NEW: What size pads do you use? (Updated 2009)

[Michael Stoops]

Re: NEW: What size pads do you use? (Updated 2009)

All else being equal ("all else" meaning pad foam construction, tool speed, pressure, arm speed, liquid used, temp, humidity and the paint itself), a smaller pad on a D/A polisher will be more aggressive than a larger pad. A small pad on a D/A will concentrate all the energy into a smaller area.

The opposite is true with a rotary buffer since speed plays a huge role. As a rotating circle gets bigger the velocity increases as you approach the outer reaches of the diameter. The rpm does not change, but the farther you go from the center axis the more distance you have to cover for one revolution, so the outer edge of the pad is moving faster than any other point on the pad. It follows, then, that a larger pad will provide more maximum velocity for the same rpm than a smaller one will, and with speed comes cutting power. So, on a rotary, a smaller pad will actually provide less cut than a larger pad - all else being equal.

It should also be noted that a pad with a contoured face will provide less cut than a pad with a flat face - all else being equal. This holds true for both D/A and rotary buffers. It's a simple matter of surface area in contact with the paint.

[RDVT4ME]

Re: NEW: What size pads do you use? (Updated 2009)

I just keep finding more and more reasons to use those new 4 inch pads. They are a great addition to the tool kit.

[l SIC l]

Re: NEW: What size pads do you use? (Updated 2009)

I'm just trying to be certain on these things, as we have to pay 'a lot' for our Meguiar's products at this end of the globe!!! so any information at all would really be a great help and I appreciate it:

As I just purchased a 'Kestrel DAS-6 D/A', the specs are as follows;

Specifications:

• Orbit Size: 8mm
• Backing Plate Thread Size: 5/16" (same as Porter Cable, G220 and UDM's)
• Variable 6 Speed Dial: 2,500 to 6,500rpm
• Removable side handle (left or right side of machine)
• Weight - 2.3kg (approx)
• Supplied Velcro Backing Plates Size: 125mm ( 5” )
• Fits 5", 6" and 6.5" polsihing pads

My questions are (and sorry in advance for my lack of knowledge!):

1) Will the 'Meguiar's 6.5" foam 2.0 pads' be a direct fit to my new D/As current backing plate or does it have to be a Meguiar's specific 6.5" backing plate? and can I use a 'Meguiar's 3" backing plate' on my new D/A?

2) Should I just buy [4x each; red, black and yellow pads - as they would fit my current backing plate] to rely on detailing my families cars? or should I mix it up and buy a 3" or 3.5" (please advise which would be the better option) backing plate and get [2x each; 6.5" red, black and yellow pads] and also [2x each; 4" red, black and yellow pads]?

*Take into account I have spent nearly $1000 in Meguiar's products in the last couple of weeks (not including my new D/A in that price either!) so I can't really afford to spend too much more at the moment .*