How hot is normal for the flex?

Tru_Shine · 09-07-09, 03:51

Hey guys! Today I got to use my flex 3401 for the first time. I was trying out some different pad combinations. But before I started I made sure that I lubed my Felt ring and tightend down the BP. As I was doing some small 1x1 areas on a hood. I would switch from pad to pad and I noticed that the metal housing would get REAL HOT! So hot that I couldn't touch it. So I took off the BP and looked at the gear teeth to make sure there wasn't and abnormal wear. which there wasn't. So i thought maybe it was just some normal friction heat. nothing ever messed up with it and it did good, but i am just worried that this thing is gonna melt some gear teeth? So can anyone tell me if some heat on the housing,bolt,and general area of the BP is normal? thanks

connorb850 · 09-07-09, 04:03

I believe this is normal, my flex also gets very hot after use (especially the metal housing). Before each use, I re-lube the felt ring and make sure the backing plate is tight. I've had mine for over a year, no problems so far. My only complaint is the noise level that comes from the machine.

SuperBee364 · 09-07-09, 04:05

My Flex 3403 rotary gets hot. Much hotter than previous machines I've had. Kinda seems to be a characteristic of flex polishers.

Tru_Shine · 09-07-09, 04:27

ok good, That's what I was hoping to hear! Everything was acting fine and was doing its job, I think I was just a little paranoid from all the post that i have been reading. thanks guys!

ReLoaDeD BuLLiT · 09-08-09, 02:53

my flex rotary gets hot as hell and turns off a lot when using foam pads. never with wool. turns off most frequently while jeweling. I hate that. love the machine but hate how often it shuts off.

WhyteWizard · 09-08-09, 06:33

My Makita 9227 used to get hot too until I took it apart and changed out the stock grease for some Redline Synthetic. The spindle gets dry running against the ring gear. I think high speeds should be taken apart and the grease moved back onto the working surfaces every month or so under normal, everyday, use.

Here's the schematic for the Flex and the same situation exists, though it might be more complicated to deal with. http://www.flexnorthamerica.com/Serv.../XC3401VRG.pdf

If you want to know how effective that counter weight really is, turn the machine on without that heavy top handle re-installed. I think the Flex might be more comfortable for people to get used to because the pad spins the same direction as a rotary.

Heat means friction, friction means wear. Too hot to handle, hot enough to trip the safety, is too hot. IMHO. A service call is in order.

Robert

Tru_Shine · 09-08-09, 06:57

well here is a quick update, i have done the hood, driver fender, and some of the door. It's not getting hot like it was last night. It is kinda jumpy, I dont find it very M105 friendly, it keeps cloging up my foam pads. So over all I just need to get used to it, and i might try some SIP and other deminishing compounds.

JaredPointer · 09-08-09, 07:52

I've asked this question to several people and the US distributor with either no response or the answer of that's just the way it is. It does get very hot - hot enough that an unexpected touch when changing pads will almost make me drop the machine.

Accumulator · 09-08-09, 10:12

Yeah, mine gets hot too, so if there are any tight spots I want to do with the handle removed I try to do those first before it gets all heated up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tur_Shine

I dont find it very M105 friendly, it keeps cloging up my foam pads..

I find the Flex *very* M105-friendly, but it *does* seem to be very sensitive to pad priming and the size of the area being worked (keep it small). Plus, the pads need to be cleaned quiet often. The goal is to avoid any clumping of dried product mixed with cut-off clear.