Backing Plates?

C

CharlesW

The Rainmaker
In the thread about the difference in pads, mention was made about differences in backing plates.
How about some discussion on what those differences are and how you think the differences make a difference? :D
Having only owned a couple of backing plates, I have no idea of what benefits come from various types. My first one was from Meguiar's and my second one was from the old Premium Auto Care Store. Both would be what I would call rigid, not flexible.
 
A very interesting topic indeed, which is always true when Charles creates a topic.

Lets see what I have ... a 6" rigid for PC, a 6" flexible for PC, a 5" rigid for PC, a 4" rigid for PC, a 6" flexible for rotary and 4" rigid for rotary.

I just recently got the flexible BP for the PC and while it does work, I don't find it to be all that great. There is something with the oscillation and spin of the pads that doesn't seem to work like a rigid one. I actually had a pad fly off my UDM with the flexible BP because the backing plate flexed on a fender and the pad didn't - the speed and angle was great enough to rip the pad off of the backing plate. This has never happened to me with a rigid backing plate.

With a rotary, I've only used a flexible backing plate, with larger pads. I haven't had a single issue, unline with the UDM. However, after visiting with Aaron from Edge, I have been considering switching over to the Edge pads and adaptors for rotary use. The perfect centering, quick disconnect, double sided pads are looking good.

I doubt I'll switch to Edge with a my PC and UDM for a few reasons- I have 20-30 hook and loop pads, and Edge pads haven't held up 100% with DAs (nothing against Edge, the DAs are just very brutal on glue holding the pads to the plastic disc).

Also, Jason Rose from Meguiar's made an interesting point at the Expo. He only uses the backing plate and pads suggested by the manufacturer. If he needs to use a 4 inch pad, he switches machines to a 4" pneumatic machine. He says the companies have tested and harmonized the machines to work only with the MFG recomendations. Now many, myself included, switch between 4" to 6.5+" without issue, but it may be another thing to think about.
 
My rigid backing plate seemed to cut into my pads. I must be putting to much pressure on the outside of the backing plate. However, when I stopped using the rigid backing plate the marks that I suspected were from the rigid backing plate stopped. Maybe I just got better at application.:confused:
 
cwcad said:
My rigid backing plate seemed to cut into my pads. I must be putting to much pressure on the outside of the backing plate. However, when I stopped using the rigid backing plate the marks that I suspected were from the rigid backing plate stopped. Maybe I just got better at application.:confused:
Click to expand...
I have done the same, but not to the extent that I ruined or even severely damaged a pad. The 5" backing plate I use leaves some Velcro exposed outside of the plate so it isn't cutting directly into the foam.
I think I cause the damage when I apply quite a bit of pressure on the edge of the pad when working on a particularly stubborn blemish.
It seems that many of the equipment problems I encounter turn out to be operator related. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top