Using Smaller Pads on Rotary Buffers.. Questions

[InstinctBlues03]

I have a Harbor Freight Drill Master rotary buffer and was wondering if I used a 3.5 backing plate and 4" pads do you think it would be too powerful for the pads? I`m going to be using it to get rid of swirl marks.. Please help me out. For some reason, I feel more comfortable working with smaller size pads.



I have the Griot 3" Polisher and it just doesn`t have enough power to get rid of swirls. I love it for polishing glass though and working in tight spaces! :heh:



I tried searching and couldn`t and didnt want to spend hours looking, lol!



Thanks guys!

[togwt]

What grade (abrasiveness) of pad and polish do you have available?

[InstinctBlues03]

I actually am getting these in the mail tomorrow, I plan on using these. Haven`t ordered the backing plate yet.



Buff & Shine 4" Pad 12-Pack



I use Meguiars Swirl Remover 2.0 a lot.

[Dan]

As long as you keep the speed down, I think you should be ok.

[imported_RZJZA80]

I used 4" LC pads and a Makita 9227c for a long time, worked great, but took longer. I never went above speed 3, which I think is 1500rpm. Just keep it moving and watch the corners and edges.

[imported_MCA]

I have a Harbor Freight rotary as well and I have used with various size backing plates and pads. In my experience, 5"/5.5" pads are the best combination of speed, size, and manueverability. I have noticed a definite decrease in speed once a 6"/7" pad gets loaded with polish. I only use 4" pads for tight areas such as around license plates and under the rear-view side mirrors...it just takes too long if you have to compound an entire car and you do have to clean the pads more often.

[Paul Sparks]

As others have posted the smaller bp and pads will work. The 5 or 5.5 are usually the most popular choice for rotary work. Keep a sharp eye on the heat created by the smaller set-up.

[imported_ww2717]

Smaller pads are more aggressive too. I learned very quickly how you can burn through clear coat with a 4 inch pad on a rotary only doing like 900rpm.

[togwt]

The total abrasive ability of a polish / foam pad combination is subject to many variables, the polishes abrasive ability is just the starting point



Factors that increase abrasion ability



• Increased speed (Velocity)

• Increased pressure (Pad compression)

• Use smaller pad (Reduced surface Area)

• Using a slower panel transition speed (Increased surface contact time)

• Reduce the working area



Kinetic (Heat) and machine energy (Speed) and surface pressure applied over a smaller area, which results in faster correction. A further consideration of pad diameter has to do with distribution of the machine weight and applied pressure.