Question about Backing Plate & Pads

Discussion in 'Compounds, Polishes, Paint Cleaners, and Glazes' started by PTJD, Jan 22, 2008.

  1. PTJD

    PTJD Any Rag Vehicle Washer

    OK, I am rather new to this, but have decided to buy a rotary. My friends teenage son will allow me to use it on his beater 91 Honda Accord to practice. Now my question, for a beginner what size back plate and pads should I buy? Will a 4 3/4" be easier to work with? Or the larger 6". Which will be easier to handle/ control and not burn paint as easy with a rotary. I am aware any size can burn paint.
    Thanks
     
  2. P1et

    P1et Official DB Moderator

    Smaller backing plates are easier to use, for sure! But of course, the larger ones can do more correction since the pad is bigger. Watch out for the small ones though, since you're RPMs are the same, you can create much more heat.
     
  3. Sparkie

    Sparkie Wax on..Wax off

    I agree with Plet...Also start at 500 RPM untill you get the hang of it I would not go over 1000 rpm.
     
  4. Sparkie

    Sparkie Wax on..Wax off

  5. ggk

    ggk Jedi Nuba

    just go for the gold now and buy a 3m bp from phil at dd. i hear he has some extras.
     
  6. sneek

    sneek Nuba Guru

    I don't know why I don't really like 8" pads, but it just feels wrong to me. 6-7.5 just feels right on there. Wool pads are pretty much always 8", and wool is pleasant to work with, but there are 3 big draw backs. 1. Needs to be spurred and it sheds/ when dry it eats up tons of polish. 2. some times wool can have a mind of its own, but that can be fixed with a light tilt and finally 3...it is more aggressive and *usually* needs some sort of follow up.
     
  7. Nica

    Nica Banned

    I'd recomend you go with the smaller size backing plate and pads as well from 5inches to 6.5inches. They are easier to work with and better to control.

    Yes, I agree becarefull with the amount of heat but just as long as you keep the rotary moving in a good steady pase you should be fine, don't let the sound intimidate you but for starters keep it in the low settings to get the hang of it before you know it, you'll be at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm and then your set :thumb:

    Hopefully this helps
     
  8. PTJD

    PTJD Any Rag Vehicle Washer

    Thanks!!
     
  9. Sparkie

    Sparkie Wax on..Wax off

    Do you have a link for that 3M BP? I could not fine it....
     
  10. Duratys

    Duratys Welcome to Detailing

    I remember reading that you will need to call or email him to get one.
     
  11. Sparkie

    Sparkie Wax on..Wax off

    Wonder if that is the same one that Carlos has?
     
  12. Duratys

    Duratys Welcome to Detailing

    IIRC Carlos has the yellow ones and Phil has the grey......I could be wrong thou
     
  13. Nica

    Nica Banned

    If I'm not mistaken Phil has both, I don't think he has them up on his website but I'd recommend you phone him, he always answers his phone :thumb:

    I haven't tried the grey one my self but the yellow one is quite nice, I've got lots of the yellow ones :cheerl:
     
  14. JLs Detailing

    JLs Detailing DB Pro Supporter

    Sparkie you definately want the yellow one it is without question the bomb diggity!
     

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