Adapter to use PC backing with a rotary....

A

AlexRuiz

New member
The title should give you the idea. Having started to build the pads collection, I also jumped into getting a rotary. The pads I have so far are 6.5" and my backing plate is 5" with 5/16-24 male spindle (attaches to the PC)



I somehow got the idea of using the backing plate with the rotary also. Surfing before I found this adapter from detailers paradise 5/8-11 adapter However, this is in fact for the opposite case: using a rotary backing plate with a PC. Talking with Nick (DP owner) I mentioned that I think the opposite adapter is a better idea, as it is more likely that someone who owns a PC will get a rotary later, rather than someone who has a rotary getting a PC as addition. Another factor is that rotary backing plates are usually larger and heavier, not a good combination for PC vibration. Nick agreed.



Well, I got the adapter, I got myself some coupling nuts and I use my PC pads and backing plate with the rotary. Little problem is the total lenght of the adapter plus the coupling nuts is over 5 cms (2"). Longer shafts induce more jumps. I also asked some local iron worker to weld a regular 5/8-11 nut to a 5/16-24 nut. The inconvenient here is that the operation has to be very exact. If the nuts are not exactly concentric then you also have additional vibration in the rotary.



Does anyone know if a straight adapter exist to use a PC backing plate with rotary? Has a company thought of creating such adapter? (maybe DavidB can sell it ;:)



In the worst case, I would like to get a flexible 5" backing plate for the rotary. I don't want to get a complete new set of pads and backing plate for a device that I don't use that often.



Suggestions are welcome as usual.





Alex
 
Hmmm, why not just buy pads that can be used on both machines and a backing plate for each machine?



I understand that they're are special Dual Action pads made for RO's but I ordered one's that can be used on both machines, since I had a Dewalt 849 before buying a PC and didn't want to have two sets of pads.
 
an adapter might work, but I think getting a new backing plate would be a better idea. It just seems like it would be stronger w/o an adapter. You can buy 5" backing plates for the rotary, but I guess the problem would be that they are a bit more expensive than what an adapter would be though.
 
dcswd said:
an adapter might work, but I think getting a new backing plate would be a better idea. It just seems like it would be stronger w/o an adapter. You can buy 5" backing plates for the rotary, but I guess the problem would be that they are a bit more expensive than what an adapter would be though.
Click to expand...



5" backing plate? Sounds good! Who sells one of these? In it's defect, a 6" backing plate is still OK. The only pads I have that require 5" are LC, but my bulk of pads so far is propel and they work fine with a 6" backing plate. Flexible is preferred.
 
http://autogeek.net/rvp5.html



I just bought this one. I havent used it yet but it looks fine. I have a flexible one by the same company that I use for the PC that I have been very happy with though.



Its not flexible :( , but I dont think its too big of a problem.



Hope this helps :D
 
dcswd said:
http://autogeek.net/rvp5.html



I just bought this one. I havent used it yet but it looks fine. I have a flexible one by the same company that I use for the PC that I have been very happy with though.



Its not flexible :( , but I dont think its too big of a problem.



Hope this helps :D
Click to expand...



Doesn't look bad, but I am interested to know about the flexible one you have. :p
 
I think I worded that other post kinda wierd... so here you go!



13882backingplates-med.jpg




5" rotary backing plate, 5" PC flexible backing plate





I dont know how other backing plates are for the PC, but this one isnt THAT flexible. The foam is softer on the rotary one making it so that there is some give as well.



Hope this helps! :D
 
I solved the problem for now......



The rotary included a 7.5" rubber pad, that I was using for.... you got it, to collect spiderwebs. I thought "using a knife cannot be that difficult on this one" I took my PC backing plate, centered it over the rotary rubber BP, marked it out and take the knife. After I was done with the trimming of the rubber BP, I cleaned it with alcohol, then glued one of those velcro adapters for sanders.



Let me get a pic later, but so far the result was good :up





Alex
 
Wow yes, post pics! I thought of doing that before but I never went through with it. I would like to see how it came out for you.
 
Here are the pics:



Unfortunately, I took them after it was done, but this one looked like before

18268p2160019.jpg




This one shows the cutting complete

18268p2160025.jpg




This one is a comparison of both rotary backing plates

18268p2160027.jpg




Velcro side compared to a Propel 5" backing plate for PC.

18268p2160029.jpg




And finallt compared to a Propel BP 5" for PC

18268p2160032.jpg
 
I would recommend getting a rotary backing plate with a hole in the center and a centering tool (just a "right-sized" piece of plastic). I makes getting the pads perfectly centered a breeze.



Assuming you have a LC style pad with a hole in the center. If all you have are Meg's pads you are out of luck
 
Thats pretty cool. It looks like it worked out well. The problem with my backing plate is that it is made of more pieces. Its a hard black back, then a soft foam then the velcro. So, it would have been a bit harder to do, but probably possible still.



Have fun with your new backing plate!!!
 
dcswd said:
Thats pretty cool. It looks like it worked out well. The problem with my backing plate is that it is made of more pieces. Its a hard black back, then a soft foam then the velcro. So, it would have been a bit harder to do, but probably possible still.



Have fun with your new backing plate!!!
Click to expand...



I think that unless you have special equipment to do the cutting that will be tough. My rotary (chicago electric) included the 7.5" rubber pad AND a 7.5" plastic + foam + velcro. I didn't even attempt to mess with the plastic one. :hide: :o
 
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