Finally stepping up to a rotary, but which pads and backing plate to go with?

[brett3xx]

Im finally stepping up to the rotary and I just purchased a makita 9227c, but Im not sure if I should go with the megiuars backing plate and soft buff pads, or the lackcountry pads and backing plate? Im wanting to go with the flexible BP, and 7-7.5" pads. Any recommendations? This will be my first rotary, but I have used my friend's rotary several times when my griot DA wouldnt do the job. Also do you guys like the wool pads or foam pads better? Ive used wool pads on a rotary in the past, but have only used foam pads with the griots DA. Seems like the wool would cut better, but can also leave behind its own marks, Also which pads seem to last the longest. Id like to get as much use as possible out of them. Thanks in advance

Also what compound should I use with the rotary? I have been using m105 and m205 with my da, but should I get a less aggressive diminishing abrasive to use with the rotary such as M84? Ill probably still use my Da+205 for polishing and only pull out the rotary for serious corrections. Thanks again.

[greg0303]

Re: Finally stepping up to a rotary, but which pads and backing plate to go with?

I also use Makita 9227C as my rotary machine. I'm very happy with it, especially speed range starting at 600 rpm and smooth start-up.
I have W68 as my backing plate, W4000 and W5000 as my most aggressive wool cutting pads, 7207 foam cutting pad, 8207 foam polishing, W63 backing for small pads, W4003 wool, 8204 polishing foam. Big pads are much easier to keep flat on the surface so I very rarely finish with deep swirls. Small 3" wool pad is more challenging and I usually inflict swirls with it (nothing major which M205 couldn't reverse). Foam cutting pads cut not as fast as wool. They also cost haze and depends on the paint type intense follow-up polishing may be needed (like M205 on 8207/ 8204).
I mainly use M105/ M205 combo with my rotary. For light correction I also reach for Paint Reconditioning Cream D-151. It's definitely good idea to have some less aggressive products available with circular polisher.
At the moment I use strictly Meguiar's products with my rotary so I can't review any other brands.
I hope it helps.