Backing plates & pads...simplified?

[OH_TL_81]

Hey folks,



Been checking out this page for the past week and am amazed with all the knowledge accumulated in one central spot.



I`ve got an 06 Acura TL that I have applied the following:

-Duragloss car wash

-Meg`s NXT Liquid Wax (Realize NOW all the alternatives out there)

-Duragloss AW



I have PC 7424 and am looking to acquire a new backing plate and pads...I have searched and read for hours...and hopefully someone can shed some light on the following



-Backing plate: 5" or 6"? Do 6.5" pads fit 5" BP`s? Are different brands (Sonus, LC) compatible with different BP`s?...any thoughts?



-What does the "DA" (Dual Action) reference to some product lines refer to? Usually the pads are thicker, but why?



-And of course, the very generic? what combinations do you recommend w/out breaking the bank?



Any help is appreciated?

[emaxxman]

-Backing plate: 5" or 6"? Do 6.5" pads fit 5" BP`s? Are different brands (Sonus, LC) compatible with different BP`s?...any thoughts?



-What does the "DA" (Dual Action) reference to some product lines refer to? Usually the pads are thicker, but why?



-And of course, the very generic? what combinations do you recommend w/out breaking the bank?



Any help is appreciated?



Since the pads are basically velcro, I would assume a 5" backing plate would be fine with a 6.5" buffing pad...you just wouldn`t have as much area "backed" which may or may not be an issue.



The DA refers to the path the pad travels. A rotary polisher/sander simply spins the disc in a circle...like when you balance and spin a dinner plate on a stick.



The DA polishers/sanders spin the disc and also moves the center rotation point in a circle. Think of it as you`re spinning the dinner plate on the stick but you`re also moving the hand holding the stick in a circular motion.



This dual action (wood sanders call it random orbit) helps to prevent the sanding/polishing action being concentrated in one location and therefore helps to create a smoother, burn free finish.



Pads marked with DA simple refer to pads intended to be used with the DA polisher.

[chml17l]

This link should address many of your questions--Porter Cable 7424 How To (http://www.guidetodetailing.com/articles.php?articleId=47)



Be sure to check out David B`s complete detailing guide as it a very good primer on all things detailing.