Best pads to use with Rotary.

sfa500 · 08-28-07, 08:51

Hello, I believe I am ready to jump into the world of rotary buffing, and had some questions. I currently use a PC and use foam LC pads. When I get a rotary what pads are good for a beginner? What polishes are good to use. I currently have pinnacles XMT line, is that good with the rotary? Thanks guys.

kapinnn · 08-28-07, 08:54

Edge pads can be perfectly centered. If you use the Edge Wave it will reduce skipping and the chance of burning paint.

I use both LC and Edge pads. Depends on products and mood...

I have never used the Pinnacle XMT but Menzerna works wonders with LC pads. Menz SIP tends to not get along with edge pads, though. Many like to use Optimum Polishes with the rotary...

gmblack3a · 08-28-07, 08:58

Start with a soft pad and mild polish. Less chance of doing any damage that way.

smprince1 · 08-28-07, 09:12

I believe the Edge 2K 6" pads are good for a beginner on the rotary. This size is easy to handle and the self-centering feature prevents wobble. The blue foam one is especially forgiving and doesn't seem to skip or jump, plus it is very mild.

themightytimmah · 08-28-07, 09:28

I'm not a huge Edge foam fan to be honest - I like the 6" LC pads, their black is my favorite for finishing and it is very easy to learn on. LC orange is good too, a bit of a curve though. For cutting, it's easier to learn on a 6" Edge Green wool pad than anything else - yellow and Edge black foam is a handful.

For polishes, Presta and Menzerna are great. I like Presta's heavier compounds over Menzerna (UCC and UCCL > PowerGloss and IP), but Menzerna's finishing polishes and light compounds are better (SIP and P0106FF). If you really want to experience buffing perfection, try to get your hands on some Menzerna P085RD and an American Buffing 110ppi pad - it'll take some hunting, but money can't buy a better shine.

sfa500 · 08-28-07, 10:54

what do you guys think about waffle pads?

LazerRed1 · 08-28-07, 11:10

I think I've read on here from some of the pros that wool is better for a beginner to start with.

sfa500 · 08-28-07, 12:23

what do you guys think, wool or foam?

themightytimmah · 08-28-07, 12:29

I like wool for removing swirls and foam for adding gloss. I would go with a green wool (edge) pad for compounds as a beginner and a white LC pad for polishes. Avoid the heavier cut wool pads (edge yellow and black) as those have a tendency to tear up edges in inexperienced hands.

kapinnn · 08-28-07, 12:31

both... can't really finish that well with wool with a few exceptions.

sfa500 · 08-28-07, 01:16

do you recommend regualr edge pads or the wave ones?

kapinnn · 08-28-07, 01:49

I've only used the regular double sided edge foam pads so far. I have bough a whole set of the Wave ones from an autopia member and I should be getting them this week. The edge website claims the Wave runs cooler and reduces skipping while not impacting polishing so much. I'll test them when I get them