Using Smaller Pads on Rotary Buffers.. Questions

[InstinctBlues03]

I have a Harbor Freight Drill Master rotary buffer and was wondering if I used a 3.5 backing plate and 4" pads do you think it would be too powerful for the pads? I'm going to be using it to get rid of swirl marks.. Please help me out. For some reason, I feel more comfortable working with smaller size pads.

I have the Griot 3" Polisher and it just doesn't have enough power to get rid of swirls. I love it for polishing glass though and working in tight spaces!

I tried searching and couldn't and didnt want to spend hours looking, lol!

Thanks guys!

[TOGWT]

What grade (abrasiveness) of pad and polish do you have available?

[InstinctBlues03]

I actually am getting these in the mail tomorrow, I plan on using these. Haven't ordered the backing plate yet.

Buff & Shine 4" Pad 12-Pack

I use Meguiars Swirl Remover 2.0 a lot.

[Dan]

As long as you keep the speed down, I think you should be ok.

[MCA]

I have a Harbor Freight rotary as well and I have used with various size backing plates and pads. In my experience, 5"/5.5" pads are the best combination of speed, size, and manueverability. I have noticed a definite decrease in speed once a 6"/7" pad gets loaded with polish. I only use 4" pads for tight areas such as around license plates and under the rear-view side mirrors...it just takes too long if you have to compound an entire car and you do have to clean the pads more often.

[Paul Sparks]

As others have posted the smaller bp and pads will work. The 5 or 5.5 are usually the most popular choice for rotary work. Keep a sharp eye on the heat created by the smaller set-up.

[ww2717]

Smaller pads are more aggressive too. I learned very quickly how you can burn through clear coat with a 4 inch pad on a rotary only doing like 900rpm.

[TOGWT]

The total abrasive ability of a polish / foam pad combination is subject to many variables, the polishes abrasive ability is just the starting point

Factors that increase abrasion ability

• Increased speed (Velocity)
• Increased pressure (Pad compression)
• Use smaller pad (Reduced surface Area)
• Using a slower panel transition speed (Increased surface contact time)
• Reduce the working area

Kinetic (Heat) and machine energy (Speed) and surface pressure applied over a smaller area, which results in faster correction. A further consideration of pad diameter has to do with distribution of the machine weight and applied pressure.