Microfiber system--why is the 6" backing plate recommended for 6" pads?

[Ktraughb]

from what ive always seen/read on here and vid tips etc, its best to use a slightly smaller backing plate than the size pad you are using. why is the backing plate for the 6 inch MF pads the same size?

[greg0303]

Re: Microfiber system--why is the 6" backing plate recommended for 6" pads?

6" microfiber cutting/ finishing discs are really like 6.25" in diameter. S6BP will offer a perfect support.

[Ktraughb]

Re: Microfiber system--why is the 6" backing plate recommended for 6" pads?

thanks for the input. do you know if people are still having issues with the adhesives on the mf pads?

[greg0303]

Re: Microfiber system--why is the 6" backing plate recommended for 6" pads?

thanks for the input. do you know if people are still having issues with the adhesives on the mf pads?

To my knowledge everything is fine with microfiber discs.

There were couple inputs involved in some failures:
- discs were taken to much higher than recommended speeds causing intense heat build up,
- discs were used while still not fully dry, the remaining water turned into steam and caused failure,
- too much down pressure was used, you can't just put your total body weight and expect faster defect removal without any consequences,
- wrong backing plates were used.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Microfiber system--why is the 6" backing plate recommended for 6" pads?

6" microfiber cutting/ finishing discs are really like 6.25" in diameter. S6BP will offer a perfect support.

Exactly.

However, if you're going to be using the DAMF System on a DA (G110v2, Porter Cable, Griot's, etc) then you should stick with the 5" discs (5.5" in reality) and the W67DA backing plate. The whole system was really dialed in for this size on a true DA and you'll maximize results when using it that way.

[Ktraughb]

Re: Microfiber system--why is the 6" backing plate recommended for 6" pads?

well that even further confused me. lol. would there be any problem at all using a 6.5" damf system with the appropriate backing pad on a porter cable as long as i use the 6" and up counterweight? i definitely understand the benefits of the 5.5", in fact that is exactly what i learned with for the first 1 1/2 years mostly with cca pads, but i was just thinking about moving to a slightly larger pad and getting back to a da and away from the rotary ive been using. im not experienced enough with a rotary to use alll the time like this.

[greg0303]

Re: Microfiber system--why is the 6" backing plate recommended for 6" pads?

5"microfiber discs will give you the best performance when used with traditional dual action polishers. When stepping up to larger size mostly cut/defect removal will be decreased plus some extra drag added to a polisher. 6" discs would be an option for extremely soft paints when 5" ones cause severe hazing.

6" discs on the other end work great with forced rotation dual action machines: Flex 3401, Makita BO 6040 and Festool. Some technique adjustments are needed: less down pressure, slower speeds.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Microfiber system--why is the 6" backing plate recommended for 6" pads?

You definitely want to stick with the 5" microfiber system when using a traditional DA. As for the counterweight issue, don't give it a second thought. And, wow, we haven't heard of anyone even mention the different counterweights in years, and all of sudden we're responding to two posts about it in a row - crazy how that happens! Anyway, leave whatever counterweight you have installed where it is, mount the W67DA backing plate, stick a 5" DMC5 microfiber cutting disc to it, and get to work. A discussion from many years ago about the different counterweights in the 7424 basically determined that you can't tell them apart. The 7424XP only ships with one counterweight, so that should tell you something, too - don't sweat it.