Does anyone have a good method for adding a cooling hole to the center of a foam pad?

[Bri26]

I have some foam pads without the hole in the center. I want to add a 3/4" hole on those pads to help with cooling for use on a 15mm stroke da polisher.

 

[MisterSnoop]

There was some past discussion on making small pads. You're basically taking about cutting out a small pad out of the center.

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101-a/130764-cutting-small-polishing-discs.html

 

[VISITOR]

you can buy a set of hollow punches for less than $15. I bought one years ago when I needed to make sizes of a pad not offered by the manufacturer. I made 2" pads (meguiar's polishing pad). the only thing is they may not come out perfectly round (every time) depending on how you strike (i use a small piece of wood over the top and a rubber mallet) the hollow punch when cutting them because the foam stretches/expands if that makes sense. if it were me i would just leave the pad alone and buy ones that have the center hole next time around. one mistake and you ruin the whole pad...

View attachment 77315View attachment 77316

 

[BLM1]

Why not simply trace around a round object of your choice with a razor knife.

 

[Rsurfer]

Why not simply trace around a round object of your choice with a razor knife.

Easy to trace, hard to cut.

 

[BLM1]

Easy to trace, hard to cut.

Well a brand new razor blade in a razor knife is waaaaaaay sharper than a hole punch or a hole saw.

 

[Rsurfer]

Well a brand new razor blade in a razor knife is waaaaaaay sharper than a hole punch or a hole saw.

Not talking about the sharpness..trying to cut a half way perfect circle with a razor knife is not an easy task.

 

[Bri26]

Thanks for the input. I found some other information online of someone recommending using a General Tools 1280P 3/4" Hollow Steel Punch. It's about $16 bucks on Amazon. I'm not sure if I will give it a try or not.

 

[DUBL0WS6]

Use a hole saw, board and hammer to punch it out.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Get yourself a setup like this but just make sure you've got a thicker backstop than these guys did . . . or super understanding neighbors.
View attachment 77319

 

[BLM1]

Not talking about the sharpness..trying to cut a half way perfect circle with a razor knife is not an easy task.

That is why one traces (with a razor knife) around a washer, or a wooden dowel, anything round. Besides if not a perfect circle I highly doubt it will affect the intended purpose of the hole.