How does the Flex 3401 work with microfiber pads?

[ShinyChevy]

I've had good results using microfiber pads on my Porter Cable DA, now I'm looking for a little more aggressive defect removal and thinking about getting a Flex 3401. How does the Flex work with microfiber pads?

[Nick Winn]

Re: How does the Flex 3401 work with microfiber pads?

Below is a link to an article for another MOL member on their experience:

DA Microfiber Correction System with forced rotation dual action polishers

[ShinyChevy]

Re: How does the Flex 3401 work with microfiber pads?

Interesting thread, thanks. But that was back in 2011, what do guys think now? Are microfiber pads recommended for the Flex 3401?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How does the Flex 3401 work with microfiber pads?

Interesting thread, thanks. But that was back in 2011, what do guys think now? Are microfiber pads recommended for the Flex 3401?

It really doesn't matter that the discussion is 5+ years old - the 3401 hasn't changed, the microfiber discs really haven't changed, and D300 hasn't changed. So everything stated in that discussion is still valid today. What has changed is the introduction of M100 and M101, which are defect slaying monsters when coupled with microfiber discs on any tool - DA orbital or forced rotation. What you need to understand is that the 3401 is a very unique tool. The forced rotation means it's really a direct drive, rotary style tool with a gear reduction and offset (like a built in wobble) so it will behave very differently in your hands compared to the Porter Cable you currently use. And, yes, it will offer a huge increase in cutting ability.

But so will our own MT300, and for a whole lot less money. The MT300 has way more torque than a PC7424, runs smoother, and is better balanced. It is specifically tuned to run our 5" backing plate and thin foam discs or microfiber discs. While both work great on the 3401, the microfibers are so thin that the direct drive/built in wobble nature of that tool really shines through. Now, I'll freely admit that the following is a purely personal observation regarding that tool: I am personally not a fan of microfiber discs on it, but foam is fantastic. This may be partly because the 3401 spins in the opposite direction of every true rotary polisher on the market, and my muscle memory from rotary use fights that opposite motion of the Flex. Like I said, this a very personal observation and I know a lot of top level pros who will not give up their 3401 for anything. So like everything else in this world, tool choice is going to be a bit personal. Give a long time Flex user a Rupes Bigfoot and many aren't happy. The opposite is also true. Heck, give a long time rotary user anything but a rotary and they aren't happy!!!

It is hard to test drive tools before using them, so it's sort of a roll of the dice. You're already comfortable with a traditional style DA so you might be happier sticking with that same layout, just in a more powerful configuration. Just food for thought.

[DasBurninator]

Re: How does the Flex 3401 work with microfiber pads?

But so will our own MT300, and for a whole lot less money. The MT300 has way more torque than a PC7424, runs smoother, and is better balanced. It is specifically tuned to run our 5" backing plate and thin foam discs or microfiber discs.

I'd hate to complicate this choice further for OP, but the long throw Rupes polishers should be mentioned as well. IMO they do as well as the FLEX 3401, but without trying to kill your forearms.
The forced rotation can be difficult to control if you haven't used a rotary before and aren't expecting what it will do.

The MT300 is a great machine for 90% of people out there and more cost effective, but the Rupes machines are worth noting in this thread

[EPHIOS]

Re: How does the Flex 3401 work with microfiber pads?

I have recently purchased 3 microfiber pads for my FLEX VRG 3401 and G110v2. I have both M105 and M205 on my arsenal. Are they compatible with each other? Thank you!

[DasBurninator]

Re: How does the Flex 3401 work with microfiber pads?

I have recently purchased 3 microfiber pads for my FLEX VRG 3401 and G110v2. I have both M105 and M205 on my arsenal. Are they compatible with each other? Thank you!

Yes, those are compatible