What size pads to use for rotary? 6.5'', 7.5'' or 8.5''?

optimusp517

New member
I'm sort of in a hurry or else I'd be doing some research, but would like some instant answers if possible. I know the answers might vary. What's more commonly used on a rotary? I currently have some 6.5'' LC CCS pads for my PC. Should I use those for my rotary as well or pick up some bigger sizes?



Thanks!
 
The 6.5's will work just fine on a rotary. A lot of people (myself included) find the smaller pads easier to control on a rotary.
 
firegate said:
The 6.5's will work just fine on a rotary. A lot of people (myself included) find the smaller pads easier to control on a rotary.

Likewise.



I started using 8.5" pads for the rotary but have recently switched to 6.5. I just feel more comfortable using a smaller diameter pad.
 
I use 6" pads on both my rotary or PC. I've used 10" wool pads in the past for cutting but you have to really know what you are doing or you'll cut right through the paint. 6" foam pads work fast enough on a rotary and are very safe.
 
i wouldnt go above 8.5 inches for a rotary, using the same size for both PC and rotary will be the easiest as stated above just make sure you get the proper backing plate so you can easily balance your pads

i personally like the 8" pads for quick jobs and smaller ones for more "detailed" work
 
Awesome thread.

Can you guys expand on why you like 6.5 over the typical 8 inch pads?



We are talking ROTARY only.



Changeling
 
optimusp517 said:
I'm sort of in a hurry or else I'd be doing some research, but would like some instant answers if possible. I know the answers might vary. What's more commonly used on a rotary? I currently have some 6.5'' LC CCS pads for my PC. Should I use those for my rotary as well or pick up some bigger sizes?



Thanks!
My only experience with the rotary was with a Meg's 7.5" pad. It did the job but it was very hard to control, the machine jumped around alot on me. I'm thinking this was due to not using enough product as well as the pad being pretty firm and it being my first time using the machine.



Next time I'll be using a constant pressure CCS pad, 6.5 or 5.25"
 
Changeling said:
Awesome thread.

Can you guys expand on why you like 6.5 over the typical 8 inch pads?



We are talking ROTARY only.



Changeling



For me, I feel I have more control using the 6.5" pads on the rotary. I also find it easier to work in tighter and contoured areas. They feel more precise to me. I guess the 8.5" pads work quicker on large, flat areas. But instead of changing backing plates (actually my 8.5's are the edge system), I just stick with the smaller pads for the entire car now.
 
sevenrd said:
For me, I feel I have more control using the 6.5" pads on the rotary. I also find it easier to work in tighter and contoured areas. They feel more precise to me. I guess the 8.5" pads work quicker on large, flat areas. But instead of changing backing plates (actually my 8.5's are the edge system), I just stick with the smaller pads for the entire car now.



+1 (except I don't have edge pads or 8.5" pads)

the 7.5" pads work a LITTLE better on large flat surfaces, but I feel like I have more control, not only controlling the machine, but controlling how far I go on a certain panel (such as going near some trim or under a spoiler, etc...)

Most of my pads are the contoured LC 6.5" pads but am currently ordering the CCS pads to try out, also 6.5"



Hope that helps
 
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