ZoranC said:
Re # 1 : Would that be a failure of backing that has nothing to do with size of pad? Or it is failure directly attributable to size of pad?
Re # 2 : Smaller pad covers smaller area in one pass, but with smaller pad working more aggressively you need less passes, so wouldn't that more or less even out?
Re # 3 : Many highly experienced and reputable detailers, both here and on MO, prefer pad getting pressure on the edges. That is if we are talking PC. I have a feeling you meant with rotary. We were not talking rotary here.
Re # 4 : Does that mean that smaller than 7.5" pads from any manufacturer are not durable just because of smaller size?
Re # 5 : We are not talking rotary here.
Re # 6 : I too liked the idea of using same pads for both rotary and PC. However, if something will work better for me then something works better for me and I will not mind getting different pads.
Re # 7 : Why not go with 8.5" pads on it then?
#1,3,4- The failure has to do with the velcro backing only being glued onto the pad itself. The edges of the velcro are constantly being abused (most of the time from removing the pad) and the glue wears down and the velcro backing lets go of the pad. It doesn't matter the size of the pad, its how it is made. The 7.5" LC variable contact pads have the velcro backing somewhat molded into the pad itself making it virtually impossible for it to separate. This is a big reason why I like them. I have a handful of 6 inch pads that have had the velcro issue and that is how I started using the 7.5" ones. Here is a picture of what I mean:
There is no way for the velcro to come off. This is what I mean in #3. The backing plate is surrounded by the pad. I'm not talking about pressure- on other pads if you drop the machine or tilt it at a bad angle, the edge of the backing plate could come in contact with the paint causing damage. That also won't happen with the LC 7.5".
#2- Yes the finishing on polishes would be quicker but it is still fairly fast with the bigger pads. Plus, as I said, you really gain when you use a light polish or glaze or paint cleaner or LSP... which is the majority of what I do for personal vehicles.
#5&6- Just an added bonus to the pads... I only use my rotary on very neglected vehicles and since I don't do this full time I don't use it a lot. So I am able to save money by using the same pads and they both work very well.
These pads are working very well for myself and many other detailers. I'm not sure why you aren't happy with my responses but I am just letting the rest of the people on the board know of the other options "off the beaten path". I have used various pads and the 7.5" pads are excellent- I see no reason to use any other size or type pads.
That is unless someone comes up with a smaller pad that looks like these pads, that wrap around the BP and the velcro backing is molded into the pad- then yes I would use a smaller pad. I agree that the smaller pads are more effective but it's rediculious to say that the 7.5" aren't effective (I didn't say that someone said this-- but it seems like it). Heck, it's only 1/2" on each side bigger than a 6.5" pad....
Coupe said:
Try a pad that is 5"-6", just try it.
I cannot believe that a 7.5" pad does not bog the machine down. I used sonus DAS pads (7") when i first started out and they would bog the machine down with the slightest pressure. I cant imagine a 7.5" pad.
I have used these pads. I don't see any differences in the bogging or reduced cutting times. There's a reason why you can't believe it doesn't bog the maching down- that's because you haven't tried it. You can either take my word for it or go out and buy the pads to try and prove me wrong... I'm just sharing my personal experiences with pads and what I like. I do think that it is personal preference though. I like them, they are very effective, they last a long time, I can use them with 2 machines and they are safe. Sounds good to me.
