Microfiber system pad longevity...

[CHzo6]

How long can we expect the pads to last? Do they have a finite lifespan that you can plan around or does it just depend on the conditions they are used under? Thanks

[Merlin]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I believe I read 10-20 vehicles but I'm not sure.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

Mike Stoops said they can be used more than 50 times before they start showing any kind of wear.

[OhioCarBuff]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

Whoooooa 50 times!!!!!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

Certainly life span of any pad, towel, applicator, etc is going to depend somewhat on how it's used, but overall the life expectancy of the DA Microfiber Discs is quite long. Mannheim Auctions has been known to correct close to 100 vehicles per disc - with the finishing discs generally outlasting the cutting discs because of the aforementioned use method (you aren't working them as hard, hence they tend to last longer). Mannheim is also washing and drying these discs in industrial washers and dryers, so they're getting some pretty heavy treatment there!

[CHzo6]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

Awesome! Thanks

[goone]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I only used it twiced with the 5 inch cutting disc but the backing velcro flying off my Griot DA yesterday

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I only used it twiced with the 5 inch cutting disc but the backing velcro flying off my Griot DA yesterday

That is not normal at all - please give a call to our Customer Care Center at 800.347.5700 to arrange for a replacement.

[TH0001]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I have found that the method of pad cleaning plays the biggest difference in how long the pads, in particular, the cutting pad, lasts. If you are using compressed air to blow the pad should get an exceptionally long life. If you are using the pad brush you will actually see little tufts of microfiber coming off. Over time (and many many brushings) you can mat down the center and kinda remove so much of the fiber that it doesn't work quite as effectively. If you are limited to brushing the pads on the fly, use a slower speed and LIGHT pressure.

[pizzano]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I only used it twiced with the 5 inch cutting disc but the backing velcro flying off my Griot DA yesterday

Thaat has happened to me also, I have had one cutting pad replaced through the Meguiars store in Las Vegas, it has happened to one other vendor also.

Looks like it got to heated up and it seperated, and No I did not put to much pressure or speed on it , I also used the Griots DA, I do believe that the due to the Griots polisher having more low torque and being able to bear down on the Griots without bogging down like the PC7424, that the pads might need special care when used with the griots DA.

And yes , Air is the best way to clean the pads, works like a dream, beats out water or brushing them.

[cnfowler]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I used this compounding pad for a bit more than 1/2 a vehicle before it looked like this. I am using a Griot's DA on speed 5 and compressed air to clean the pad after each section, sometimes after two sections. I'm using D300, and I'm working about 12"x12" sections. Any ideas?






Colin

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I used this compounding pad for a bit more than 1/2 a vehicle before it looked like this. I am using a Griot's DA on speed 5 and compressed air to clean the pad after each section, sometimes after two sections. I'm using D300, and I'm working about 12"x12" sections. Any ideas?






Colin

Wow, that's wild. I'm still using the same set of pads (1 of each size) from beta testing and mine haven't shown any loss of fibers - and I use either a spur or a brush for cleaning.

Colin, I would contact customer care about that one... they probably would like to see it.

[MikeEast]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I was quite amazed when I had three pads un-glue (from what it appeared to me).

I was probably spinning them too fast - as my porter-cable DA has a somewhat iffy speed control, but I didn't feel any heat at all either in the pad or the surface I was doing. I'll just have to more cognizant of my speeds in the future I guess...

Speaking of 'surface' - what an amazing pair of products! The R&D folks shouldn't give up their day jobs, but they sure hit a homerun with this stuff!

Mike

[cnfowler]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

Wow, that's wild. I'm still using the same set of pads (1 of each size) from beta testing and mine haven't shown any loss of fibers - and I use either a spur or a brush for cleaning.

Colin, I would contact customer care about that one... they probably would like to see it.

Yeah, I was a bit surprised. This was my first time using the system, and I absolutly love it. It will certainly be my go-to product this season. I'm just hoping I got a bad one.


Colin

[cnfowler]

Re: Microfiber system pad longevity...

I found this -

OPM's for Griots 6"
Speed Setting 1 - 2500 opm
Speed Setting 2 - 3300 opm
Speed Setting 3 - 4200 opm
Speed Setting 4 - 5100 opm
Speed Setting 5 - 6000 opm
Speed Setting 6 - 6800 opm

It appears I was running them way too fast. I'm gonna write those numbers on my DA. Good info to know.


Colin