Rotary Pads...seriously

Harbison215 · 04-16-08, 05:39

Ok guys, I've been reading searching and reading for days and I still feel just as confused about the pads for rotaries.

I've been using 8"inch edge and 3m pads. So far the only ones I've been using are edge yellow wool, green foam, and blue foam as well as the blue 3m ultrafina pad.

So far, I find the cut of the yellow edge to be nice and easy to manage. I could see that there probably are a few times where you need more cut so I know I am going to invest in a black pad (please, i will get to sizes in a moment). Next I am going to try the edge green wool. As for foam, the strongest cut I have gone to is the green pad, which I have to say, I don't really like. It doesn't really cut strong enough, it hops a lot, and it leaves a fairly hazy finish. I'm sure it has its middle step purposes but so far I'd say this is my least favorite pad. I love the flat blue foam pad from edge. It finishes nicely, is super easy to control and it all around a great finishing pad. The 3m ultrafina pad is ok for me, it finishes great on some cars but not so well on others (I had to get really grabby on an 04 TL i was doing yesterday and it didn't finish well at all).

Ok, so thats basically where my experience with pads is right now. For reference, I've been using a rotary for a long time but mostly at volume dealerships where we really just used cheap wool pads. I've been studying here for sometime and am working on perfecting my total package.

My questions are this:
-What pads am I missing? Is the edge white foam finishing pad necessary?
-Do you guys include a variety of smaller pads in your arsenal? 8 inches can be a pain to keep flat on a lot of surfaces.
-Should I buy some lake country pads? I've read that the new ones are much stiffer and not as good as they used to be. What about meguiars pads? Do you guys spend a ton of money and stock 10000 different types of pads? After researching, thats what it seems like I should be doing.

God, I'm burnt out on reading about pads. I want to order more but I am so confused...in terms of size, fabric, and brand my head is spinning. What do you recommend?

Dent's & Details · 04-16-08, 06:25

Ok your going to get a lot of different opinions regarding this. It is kind of like asking what wax do you use. You will get different answers for different types of cars as well as personal preference.

What I use and like are Lake Country pads. Proper auto care has them. They are the CCS 6.5" OEM pads Red, White, Green and Orange are what I always carry. Wool vary s from LC foamed wool to Some meguiars cut and polish wool pads.

I have two different backing plates the LC 4 7/8" and the 6 1/8" I use both with the LC pads.

When I'm working the flat areas of the car I will use the big backing plate to keep the pad flat as possible this will reduce the hop or wobble you are experiencing. When I'm working on the curvy edges of a car say a Porsche I use the smaller backing plate because I like my pads to curve around the plate. I don't know if this makes any sense to you but it dose to me.
I think you will find the smaller pads will give you better control then the 8" ones. Keeping your speed around 1500 rpm or slower is a big help as well.

wannafbody · 04-16-08, 06:55

I've never been able to use an orange pad on the rotary without splatter everywhere. I suggest the Edge green or yellow wool, LC foamed wool, german green foam, white and blue.

TTWAGN · 04-16-08, 08:59

U use the edge 2000 system with ur edge pads?

I'd definitely buy a green, blue and white edge wool pad if you are using teh edge 2000 system

The wool pads grab far less than the foam pads which is great for cutting power. if you think the green edge foam pads are grabby you should try the yellow foam, its even worse. The orange foam lake country pad is terrible with a rotary.

The white edge wool pad is fairly expensive but it will finish better than the blue edge foam.

If your not using the edge 2000 system. Then i'd definitely look into the meguiars solo pads. I now use them only as they are probably the best pads if you only had to use one brand. All four of the pads are probably one of the best at what they are designed to do. Makes it nice and easy as you dont have to change brands for cutting/polishing and finishing.

The solo backing plate is awesome.

Harbison215 · 04-17-08, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTWAGN

U use the edge 2000 system with ur edge pads?

I'd definitely buy a green, blue and white edge wool pad if you are using teh edge 2000 system

The wool pads grab far less than the foam pads which is great for cutting power. if you think the green edge foam pads are grabby you should try the yellow foam, its even worse. The orange foam lake country pad is terrible with a rotary.

The white edge wool pad is fairly expensive but it will finish better than the blue edge foam.

If your not using the edge 2000 system. Then i'd definitely look into the meguiars solo pads. I now use them only as they are probably the best pads if you only had to use one brand. All four of the pads are probably one of the best at what they are designed to do. Makes it nice and easy as you dont have to change brands for cutting/polishing and finishing.

The solo backing plate is awesome.

Yes I am using the 2000 system. So far, I hate foam for cutting. Wool is much easier to work with and nicer. I'm gonna grab some edge wool pads at the local ardex tomorrow morning.

Thanks for the advice. If I'm not satisfied with the edge wool, then I'm going to try LC foamed wool and some meg's pads. I hope I like the edge wools because they are extremely easy for me to get as my local supplier carries their whole line for a relatively competitive price.