Flex XC3401VRG Dual-Action Polisher

Yeah. This machine is like the second coming of the random orbital. It's put my PC on headlight and spot buff duty permamently....well not yet. But it will when it arrives this week.
 
BigAl3- Every time you link to that I get all :nervous2: about using my Flex's Edge adaptor.



Paul S- Welcome to Autopia! Speaking as a PC/Cyclo/rotary/Flex 3401 owner- the short answer regarding the Flex 3401 is "buy one".
 
GLuXuRy said:
^^^your poor PC .. doesnt get to see any of the action anymore
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:chuckle: Yeah. I consoled it by telling it that it was going into the semi retirement-special forces-sit back and rest your weary bones department.



:D
 
Geez, I was planning on getting a Makita to complement my G110, but now I'm not so sure with all these rave reviews about the Flex.



Are there any significant disadvantages when comparing the Flex to a nice Rotary? It seems like the flex can handle just about all the polishing duties of a Rotary with less chance of leaving some trails.



The Flex has it's own backing plate from what I've read. Is it the only backing plate available and what does everyone do when you want to polish some tighter areas? Any adapters or anything? Or just use a different machine or hand polish? Thanks for the advice!
 
Jam said:
Geez, I was planning on getting a Makita to complement my G110, but now I'm not so sure with all these rave reviews about the Flex...
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While I suspect that my Makita is a (much?) more durable tool, I'd much rather live without that polisher than be without my Flex.

Are there any significant disadvantages when comparing the Flex to a nice Rotary? It seems like the flex can handle just about all the polishing duties of a Rotary with less chance of leaving some trails.
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I'd still want a rotary for real rocks-in-a-bottle compounds, but other than that (and I dunno if most people would ever really need those products anyhow) I'd expect the Flex 3401 to be able to handle anything (that's smart to do at all).



I have no idea how the Flex would work on the stupid-soft paints that supposedly require a rotary for flawless finishes, never worked on any paint that was like that.



The Flex has it's own backing plate from what I've read. Is it the only backing plate available and what does everyone do when you want to polish some tighter areas? Any adapters or anything? Or just use a different machine or hand polish? Thanks for the advice!
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Yeah, that's the only backing plate for that polisher.

I got one of the Edge adaptors that used to be available, but I hear it will break on me in no time. Haven't tried it yet and it's no longer on the market anyhow so yeah, you're stuck with ~6" and bigger pads. Usually not a biggie, you can use the edge of the pad to fit in most tight spots. I really only find small pads *necessary* for doing small-area spot correction, otherwise most seemingly inaccessible areas can be done with the overhanging portion/edge of a larger pad.
 
Accumulator said:
Well, that's what I'm hoping, but I might relegate it to no-pressure work with finishing pads/etc.
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i'm curious as if they are even available anymore, it would be a bummer to break it and not be able to get another one...
 
BigAl3 said:
... it would be a bummer to break it and not be able to get another one...
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That's what I'm thinking...but OTOH not using it doesn't make for any more utility than breaking it, huh?
 
I did some searches but couldn't find any info regarding different backing plates for the Flex. I thought there was only one (or different colors depending when you got the Flex). Any info on these backing plates? They don't look like the original ones obviously. Some kind of adapter needed?



Gloss Its New pads and Backing Plates - Gloss It Online Forum



Never mind, I need to read more carefully, this is a Flex 3403, rotary.
 
BigAl3 said:
i'm curious as if they are even available anymore, it would be a bummer to break it and not be able to get another one...
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In the other thread about this I have surmised that it will no longer be available. I was just watching the YouTube and it looks like the trick part of the setup is the additional metal piece bolted/riveted to the Flex backing plate, it looks like that actual hex Edge adapter might even be the same thread as a rotary (although it looks shorter than the rotary one). Can anyone verify if the thread is the same? If so it's possible that we could get a group together and get some parts made so that we could modify the Flex backing plate and screw a standard rotary Edge adapter on there, even if it's a little longer.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
In the other thread about this I have surmised that it will no longer be available. I was just watching the YouTube and it looks like the trick part of the setup is the additional metal piece bolted/riveted to the Flex backing plate, it looks like that actual hex Edge adapter might even be the same thread as a rotary (although it looks shorter than the rotary one). Can anyone verify if the thread is the same? If so it's possible that we could get a group together and get some parts made so that we could modify the Flex backing plate and screw a standard rotary Edge adapter on there, even if it's a little longer.
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Problem is the flex rotates in the opposite direction due to the forced rotation gearing. dedication to detail had to rework the threads for this adapter to work. With all trouble DD had with the DA adapter failure (retaining balls falling out) I do not think 3M will produce this produce. (JMO) I had my DA adapter replaced 4 times due to the same failure.
 
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