An update on my issue -- I received the the replacement backing plate and felt ring from Powerhouse Distributing today (I sent them mine last week). Excellent, quick turnaround. They get the thumbs up from me.
Looking at the backing plate, I guess I didn't realize how chewed up mine was! The new one doesn't look at all like I remember mine. I thought the rear had a lip on it, which eventually went flinging off, like some of the photos I've seen on other threads. The new one is flat on the back. I guess mine had a lip because the inside was worn away from rubbing on the housing.
I also got some air tool oil a few days ago, which I'll use to oil the felt ring. I was debating between that and some garage door chain spray stuff I saw at the same Home Depot. I've seen both recommended here.
The next step I'm thinking of is replacing the existing washer with a locking washer, or maybe investing in some blue Loctite. Or maybe I'll just make sure the bolt is always tight. In any event, it's too cold to think of actually using the
Flex now, so it doesn't really matter at the moment. But when I saw the new plate, I immediately wanted to try it out.
Has anyone had the replacement plate fail, too? I'll oil the felt ring, keep the bolt tight, and use only light pressure from now on. I hope that is enough to keep the new plate from getting ground to bits like the last one.
if they saw how many of us use their machines 
Linear Mode
