Advice sought: 3" DA polisher

[Oldfordisbetter]

Thank you all for the responses!
Isn`t the smallest backing plate, available for the 3401, the 4 3/8"?

If you get the lake country backing plate kit, you can get a 4".

[Hammer208S]

I`ve got tbe 4 3/8" backing plate using the 5" hybrid pads. But would like to get down to a 3-4" pad in addition to the 5" pad.

[Stokdgs]

AutoGeek sells a true Flex 3401VRG 4" backing plate kit and says the backing plate is 4" wide..
You have to take apart the backing plate on the machine and switch some parts out..
This Store here apparently does not sell it..
Dan F

[Dellinger]

HF D/A with a 3- 3.75" backing plate and corresponding pads from B&S or LC will do very well if you are on a budget.

[XxBoostinxX]

I`ve got tbe 4 3/8" backing plate using the 5" hybrid pads. But would like to get down to a 3-4" pad in addition to the 5" pad.

AutoGeek sells a true Flex 3401VRG 4" backing plate kit and says the backing plate is 4" wide..
You have to take apart the backing plate on the machine and switch some parts out..
This Store here apparently does not sell it..
Dan F

What I have learned about the Lake Country Backing plate system is it is prone to breaking pretty easily. I sanded down a 4 3/8" to a 4" for my 3401 and I love it, but I feel like there still is a place for a 3" DA. There are just some smaller areas where the 3401 can`t fit.

I also have a Flex Kompakt with the 3", 2", and 1" pads. There is a little bit of a learning curve for it (at least for me), but I feel like it is a solid machine also.

[RaskyR1]

A G110v2, GG6, or even the HF units (as mentioned above) with a 3" plate will do very well for 3" work too. They don`t have the larger offset of the Rupes mini so they are a little slower to correct, but they also keep rotation better too. If you`re on a budget, one of the above will work. I actually utilize both as I prefer my G110v2 on tighter areas, but I have a custom housing on mine too, compliments of KB. If you happen to have air the pneumatic LHR75 is a beast!

[Justins00ss]

Flex PE8 Kompakt here for small jobs. 1,2 and 3in pads with the rotary power make it perfect for headlights. I too own a GG3in but very rarely use it other than to apply wax once in a while.

[Oldfordisbetter]

Rasky, ive been eying up that 3" pneumatic. Everyone says its a beast. Does it keep better rotation than the 75E? Or why is it better? The problem with the pneumatic is fighting an air hose and cant blow out pads when your polisher is hooked to air hose.

[Stokdgs]

Or for the ultimate, a rotary with a longer adapter, Buff & Shine Rotary Buffer Extension for 5/8" Spindle the 2" or 3" backing plate screws into the other end, then your pad and that can really get into about any spot..
As with any power tool, you have to mind how close the spacer gets to anything around your paintwork, so it doesnt hit it and damage it..
Dan F

[RaskyR1]

Rasky, ive been eying up that 3" pneumatic. Everyone says its a beast. Does it keep better rotation than the 75E? Or why is it better? The problem with the pneumatic is fighting an air hose and cant blow out pads when your polisher is hooked to air hose.

I`m sure it`s mostly because of the 15mm throw vs. the 12mm. I like the more compact size too.

You bring up a good point about blowing out the pads and you`ll want a second line for that. I honestly don`t use mine as much now that I have the mini, mainly because my compressor is loud and obnoxious, but the pneumatic version still cuts noticeably faster IMO. I do think the electric stalls a hair easier, but I never tested them side by side on the same panel either, so take that with a grain of salt.

[RaysWay]

AutoGeek sells a true Flex 3401VRG 4" backing plate kit and says the backing plate is 4" wide..
You have to take apart the backing plate on the machine and switch some parts out..
This Store here apparently does not sell it..
Dan F

We have it: FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

[XxBoostinxX]

I`m sure it`s mostly because of the 15mm throw vs. the 12mm. I like the more compact size too.

You bring up a good point about blowing out the pads and you`ll want a second line for that. I honestly don`t use mine as much now that I have the mini, mainly because my compressor is loud and obnoxious, but the pneumatic version still cuts noticeably faster IMO. I do think the electric stalls a hair easier, but I never tested them side by side on the same panel either, so take that with a grain of salt.

Doesn`t the pneumatic have a larger throw than the 75e? I was extremely close to buying the pneumatic, but the amount of air flow it called for is way more than I can supply.

[Hammer208S]

I looked at it today. 15mm for the pneumatic vs 12mm on the electric model. I don`t think my cheap craftsman compressor will keep up either.

[Merlin]

I looked at it today. 15mm for the pneumatic vs 12mm on the electric model. I don`t think my cheap craftsman compressor will keep up either.

You may wish to look at Meguiars Soft Buff DBP3 DA Polisher 3 Inch Backing Plate

Meguiars Soft Buff DBP3 DA Polisher 3 Inch Backing Plate $15.99

[Hammer208S]

To be used on what?