Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

[Andrew C.]

So I am already making a purchase at ADS to stock up on some of my detailing supplies and I am thinking that while I already have enough items to have my shipping set at the fixed rate, now would be a good opportunity to go ahead and get a rotary.

I was thinking about getting the makita package here:

http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/makita-9227cx3-polisher.html

What I really need to know now is what types of pads and backing plates should I get? What are the 2 wool pads and the backing plate that comes with it like?

I was thinking about getting a lot of pads: Double sided wool cutting, both solo cutting (light and heavy), the Cut n' shine wool pad, and two foam polishing 2.0 pads
Backing plates, I was going to get the Buff and Shine extension, W66 and the W68


I appreciate all of your advice.

Thanks, Andrew

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

I have never used the backing plate or wool pads that were supplied. They are very "industrial" and I wasn't going to risk use.

The kit is still a great deal though- the bag is awesome.

Are you going to be totally new to using a rotary? I would suggest starting out with something less aggressive like pairing M105 and a yellow polishing pad. I learned that combo and used it for a while before even attempting heavy cutting wool. This way you don't have to worry about creating severe holograms or getting overly aggressive.

Of course, if you are comfortable with the wool then go ahead. I have the Solo wool pads (red and yellow) and the double sided wool, but I rarely need to reach for them thanks to M105.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

The double sided W5000 wool cutting pad is a very nice pad, be sure to get the adapter that you'll need to use it safely with your new RB

As for polishing with a RB it's pretty hard to beat any of our yellow foam pads, maybe stick with the new washable version as it's an easy size to control with the RB and you can also use with your DA


The Solo Backing plate is also very nice as is both our new W68 and W68DA Backing plates.


So many choices...

[Andrew C.]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

So many choices...

That is my dilemma haha!

I am completely new to using a rotary so I plan on buying a junkyard hood to practice and practice and practice on before I even think of touching a real cars paint. I also am going to try to attend an advanced class if I am fortunate enough.

I am just wondering what I would need to have a good arsenal of pads where I can tackle most any paint problem.

Thanks, Andrew

[IMSHAKN]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

Definitely get yourself a different backing plate as the one that comes with that buffer is too stiff for my liking. Pad wise I'd pick up several yellow polishing pads or something comparable and maybe one or two foam cutting pads. Once you get the hang of the rotary, then start looking at the wool pads for those times where you need some extra cut.


Great buffer though. I enjoy using the Makita rather than the DeWalt I learned on several years ago. You can use the bail handle and grip it in many different ways or you can stick your hand up under the bail handle for when you want some extra control or just need another position to hold the buffer.

[Andrew C.]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

Definitely get yourself a different backing plate as the one that comes with that buffer is too stiff for my liking. Pad wise I'd pick up several yellow polishing pads or something comparable and maybe one or two foam cutting pads. Once you get the hang of the rotary, then start looking at the wool pads for those times where you need some extra cut.


Great buffer though. I enjoy using the Makita rather than the DeWalt I learned on several years ago. You can use the bail handle and grip it in many different ways or you can stick your hand up under the bail handle for when you want some extra control or just need another position to hold the buffer.

I want to order everything at once, so I don't have to do multiple shipping charges. Which wool pads do you suggest?

[hot rod]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

I would use the Meguiars double side wool pad or the wool pads from the Solo line. Use both of them & really like how well they cut. Also pick up the Meguiars backing plate with foam , it is by far the best one. I picked up the same kit off Ebay was $175 i think.

[IMSHAKN]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

I want to order everything at once, so I don't have to do multiple shipping charges. Which wool pads do you suggest?

Personally I'm liking the Solo pads. I've rarely needed to reach for the red, the yellow is much more useful in the work that I do. Maybe pick up one red and two yellow solo wool pads.

[Rebel442]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

i have a makita 9227....great buffer...

personally i dont mind the backing plate it came with...industrial but never the less i have few complaints...

i have 4 lake county pads but will eventually make the step to meguiars pads...

not sure on the actual product names but i would suggest that you have at least 4 in your arsenal...heavy cutting, light cutting, a polishing, and a finishing...

i really dont use wool alot i stick with foam...i like the foam and have good results...id like to make that step eventually though...

[Joker]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

im gunna keep and eye on this thread as i am also new to buffers and got the same one and looking for pads as well

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Thinking about buying a Rotary, What pads to get?

The W5000 is my go to pad for severe scratches and sanding marks. It takes out everything in one shot without complaints (combine it with M105 and you'll be amazed).

The Solo wool pads are perfect for less severe defects, but the finish left is very good for a wool pad.

When it comes to using foam pads on the rotary, the centering is very important. If it is off by too much, it can affect the polishing and potentially cause swirls. That is why the Soft Buff 2.0 pads are so helpful. The centering is almost dead on every time. It takes the guesswork out of centering.

For foam pads, I like the W68 plate. It is a bit firmer than the W66, but provides the necessary support. For wool pads, I like the W66. It has quite a bit of cushion that is very useful when working around curves.