Just bought a Flex 3401 from detailer's domain. Couple of quick Qs...

**tenfifteen** · Thu, Mar-25-2010, 05:22:51 PM

I've been using a PC for several years now, and am no detailing nub, but while the 7424 seemed acceptable for maintenance, it just wasn't doing it for me on problem areas. I could get it done, but it took several passes, and I'm tired of the ol' spring detail being a two day affair and the results still being "just good enough" instead of "wow." My hands just get too sore after a while on the PC, I throw in the towel, and end up saying "that'll do."

So after seeing the results in OT from another member's recent detail, a conversation ensued and the recommendation was a 3401, so I picked it up today from DD. Says 1 day of shipping from NJ, and if it gets here tomorrow, I may get crackin' over the weekend.

So... because "RPM" is too short a search term, I couldn't find a definitive answer to this: I'm sure there are instructions, but what are the generally accepted RPM settings for polish and sealant with the 3401? And does the amount of polish remain the same as with the PC? Seems most recommendations for the PC call for a someone liberal amount of polish, but I watched a few vids with the 3401 where the detailer recommended a dime-sized amount.

Anyway, thanks in advance. I'll post some before/after shots when I get around to detailing 'er out.

Cheers...

**tenfifteen** · Fri, Mar-26-2010, 02:27:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenfifteen

So... because "RPM" is too short a search term, I couldn't find a definitive answer to this: I'm sure there are instructions, but what are the generally accepted RPM settings for polish and sealant with the 3401? And does the amount of polish remain the same as with the PC? Seems most recommendations for the PC call for a someone liberal amount of polish, but I watched a few vids with the 3401 where the detailer recommended a dime-sized amount.

Anyway, thanks in advance. I'll post some before/after shots when I get around to detailing 'er out.

Cheers...

Bump with the meat of what I'm asking.

Btw, thanks Phil. Ordered at 2pm yesterday... it's out for delivery today.

Wes_R · Fri, Mar-26-2010, 04:53:01 PM

On the Flex I use 5 dots the size of skittles on the pad and spread over an 18x12 inch area and just go full blast at 6 I do 2 hardish pressure passes then do to more light passes.

On applying sealant anything from 1-3 should do with a non cutting pad.

**tenfifteen** · Fri, Mar-26-2010, 04:58:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes_R

On the Flex I use 5 dots the size of skittles on the pad and spread over an 18x12 inch area and just go full blast at 6 I do 2 hardish pressure passes then do to more light passes.

On applying sealant anything from 1-3 should do with a non cutting pad.

Excellent, thanks Wes. Your threads were a reference point when I was waffling on buying the tool.

AlpineEcstasy · Fri, Mar-26-2010, 09:43:54 PM

Wes is an excellent source of detailing advice.

infiniti2424 · Thu, Apr-01-2010, 09:42:08 PM

hey sorry to chime in late I do the same as wess and here is your color after a full detail only a one step polish using power finish by menz

finished in RBOE

http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...-blue-05-a.htm

**EKaru** · Fri, Apr-02-2010, 01:22:51 PM

Funny, I ordered this 2 days ago, so I'm new to the Flex too.

http://www.amazon.com/Pinnacle-FLEX-...0214080&sr=8-2

I went with that particular kit because Pinnacle Souveran is the only wax I use... For polishing I normally use either finish first or liquid glass, but I'm thinking that I should switch to Menzerna

Ivan Rajic · Mon, Apr-05-2010, 09:21:51 PM

5.5" pads with proper technique will do wonders on the Flex. Same with 4" pads on the PC.

You can get more advice if you post up your current polishing process (what speed on the PC, what pad, what polish, etc. you used) to give a better idea to those more experienced on where you might be able to see improvement.

I'm asking all this because there's a big misunderstanding that PC corrects the least, then Flex, then rotary... there are way too many variables in there for that to be a simple fact.

That said, Flex is definitely a step up from the PC, I just hate it's lack of smaller backing plates and the close proximity of the backing plate to the housing... smaller backing plates and an extender will make Flex the tool to have... hopefully soon!

**DetailersDomain** · Tue, Apr-06-2010, 04:18:25 AM

thanks lmk if you have any questions.

Thu, Mar-25-2010, 05:22:51 PM	#1
tenfifteen Pale Geek Rigour Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 18,613 Reputation: 103 Location: MD/C	Just bought a Flex 3401 from detailer's domain. Couple of quick Qs... I've been using a PC for several years now, and am no detailing nub, but while the 7424 seemed acceptable for maintenance, it just wasn't doing it for me on problem areas. I could get it done, but it took several passes, and I'm tired of the ol' spring detail being a two day affair and the results still being "just good enough" instead of "wow." My hands just get too sore after a while on the PC, I throw in the towel, and end up saying "that'll do." So after seeing the results in OT from another member's recent detail, a conversation ensued and the recommendation was a 3401, so I picked it up today from DD. Says 1 day of shipping from NJ, and if it gets here tomorrow, I may get crackin' over the weekend. So... because "RPM" is too short a search term, I couldn't find a definitive answer to this: I'm sure there are instructions, but what are the generally accepted RPM settings for polish and sealant with the 3401? And does the amount of polish remain the same as with the PC? Seems most recommendations for the PC call for a someone liberal amount of polish, but I watched a few vids with the 3401 where the detailer recommended a dime-sized amount. Anyway, thanks in advance. I'll post some before/after shots when I get around to detailing 'er out. Cheers... __________________ Last edited by tenfifteen; Fri, Mar-26-2010 at 02:27:31 PM.

Thu, Apr-01-2010, 09:42:08 PM	#6
infiniti2424 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 763 Reputation: 0 Location: Reno	hey sorry to chime in late I do the same as wess and here is your color after a full detail only a one step polish using power finish by menz finished in RBOE http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...-blue-05-a.htm __________________ 2005 M3 ZCP IB 55K (Current) Weekend car 2001 Infiniti Q45 80K (Current) Touring car 1994 Lexus SC400 197K (Current) Daily car 1996 Civic LX 96K (SOLD) 2003 WRX 16K (first car...gone)

Mon, Apr-05-2010, 09:21:51 PM	#8
Ivan Rajic ///Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 182 Reputation: 0 Location: Chicago	5.5" pads with proper technique will do wonders on the Flex. Same with 4" pads on the PC. You can get more advice if you post up your current polishing process (what speed on the PC, what pad, what polish, etc. you used) to give a better idea to those more experienced on where you might be able to see improvement. I'm asking all this because there's a big misunderstanding that PC corrects the least, then Flex, then rotary... there are way too many variables in there for that to be a simple fact. That said, Flex is definitely a step up from the PC, I just hate it's lack of smaller backing plates and the close proximity of the backing plate to the housing... smaller backing plates and an extender will make Flex the tool to have... hopefully soon! __________________ Ivan

Tue, Apr-06-2010, 04:18:25 AM	#9
DetailersDomain M3Forum Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,694 Reputation: 0	thanks lmk if you have any questions. __________________ Phil Yiu Detailers Domain members receive 10% off Promo code: BMW Tel: 201-233-0003 News and Specials From Detailer's Domain/Ask Detailer's Domain Tips/How To's/Videos and More Current Deals at Detailer's Domain

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Fri, Mar-26-2010, 04:53:01 PM	#3
Wes_R Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 72 Reputation: 0 Location: Toronto	On the Flex I use 5 dots the size of skittles on the pad and spread over an 18x12 inch area and just go full blast at 6 I do 2 hardish pressure passes then do to more light passes. On applying sealant anything from 1-3 should do with a non cutting pad.

Fri, Apr-02-2010, 01:22:51 PM	#7
EKaru Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Age: 38 Posts: 32,385 Reputation: 766 Location: PA & MD	Funny, I ordered this 2 days ago, so I'm new to the Flex too. http://www.amazon.com/Pinnacle-FLEX-...0214080&sr=8-2 I went with that particular kit because Pinnacle Souveran is the only wax I use... For polishing I normally use either finish first or liquid glass, but I'm thinking that I should switch to Menzerna