Are 4 inch pad too aggressive

jw · 05-19-08, 08:19

I've decided to get smaller pads before I go to a rotary. I've been using 6.5 inch pads on my PC. I had originally planned going down to 4 inch pads since they will correct better. After looking on a few web sites they really make it sound like they 4 inchers are really just for spot fixing and not doing the whole car. Is this true? Would I be smarter to go in between and get 5.5 inch pads? I want to be able to get some pretty deep swirls out of our mercedes GL450. Which should I go with?

BigJimZ28 · 05-19-08, 08:34

this is not as hard as you are trying to make it

you will be fine with 4" pads just use your head

charlesaferg · 05-20-08, 12:32

Well, on a rotary, considering the princible of leverage, the wider the polishing surface (eg how far from the central spindle) the greater the cutting ability, let alone surface area. It will be less aggressive.

Great for areas where you cannot reach with a larger pad. I'm practically stuck on 6.5" pads, and the 4" is the only other size that I will use because I still need it for tight spots.

VroomVroom · 05-20-08, 06:16

You'll take longer with the 4" pads, but I can't see a reason why you couldn't work the whole vehicle with them. On the PC I've gone from 6.5" pads down to 5.5 as a "default" and I'm much happier with the smaller pads. Over the past couple of months I've tried 4" pads and have been really impressed with the results (I think I mentioned this in another thread). You'll definitely see an increase in cutting power with the 4" pad.

toyotaguy · 05-20-08, 06:32

i use 5.5's now on the PC as I get better results faster...I can only imagine that a 4" would work even better, I just need to find a 3-3.5" backing plate for my 4" pads for the PC. I have one for the rotary, but that is strictly for tight bumper areas and doors and headlights...

Accumulator · 05-20-08, 08:44

What BigJimZ28 said