what pads to buy for my new harborfreight rotary?

ProV1 · 07-11-06, 06:26

just bought this thing to practice on my beater junk 96 sentra:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92623

on sale for $19.99 locally. cant beat it.

now where can i buy some decent cheap pads? do i need different kinds?

ahains · 07-11-06, 09:30

Compared to the price you paid for the rotary, you can't find decent pads that are still "cheap".
Edge 2000 are highly recommended, but more expensive up front (until you consider that they are double sided, so effectively two pads in each).
Many folks seem to like Lake Country curved like these:
http://www.autogeek.net/curvededge.html

You'll probably want to get a good flexible backing plate like:
http://www.autogeek.net/6-inch-rotary-plate.html

But if you have to pop the $20 on a backing plate anyhow, maybe you'd rather just go with the Edge 2000 pads and adapter?
http://www.autogeek.net/edge20008pads.html
(or they have Edge 2000 waffle pads if you prefer)

If you're going super cheap, I'm guessing you might be able to get away with only buying a green and blue pad. That's what I bought - the green and blue Edge 2000 waffle's (haven't used them yet). That's about $38 for the Edge pads versus about $22 for LC pads, so you'd have to figure out if the $16 difference is worth it to you. For me it was an easy choice (and I'm a tried and true cheapskate

).

Pittssteelers · 07-12-06, 05:23

I just got this buffer a month ago! Greatest purchase ever!!! I use 3M compound (white waffle foam pad) to compound and 3M finishing (black waffle foam pad) to glaze. I get them at my local paint supply store for about $20 for the pair.

ProV1 · 07-13-06, 01:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittssteelers

I just got this buffer a month ago! Greatest purchase ever!!! I use 3M compound (white waffle foam pad) to compound and 3M finishing (black waffle foam pad) to glaze. I get them at my local paint supply store for about $20 for the pair.

thanks!!! glad to hear you like it. it's serve double duty for me, sand away rust on my car & then polish

Joshua312 · 07-13-06, 01:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProV1

thanks!!! glad to hear you like it. it's serve double duty for me, sand away rust on my car & then polish

Are you doing anything more than just "sanding away your rust" Rust needs to be treated effectively for it to not continue affecting the car. My girlfriends car has a rust spot about the size of 2 quarters and we are replacing the whole panel for $75 and getting it re-painted when she gets her lip kit. If the car is just a beater and you want it to look nice, I wouldnt worry too much about replacing it then. Take lots of pictures

Sounds like a fun detail!

ProV1 · 07-13-06, 01:22

Hey josh - yeah it'll be a fun project. first, the rust spots - there are 4 spots, 2 behind the front tires on the rocker panels, and 2 along the rear wheelwells. Paint is bubbling up, and sheetmetal has already deformed in some areas.

I'm gonna get some 60 grit discs and sand away as much rust & paint as possible. Then I'll spray on DupliColor RustFix rust inhibitor, let it set, then sand that to apply Rustoleum primer, and semi-gloss white topcoat.

I'll also jack up the car and apply the rust inhibitor on the undercarriage.

Next I gotta do a new CD player, new headlights (current ones are super faded, can get new ones from ebay for $70/pair), new hubcaps, and of course use the sander to compound & polish.

this is a beater so if i mess up no big deal

After this project, I'll use the experience to move on to my Honda S2000 & CRV, which both have some stone chips. For my S2000 I'm ordering my spray paint from automotivetouchup.com

ahains · 07-13-06, 01:36

I haven't tried it, but there was a thread here recommending this product for rock chips:
http://www.touchup123.com/

Some folks had great results, some not as great. If I had rock chips I would give it a try..

Joshua312 · 07-13-06, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahains

I haven't tried it, but there was a thread here recommending this product for rock chips:
http://www.touchup123.com/

Some folks had great results, some not as great. If I had rock chips I would give it a try..

Ive tried it and had great results, I think with the spray you might get runs or it might look funny over the paint that is fine already.