I have been using the Griot's for the past 5 years. Works fine, but the vibration is killing me! Have just recently upgraded to the flex.

I usually spread the polish on 3 and then move up to 5. Is this the same on the flex? Also, usually I use a moderate amount of force while polishing. Since the flex is more powerful, should I use less force?


Also, I read that it is a good idea to oil the felt ring. How much oil and how often?

Thanks

 

It's hard to say exactly how you should polish with your flex without knowing the exact pad, polish and be there to see how your paint responds. Every clear is different and respond better/worse to certain methods. The general rule of thumb to start with is start with lower rpm/higher pressure and work up the speed and down on the pressure. With a flex you don't have to follow that rules quite a closely as with a rotary though.

For me, it's how the polish responds and the paint looks that tells me what I how I go about the correction. That's why I have many different pads and polishes/compounds.

Play with it a bit and experiment to see what get's the best results. If you struggle too much you can always take your car to John at Metropolitan Detail. He's the Mac for detailing in your area.

 

Good advice...what I always recommend to clients that buy a flex is exactly what you're doing OP. Start on 3 and spread the polish, then up to 5 or 5.5 and with moderate pressure, VERY VERY slowly work the polish down until the surface becomes almost transparent.

Since the flex won't generate the heat or friction like a rotary, you want to allow the polish and pad to do the work. This means to take your time and check your work after each panel to make sure the results are what you're expecting.

As for oiling the felt, I'll have to do a little more research. Maybe the company you bought your flex from could respond to that.

 

Thanks for the replies!

In terms of polish I'm using the SIP on a orange LC pad followed by finishing polish on LC white pad. What I was asking is if the general polishing technique is the same with the Flex vs the Griot's/PC, since the Flex is more powerful.

Moe I got the Flex used. I read about the oiling issue in this thread http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...first-use.html

I do know John at Metropolitan and he is excellent. However, if I brought my car there, all the points I gave my wife why I needed a flex would be out the window! Truth be told, I have been detailing my cars the last 5 years and I really enjoy it!

 

Hey Steve, just bring your machine and car up to my shop sometime and I'll give you a few pointers.


John

 

Pretty awesome offer right there, I wouldnt pass that up!

 

Thanks John, I'm going to take you up on that offer!

 

Your absolute best option is to let John show you some stuff.

A 3401 and SIP with a orange pad can do a ton of correction. You made a wise choice on your products.

 

Lubrication of the Backing Plate/ Felt Ring
Use some synthetic 30w motor oil and soak the felt ring for 24 hours and then squeeze out the excess ( do this every 3 months or so dependent upon use) Or you could use a lithium grease on it. Lack of proper lubrication is the main cause of over-heating. Rub it around the felt ring and the back of backing plate, and then wipe off any excess
Notes:
1. Lubricate the felt ring
2. Add a washer to the backing plate
3. Tighten the backing plate before use.