Improper pad handling

[ALLMAN BROS FAN]

Hey Guys...I've developed a problem with the foam buffing pads I've been using. The hook and loop part of the pad is wearing out very quickly . These pads came with the package when I bought my PC XP, they are the Hex Logic brand pad from Chem Guys. I have also cut into the back outside edge of the foam of a yellow Megs. soft foam pad. It must be my heavy handed technique in pressing down too hard. Could I be correct? if so please tell me the proper way to handle the pads while buffing so I can save them from destruction . Thanks so much

[k3ith]

Re: Improper pad handling

How are you cleaning them?

[ALLMAN BROS FAN]

Re: Improper pad handling

By hand and being very light handed....

[stamford]

Re: Improper pad handling

Don't forget the warm water procedure

[DetailFreak517]

Re: Improper pad handling

Hey Guys...I've developed a problem with the foam buffing pads I've been using. The hook and loop part of the pad is wearing out very quickly . These pads came with the package when I bought my PC XP, they are the Hex Logic brand pad from Chem Guys. I have also cut into the back outside edge of the foam of a yellow Megs. soft foam pad. It must be my heavy handed technique in pressing down too hard. Could I be correct? if so please tell me the proper way to handle the pads while buffing so I can save them from destruction . Thanks so much

Which Meg's pads are you using, the original SoftBuff (8006) or the SB2.0 (8207)? And with what backing plate?

Sounds to me like you're using the PCXP at full tilt (speed 6) and putting a lot of pressure on the machine while working, either with original SoftBuff pads or with an incorrect backing plate and SB2.0 pads. Either could cause the "cutting" into the foam you're describing. And the heat from running at speed 6 with lots of pressure could be causing the issues with velcro delamination on your other pads.

I worked that way myself for quite a long time when I first started out, but then I discovered that while my technique was getting me decent results, I wasn't being anywhere near as efficient as I'd be reducing buffer speed slightly, slowing down my arm speed moving across the work surface, and applying a bit less pressure.

Even with the buffer at speed 6, it's still possible with enough downforce to stop the pad rotating -- thus taking away a large portion of your cutting ability. Your goal should be to apply enough pressure to the pad to stop it from rotating, then decrease pressure just until you see the pad start to rotate. Being right on the edge between too much pressure and just enough as you complete a section pass will ensure you get optimum cutting ability without excessive/premature wear to the pads (and of course, proper pad priming is also critical).

Now just to clarify, I'm not saying you should never use speed 6 on the PCXP, but you definitely don't need it in every situation. I'd try to stay in the range of approximately speed 4.5-5.5 most of the time, with an arm speed of about 1" per second.

[ALLMAN BROS FAN]

Re: Improper pad handling

Thanks for the info deatailfreak....I'm using the soft buff 2.0 w8207 and the 9207 and as far as the backing plate , I'm just using the one that came with the Pc. Please tell me which one I should buy for all around use. Also I have never used any primer.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Improper pad handling

The backing plate that you have is most likely a 5" fairly stiff plate with a relatively abrupt cut off at the edge. That should be more than fine when working with 5.5" pads but if you use it with 6" pads or our 7" Soft Buff 2.0 pads what ends up happening is that you literally dig that edge into the foam as you compress the pad. The backing plate is too small to properly support a larger pad, which not only leads to the issue you're having but you also lose cut from the outer reaches of the pad because of that lack of support.

If you're going to use our Soft Buff 2.0 pads do yourself a favor and pick up our W68DA backing plate. It fits perfectly into the recess on the back of the pads and it gives plenty of support across the pad, and with enough flex to still let the pad conform to body contours. In fact, you'll get more uniform cut across the pad in those situations when using the W68DA backing plate.

If you also want to use 5.5" pads from Lake Country or others then you'll need a smaller backing plate for those. You need a backing plate of sufficient diameter to support the pad, but not so large that you run the risk of having the edge of backing plate contact the car in any way.