What's size of the pad should beginner start with?

O

opass

New member
Recently bought Makita 9227C x3 that comes with compond pad, polish pad and a bag. Also, owned PC, 5" backing plate with Sonux DA 7" pads ( 2 orange, 2 green, 3 blue). I am thinking to get the 7 1/2" advanced hi-gloss pads because it can also use by PC . All I need is to buy 6" backing plate for rotary. Here is the questions I have in mind.



Is 7 1/2" easier to use than 8 1/2 pad?



or I should just save the $$$ because I already have 7" sonux pads and buy bigger one, 8 1/2" pad?



Help me to make a decision.
 
I personally don't like anything bigger than 6.5" on my PC. I bought some 7.5" pads a while ago and shelved them for the 6.5's.



As far as the rotary, it is said that the smaller the pad the easier it is to control for beginners but it sounds like the more advanced users go for the larger ones. Obviously, an assortment is best but not everyone has that luxury.



I took into consideration that I am only going to use my rotary for major paint correction on large areas so I went with the 8.5" high gloss pads and use my PC and Cyclo for finishing everything up, even behind the rotary.
 
I'm with JDookie. 6.5" pads make life alittle easier with the rotary. 6 - 6.5" pads work with less paint as opposed to 7.5 - 8" pads or larger tend to grab onto to more paint thus making it harder to control. Especially if the surface isn't clayed first. that Makita might be doing the Macarena on the paint if isn't clayed and your using 8" pads or larger:D



I've had my Makita for a couple weeks now and I love it. I'll be sticking with my 6.5" Megs pads for awhile. Good luck and happy buffing,,,,,,,AR
 
Smaller pads prevent you from working an area too large. The bigger pads can be very tempting to try and cover more area than you should.
 
Has anyone tried the LC yellow flexible backing plate? (I'm not familiar with the formal term of the product, but maybe Bufferman can shed some light) Anyone care to input on its performance?:o
 
Personally i like the 7.5-8.0" pads. I find the 6-6.5" are too small to do an entire car. They are good for spot cleaning, but they just don't cover enough area.



The most important part is to get the pad properly prep'd. Once you do that you shouldn't have a problem with skipping or sling.
 
L33 said:
Personally i like the 7.5-8.0" pads. I find the 6-6.5" are too small to do an entire car. They are good for spot cleaning, but they just don't cover enough area.



The most important part is to get the pad properly prep'd. Once you do that you shouldn't have a problem with skipping or sling.
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Depends alot on the car. I actually went out and bought the 4" spot repair kit to use on my C5 vette. It is hard to find a panel big enough to even fit a 6" pad on that car.
 
L33 said:
Personally i like the 7.5-8.0" pads. I find the 6-6.5" are too small to do an entire car. They are good for spot cleaning, but they just don't cover enough area.



The most important part is to get the pad properly prep'd. Once you do that you shouldn't have a problem with skipping or sling.
Click to expand...



And how do you properly prep a pad?



Pete
 
agentf said:
Start out with the 6 1/2" pads first on the rotary. I just ordered some 7.5 CP from LC, I will let you know how they work when I get them.
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I haven't tried my 7.5 CP pads yet but tried a 3m foam waffle polishing pad 8" and found it easier than the meguiars 6.5 and LC 6" pads. I also find that the softer the pad the easier too. With my black vehicles I find myself using 1 step less aggressive pads than everybody else, even on the PC.
 
I am just learning to use the rotary as well as many others. I have found that the softer the pad, less abrasive products, and slower speeds really help control this amazing machine.



I started using the 8" Meguiar pads and have found them very easy to use with the lighter products. The rotary has the power to achive impresive results.



I am by no means a pro, and have only used my Makita since Christmas, but with products like #80, #82, IP, FP, and FPII, on 1200rpm's, and a yellow Meguiar's pad, 2'X2' area, slow and easy = the secret to success!:xyxthumbs
 
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