should my pads be coming apart like this?

[paco]

There are many variables that go into it.



I had a look again at your pad picture.



To me, it looks as though it simply the glue coming undone and not excessive wear as I had thought. The tear is probably a function of the glue coming off.



The glue coming off is a result of 2 things:



1. Washing the pads or soaking them for great lenghts in a bucket.

2. Solvents in the products.



Of the 2 above, I'd say it's a function of soaking the pads. You can try glueing it back together with something like TiteBond III which is a very waterproof glue. You could probably even get away with something like Gorilla Glue.



Different vendors use different glues, so while one vendor might state washing a pad is fine, another might recommend against it.



Meguiars for example are very clear that you are not to wash their pads.



Meguiars had some trouble with the W64DA (backing plates) a couple of years back . They replaced the glue and now they seem to be much better.



To keep this thread going with additional information in case people use a search in the future:



Do you apply pressure to the pad as some members (myself included) recommend to get the most cutting power from a DA? i.e 10 lbs.



The PC was not designed to be used in the way, neither were the pads.



Also, don't mistake a vendor as a manufacturer. Some websites state it's fine to apply pressure, wash pads etc, then perhaps those vendors should have a warranty for this type of thing.



Mike does recommend applying pressure to a DA so if this were to happen with a Meguiars pad.



The other thing is, if happen to "cut" the pad with trim etc. It might start out as a very small tear that you might not even see. It can quickly become huge and washing will amplify the issue.



Paco

 

[atticdog]

I had a problem with a green pad glue failing but it did not rip any foam apart

here is a pic

 

[MorBid]

...and no offense taken. This however is taken from Excel Details site and is the description for the pad in question.



Propel Blue Light-Polishing Pad. Aggressive level 1 , (0-5)

7" Propel Blue finishing pad. Great for using with all-in-one type cleaner/wax products. Also can be used for applying glazes and liquid carnaubas. Not meant for thorough cleaning, you would step up to our Propel Green for that task.



Using this pad with a compound at speed 6 on a PC is using the pad outside of its intended use(abuse) and much like putting your car in reverse as freeway speeds.

I'm feelin what your saying but think you got it twisted. Sure foam pads are manufactured at different levels of aggressiveness (or PPI count).



So if this thread was started because he was using a Finishing Pad and trying to remove marring and not getting any results and wanted to know why, I would be in agreement with you 100%. Not the right application for the pad.



But if the point trying to be made is that a finishing pad can only be run at the lowest speed a heavy cut pad only at higher speeds or they'll fall apart, then I cannot agree with that point.



From a manufactuering/quality control standpoint alone it would be a nightmare. Four different pads (finishing, light, medium and heavy cut) and not only do you have to ensure that they work as designed at their level, but also test each line for maximum rpms/OPMs.



Why wouldn't they just cut the loses as make each pad run at the maximum speed?

 

[a.k.a. Patrick]

Morbid, I think the problem may lie in running the higher PPI pads (lighter weight foams), with the thicker products at higher speeds. Obviously the thicker products appear less lubricating, and its my experience the lighter foam pads are not supportive of that. Pad always needs to support product, and I dont care where the pad comes from, Sonus, Edge, LC, 3M, SM Arnold etc.....This is simply illustrated when using polishes by hand with a foam applicator. Theres much more energy needed to move the pad at a desired force, when using products like SSR 2.5, vs., say SSR 1.

I have not experienced issues with using lighter weighted foam pads on high speeds, with the proper products.

 

[JasonD]

Morbid, I think the problem may lie in running the higher PPI pads (lighter weight foams), with the thicker products at higher speeds. Obviously the thicker products appear less lubricating, and its my experience the lighter foam pads are not supportive of that. Pad always needs to support product, and I dont care where the pad comes from, Sonus, Edge, LC, 3M, SM Arnold etc.....This is simply illustrated when using polishes by hand with a foam applicator. Theres much more energy needed to move the pad at a desired force, when using products like SSR 2.5, vs., say SSR 1.

I have not experienced issues with using lighter weighted foam pads on high speeds, with the proper products.

And that just about says it all. I completely agree. SSR2.5 is way too thick of a product to be using with such a lightweight foam pad.



As far as PC speeds, I rarely polish on speed 6 because I can just tell that it's torture on my pads. It is because of my reserved methods that I am still using the very same pads that I purchased when I originally bought my PC. Now, when it comes to glazes and paint cleaning, look out, speed 6 here I come. :grinno: