Pads for rotary

mystic04 · 05-07-08, 06:59

Buying a Makita 9227C. it comes with the 6.5 backing pad. I understand i can use 7.5 and 8.5 pad size.the real question is is it best to use large pad or smaller ones like a 6.5 pad on a rotary. i saw a 4 3/4 pad so i can use the 6.5 pad for more control so which is best to use. i rather have more control and have to spend a little more time than use the larger pad and have a problem.So which do all you rotary guy's like to use. Thanks ahead of time for all your answers.Really this buffer is for my son but i want to learn how to use one myself he has been using the dewalt where he works at.

shine · 05-07-08, 07:20

6-6.5" seems to be the popular size for rotary pads, especially if your new to the rotary. People have mentioned that 8" pads are just too big in many cases and are harder to control. The Meg's W66 is said to be a solid backing plate to use. I too have a Makita 9227C on the way, so I'm not speaking from experience...yet.

Gopher · 05-08-08, 12:34

follow up to OP's question. Can the 6.5 inch lack country pads be used with the 6.5 backing plate that comes with the makita or will it wear through the back of the pad? I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the makita and am trying to figure out what I need.

awahl63 · 05-08-08, 12:54

I would not recommend using the backing plate that comes with the rotary. You will be leaving yourself no room for error and it is pretty stiff.

fergnation · 05-08-08, 12:55

It is possible to use the 6.5 pads with the backing plate but I wouldn't suggest it. The problem is that you have no hang over. You will have the edge of the backing plate sitting right there ready to scratch the heck out anything it touches. I have used it this way for a finishing pad but was nervous. Just get a smaller backing plate and use the smaller pads. A begginner will have a much easier time learning with the smaller pads.

I like the Meg's soft buff pads and the smaller Sonus pads over the LC pads. The only reason being that the dLC orange is a very stiff pad and difficult to use with the rotary. If you are jsut starting out with a rotary, the softer the pad the easier it will be to control.

I too own a couple of the Makita's and love them.

I was in AutoZone the other day and saw that they have rotaries for 59 dollars. Has anyone ever tried one.

Gopher · 05-08-08, 01:07

thanks. to autogeek it is.

SuperBee364 · 05-08-08, 01:22

I'm really not much of a CMA fan lately, but Flexible Backing Plates for Circular Polishers has some pretty good info about plates and pads.

Pats300ZX said that the Meguiar's w66 plate is only for pads 6.5" or larger.

Stanger'66 · 05-08-08, 01:37

I picked up the W64 BP and plan to use it along with my 5.5" pads from my UDM. I don't feel like spending $200 on pads right now. Nice to finally have my own rotary in the arsenal. I hate borrowing tools.

TTWAGN · 05-08-08, 09:57

If you want a good setup i'd just invest in the edge 2000 system.

That way you dont have to worry about changing backing plates for smaller pads or the velcro wearing out on the pads.

The 6inch edge wool pads are without a doubt the most user friendly pads for beginners. Being small they are extremely easy to control. Best soft and rounded they hologram less and you dont have to worry about keeping the pad dead flat when you buff as the pad wont go flying across the paint.

Of course i wouldn't recommend all your pads to be wool but for polishing and swirl removal, wool is much better and safer on the paint than foam pads. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't used a decent wool pad.

You can then progress to the larger 8 inch pads when you get good technique.

I'd personally start off with the Edge blue wool 6inch pad. Being a finishing pad it has next to no cut. Its my most used pad, though i now use 8 inch blue wool pads as i can control them well and finish down LSP ready to every car i've done so far. I still use the yellow cutting wool pads in 6inch though, the smaller pad size i find easier for defect removal.

I'd suggest:

A pair of 6inch yellow wool pads for big defects
A pair of 6inch blue wool pads for general polishing and light swirl removal
A pair of 6inch white wool or foam finishing pads, in case you get some very soft black paint.

Though if you have a PC already you'd probably use that for final finishing on the difficult cars.

Its a shame no other manufacturers make wool pads from cutting right to final finishing that are available on the web.

SuperBee364 · 05-09-08, 07:36

I'm glad to see that someone else is with me on the Edge 2K wool bandwagon. I think TTWAGN and myself are the only ones finishing with wool right now. We'll just see how long *that* lasts!

Yeah, yeah, I know that I recently said that you can get a better finish with a foam finishing pad, but more often than not, I'm finding the slight difference in result isn't worth the extra time. Edge's white finishing wool really is *that* good when used with 106ff.