My Flex XC 3401 VRG review - Page 10

toml · 10-04-07, 05:31

Other than the size of the backing plate when using 6.5" pads, have you guys noticed any disadvantages to using the hard backing plate? I checked the owner's manual for the Makita BO6040 and the Bosch 1250DEVS online, and it looks like they both have optional soft backing plates. The Flex only comes with the one.

DJ_JonnyV · 10-04-07, 06:46

Again, as Frostydog and I have stated quite a few times, as long as you're not daydreaming while you're polishing and aware fo what's going on, then you should be fine with the hard BP. I can't remember which car or what area fo the car, but I did have a brief scare once. I think it was up agains a tailight cover that the BP bumped into. It didn't do any damage and I kept moving. You need to be involved when using the Flex, and not thinking about whether you'll be getting lucky that night or not...

frostydog · 10-05-07, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by toml

Other than the size of the backing plate when using 6.5" pads, have you guys noticed any disadvantages to using the hard backing plate? I checked the owner's manual for the Makita BO6040 and the Bosch 1250DEVS online, and it looks like they both have optional soft backing plates. The Flex only comes with the one.

Take a look at posts 88-94 of this thread...we talk about exactly what you're asking about. Zoran makes a good point...flexable backing plates are far from being 100% safe.

toml · 10-05-07, 03:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by frostydog

Take a look at posts 88-94 of this thread...we talk about exactly what you're asking about. Zoran makes a good point...flexable backing plates are far from being 100% safe.

Hmmm, I already knew from your posts there about the danger of hitting the backing plate against something due to the minimum clearance with a 6.5" pad. And Zoran's post too about the flexible BP.

I was more thinking about any disadvantages in polishing the curvey angles of the car with the rigid BP. The flexible BP has pliable edges and with the pad conforms pretty well to the surface of the car.

frostydog · 10-05-07, 06:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by toml

I was more thinking about any disadvantages in polishing the curvey angles of the car with the rigid BP. The flexible BP has pliable edges and with the pad conforms pretty well to the surface of the car.

I don't think I really notice much of difference between the two in that regard. For the most part I would think the pad does most of the conforming.