/M105 combo.



Others here have undoubtedly done a lot more with their Flexes than I have and can offer more/better advice, but the above should give you some ideas to consider while you prepare to get started with it.
 
awesome thanks so much guys.. tomorrow is calling for rain so i know what im doing all day>> READING ARTICLES.



CANT WAIT TO GET MY MACHINE.. IM PUMPED!!
 
hey guys.. got my new flex today.. im pumped.. got 2 cars to work on tomorrow.. one question that i have is is there a standard speed that everyone ueses? or you just go hight when you have deep scratches

????
 
donavin629 said:
..one question that i have is is there a standard speed that everyone ueses? or you just go hight when you have deep scratches

????
Click to expand...



I do pretty much all of my correction with the higher speeds, sometimes dialing it back to 4-4.5 for finish polishing or if/when it seems to flash the product faster than I'd like.
 
lecchilo said:
Accum, do you know the backing plate size on the flex xc3401? Thanks
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Without running out to measure it, which I can do if you need an exact figure, it's about 6". Using it with 6" pads is just a little iffy but 6.5" ones (and larger) fit just right, with a nice margin for safety.
 
well guys ..i bow down to the FLEX!!!! amazing results.. my time polishing has been cut down and my quality of work has increased dramatically.. now when i look at a vechile i have worked on in the sun i am having a hard time findin the imperfections...:2thumbs:
 
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