Are smaller pads needed for a DA?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Are smaller pads needed for a DA?

So if the DA didn't have the clutching mechanism, like the FLEX 3401, then the larger pads would be more effective right?

As long as the tool has a powerful enough motor to start with but yes, the G110 and the G220 and the PC were they direct drive tools and the motor and rest of the tool design stayed the same then these tools should have enough power to rotate a pad over an entire car but you're going to run into some heat generation in the tools as operating in a direct drive action is going to push the motor to it's limits. (At least to buff out an entire car or truck).

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Are smaller pads needed for a DA?

I have the PC 7424 but Im sure it will work fine for me for starters

What color is the back of your backing plate?

[02zx9r]

Re: Are smaller pads needed for a DA?

What color is the back of your backing plate?

yellow and then just black velcro on the front.

[eyezack87]

Re: Are smaller pads needed for a DA?

You can not remove wet sanding marks with a DA.
This is Part 3 out of a 5 part series on Wet Sanding.
About 6 min and 20 seconds it talks about Wet Sanding and DA.
I can not count how many times this comes up here.
Everytime I try to respond with the same answer.

I've done it on various BMWs and Lexus's with success for each one. Those could be the paints of the softer spectrum though but it is possible

I'll take a picture when my PC comes back from the repair center (the shaft snapped off). I have to re-wetsand my panels anyway since I touched them up. Just wish I took pics of the RX330 I was working on for touch up though...

I can also understand your answer since I get the same one each time people say that to me. Definitely hate how the internet makes us all unbelievers without proof thats for sure

I am not sure for that i am going to say but it is also depends how soft is the paint and what sand paper did you use....Not sure if you can remove them by a DA but i confirm that it is extremely difficult to do it....I had difficulties to remove them by a rotary,so i guess it is very very hard to do it with DA...I have done it once with DA on a 3,5'' wool pad and heavy compound but it was an extremely soft Honda paint and it was just a small scratch that i wetsanded....
May not impossible but extremely hard yes.....

Odd, I found it quite easy. I used the orange 4in LC pad with Menz PowerGloss and it came out fine. Just needed to follow up with a standard finishing polish and it was A-ok

[3Fitty]

Re: Are smaller pads needed for a DA?

I primarily use the Meg's 6.5 inch pads but I also purchased a set of LC 4 inch pads which I think are great. At times, they "might" be more effective over a small area, but you also have to consider what your goals area.

My cars are both in pretty good shape, so if I just want to apply #7 followed by NXT 2.0, I much prefer the 6.5 inch pads because they cover so much more surface area. On the other hand, if I have to work around mirrors or in tough to reach spots, I like the 4 inch pad because the size helps you work in smaller spaces.

[02zx9r]

Re: Are smaller pads needed for a DA?

Appreciate the input.

My corolla is white and in real good shape, few swirls here and there and I plan on using either the ultimate compund or M80 and the lsp after that. So I am not too concerned about my car.

Mostly worried about her black explorer that is pretty scratched up. Once she trades it in for a new tahoe I will just maintain it but I want the opportunity to work on a messed up vehicle to learn and see what happens when I use this product or that product.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Are smaller pads needed for a DA?

but I want the opportunity to work on a messed up vehicle to learn and see what happens when I use this product or that product.

Just take a few minutes and read through this thread right before you turn on the polisher...

Tips & Techniques for using the G110, G100, G220 and the PC Dual Action Polisher