| ~One man’s opinion / observations~
Backing Plates:
Backing plates are fitted with Velcro to enable attachment of Velcro backed foam pads. To change the backing plate use the flat spindle wrench (PN 69200) supplied with the machine, to hold the centre spindle and rotate the backing plate counter-clockwise to loosen or clockwise to tighten, turn the backing
Lightweight moulded flexible Urethane backing plates are superior to the more ridged and heavier backing plates commonly used.
Always use a smaller sized Velcro backing plate then the Velcro foam pad you are using (i.e. a 6-inch Velcro backing plate and a 6.5-inch Velcro foam pad) Never use a Velcro backing plate that is larger then the Velcro backed foam pad.
Pads must be matched to an appropriate product to achieve the desired results. A 5-inch diameter backing plate when used with a 6.5 -inch foam pad allows a 0.75-inch `safety' margin' between the edge of the backing plate and the foam pad. To ensure compatibility of fit with a Porter-Cable the post adaptor should be a 5/16th-inch-24 threaded shaft.
To centre a foam pad on the PC, set it upside down with the Velcro backing plate facing up (this is easier if the side handle is attached). Using the tips of your fingers as spacers against the edges of the backing plate. You can centre it with near perfection most of the time.
Here's a brief guide to help you select the correct (LC) product for your needs, all of these pads have a hook and loop fastening system. The Velcro on both the pad and backing plate allows you to quickly and easily install and remove the pads listed below:
A flat pad (FT), gives you even pressure throughout. It takes more pressure to stop the spinning of the random orbital buffer, so your finish comes out more even. You may find they have a little better feel to them than the variable contact pads. This style pad is best for medium polishing and finishing work; however the variable contact pad does a better job at cutting.
A constant pressure foam pad (CP) this is essentially a flat pad which uses a patented technology layer of engineered, instant rebound foam between the pad and the backing plate to absorb off-axis movements while keeping the pressure of the pad on the surface constant. It allows even beginners to achieve professional-like results, the curved 6- inch pads outer edge makes transitioning seams and uneven panel breaks easier and the concave "dish" in the centre of the pad reduces product splatter, and gives the operator greater pad control. These pads feature three, patented, design innovations.
A curved edge foam pads (CE) are great for working in tight spaces or a surface with lots of waves and narrow strips-such as the "A" pillar. The polish is applied to the outer edge of the pad and the PC is used at more of an angle. With this method, you are halfway between a flat and VC pad with surface contact. This pad can also be used flat. In this case, you would apply more polish on the peak between the curve and recess. This technique would be similar to a variable contact pad.
The variable contact foam pads (VC) provide focused pressure around the edges of the pad. They concentrate the polish within a smaller surface area. Theoretically, one would never really use the centre of a variable contact pad. Because of this focused pressure, this type of pad is ideal for cutting. However, the user should be aware that this increased pressure could cause a random orbital buffer to stall. Variable contact pads are better suited for use with a high-speed rotary polisher
Tufted foam pads (TF) are made from pre-polymer foam with a 50% open cell structure. This pad has nine- times the surface area of a flat pad. This dissipates heat, spreads polish over a larger area and reduces polish build-up called "caking". This means less time spent adding polish to the pad and less time spent changing and cleaning pads and greater user control (7.5-inch pads).
Contoured Edge pads (CE) these 7.5-inch pads have a graduated, concave polish pocket similar to the variable contact foam pads but feature a contoured edge with a recessed area for the backing plate. These pads have four distinct working surfaces 1.Flat for polishing 2. They can be ‘lifted’ using the outer 1/3rd of the pad for areas that are tight or that require more heat. 3.The outer edge of the pad can be used for seams or corners 4. The underside can be used for polishing around mirrors or other thigh areas.
Machine Polish / Foam Pad Combinations:
Always start with the least abrasive combination, if that combination of foam pad and polish doesn’t remove the surface imperfections, proceed using the same grade of polish but change to a more aggressive foam pad. Once you are satisfied that the surface imperfections have been removed, proceed by using the least abrasive polish / foam pad combination to remove the ‘compounding haze’.
a.Use Iz Einzett Paint Polish and a polishing foam (LC White) VC foam
b.Utilizing the same polish, change to a cutting/polishing foam (LC Orange) VC pad
c.With the same polish, change to cutting foam (LC Yellow) VC pad
d.Remove the ‘compounding haze’ using Iz Einzett Metallic Polish and a polishing foam (LC White) F pad.
If none of these combinations remove the surface imperfections, and only if necessary ‘step-up’ to a more abrasive polish Iz Einzett Ultra Polish using the same foam pads as in (1) above
It is preferable to polish 2-3 times to restore the paint film surface than to use an unnecessarily abrasive machine polish / foam pad combination.
The use of abrasive type polish / cleaners should always be restricted to specific problems. Most original paint finishes are tougher on the outer surface than the layers underneath. The outer layers should be preserved as far as possible. Always use the least aggressive product first, evaluate the surface, then only if necessary `step-up' to a more abrasive product
~Hope this helps~
Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM |