Pads for rotary buffer

Mik · 07-31-05, 03:59

In the past, I have only used my rotary for very heavy cutting on either:

1) Heavily oxidised vehicles
2) Vehicles with very bad swirls
3) Cars that have just come from the panel shop. I then cut back with 1200-1800 grade paper and buff.

For these tasks, I use an 8" lambswool pad with a fairly heavy rubbing compound that I buy in a tin from a smash reparier supplier.

I would like to try some foam pads for the rotary. I will still only use it for fairly heavy jobs, as I will do finer stuff with my PC.

I still want to use the heavy rubbing compound, and I probably wouldn't ever use it for anything finer than say Poorboys SSR2.5.

So, I would probably only need to grades of pad. One very heavy cutting pad and one fine cutting pad.

What size pads do people use with their rotaries?

Anyone have any suggestions on pads and backing plates?

How long to foam pads last with a rotary?

Thanks in advanced

papi_jay · 07-31-05, 04:20

http://www.lakecountrymfg.com/padappguide.html

buellwinkle · 07-31-05, 06:43

I second Lake Country pads. I use 6" pads because the edges are not spinning as fast so it's safer. The pads last years if you take care of them. Also I get pads with the 5/8" arbor glued on, I don't trust velcro as I don't believe I can center them that accurately and worry they may fling off.

For the Rotary, I like to use products specifically made for the rotary, I use Malco Foam Pad Polish, Light Polish or Rejuvenator. I've tried using products that are designed more for the PC but they break down too quickly with a rotary.

papi_jay · 07-31-05, 07:17

I don't mind velcro as long as the pad has a centering button attached .
These are REALLY nice for cutting out wetsanding scratches and making quick work of swirls if they are heavy http://www.lakecountrymfg.com/featured.html

holland_patrick · 08-01-05, 12:40

Edge 2000 pad No centering needed and you can get them in wool or foam. I've used them for the past 6 months and have no complaint. Also they come in 8 or 6 inch but the best part about that is you can go from the 8 to the 6 if you got both because the backing plate in in the pad and you use the same adapter for both.. what a time saver

Mizzuri · 08-01-05, 01:12

id go for edge 2000 foam pads. there is also the edge 2000 double sided 100% wool and 50% wool 50% acrilic pads that use the same quick connect system.

PM me for more details if you like

White95Max · 08-01-05, 05:28

I use the same Propel foam pads that I use with my PC. My backing plate is a 5" rotary backing plate from http://www.autogeek.net

pontgta · 08-01-05, 11:36

I purchased these pads...Has Everything you could possibbly need.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3M-DE...spagenameZWDVW

kempie · 08-01-05, 11:55

I use the 3M compounding pad & a polishing pad that I got at NAPA. (like the pads shown on the ebay slot above) No complaints and they dont load up near as fast as the smooth pads.
I used to use the PC for the final polish but now I end w/Menzerna FP & the 3M polish pad.

Rollman · 08-01-05, 12:38

Edge 2000 pads for your rotary , the foam pads are by far the best . 100% of the pad is usable,top, bottom & the Edge , these pads get into every little tight spot you couldn't get into before . If you like wool ,they offer 5 textures and the only one that has a build it wear indicator telling you the pad isn't safe to use anymore.