Centering Velcro buffing pads

C

CharlesW

The Rainmaker
:redface: :redface: :redface:
Even more embarrassing. The centering instructions are for the rotary and don't apply to the PC poishers. Sorry about that.
It's almost embarrasing to post this information. It may be old news to most everyone, but even though I have owned a PC and used Velcro pads and backing plate for over 4 years, I just learned this information this past week.

The hole in the Velcro backing of a pad is to aid in centering the pad on the backing plate. Fold the pad like a taco so the hole is easily visible and then place it over the center hub of the backing plate.
I haven't tried it yet, but the idea makes sense when you think about it.
I ran into the info at MOL and I believe the information was posted by Mike Phillips. The info may only apply to Meg's pads and backing plates, but I do know that several manufacturers pads have the hole in the Velcro backing.
It still isn't as easy as the Edge system, but when you already have the Velcro backing plate and a buch of Velcro pads, it could be handy to know.
I hope to check it out in a day or so and see how it works.

Charles
 
After doing some more reading on this subject, that procedure may just be for the rotary backing plate and pads and not for the PC backing plate and pads.
I still plan to check it out and see if it is of any value with the PC pads.
(Sometimes I read too much.:))
It doesn't work with PC backing plates.
Charles
 
I just noticed this some time ago.The BP for a rotory has a hole in the center to line up the LC 7".5" pads perfect every time..Thats why i can't understand why people have this big problem with lining up there pads..
 
Great tip! When I was using them I only recall my Meguiar's pads having a hole in the middle of the velcro. I don't recall all of my LC pads having this hole.
 
If you have one of those backing plates with the hole in it...

Cut a 4" long piece of 1/2" PVC pipe, slip it through the pad, then into the hole in the backing plate. Slide the pad onto the backing plate, and remove the PVC... WHALA!! Centered every time!! :)
 
Mikeyc said:
Great tip! When I was using them I only recall my Meguiar's pads having a hole in the middle of the velcro. I don't recall all of my LC pads having this hole.
Click to expand...
Not really even a good tip for users of a PC. The info is only good for a rotary. My bad. :redface:

Charles
 
A while back I needed some cheap pads so I went to my local Harbor Freight store and picked a few up. Inside the pkg is a fairly thick cardboard tube that is used as a centering dowel and works with the PC or Rotary. Just put the tube through the hole in the pad and guide it into the hole in the backing plate, press down, and remove tube. Works like a charm every time. I wish all pad manufacturers would include the cardboard dowel with their pads.
 
theamcguy said:
A while back I needed some cheap pads so I went to my local Harbor Freight store and picked a few up. Inside the pkg is a fairly thick cardboard tube that is used as a centering dowel and works with the PC or Rotary. Just put the tube through the hole in the pad and guide it into the hole in the backing plate, press down, and remove tube. Works like a charm every time. I wish all pad manufacturers would include the cardboard dowel with their pads.
Click to expand...
I have 2 PC Velcro backing plates for my PC and neither one has a hole in it. None of my PC pads have a hole in them either.
That and Dr. Details suggestion sound like a great idea for those that do.

Charles
 
CharlesW said:
Not really even a good tip for users of a PC. The info is only good for a rotary. My bad. :redface:

Charles
Click to expand...

Not necessarily true. I know centering is more important on a rotary. However, since I switched to the Edge system I've noticed my machine vibrates appreciably less. I attribute this to the automatic centering of the pad.

These are great tips BTW. Here's the best tip on how to center pads . . . buy the Edge system. :lmfao
 
Mikeyc said:
Not necessarily true. I know centering is more important on a rotary. However, since I switched to the Edge system I've noticed my machine vibrates appreciably less. I attribute this to the automatic centering of the pad.

These are great tips BTW. Here's the best tip on how to center pads . . . buy the Edge system. :lmfao
Click to expand...
My comment wasn't to say that centering wasn't important on a PC, but to say that my original "tip" doesn't work with many/most PC pads and backing plates.

Charles
 
I've actually been trying the dowel trick for centering pads on my PC with good results. Since the PC doesn't have the whole in the backing plate, I just took a ruler and found the center of the plate, then centered the piece of dowel over the center of the plate and traced it with a permanent marker. Then I use the dowel trick the same way only lining the dowel up with the circle instead of a whole.

While it doesn't seem dramatically better in terms of performance on the PC, it does make centering the pad easier and faster.
 
Even though my backing plate on my PC doesn't have a hole, after many uses I have a nice white circle where the hole of my pad was. The extra polish has worked its way onto the velcro leaving me a nice circle that I can line my pads up with.

Next time I use the rotary I'll have to try this method out. Thanks for posting.
 
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