Rotary Pad sizes, backing plates, confusion!

Kris R

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I'm going to take the step and buy a makita rotary at the end of the month. After debating getting the Flex DA I decided just to go the distance and get the rotary. It took a ton of reading and researching online before deciding on this and this model.

Now comes the pad choices and Im really confused.

This is what I think Im going with and why. If anyone sees error please let me know. Im on a TIGHT budget and cant afford to make costly purchasing errors.

I want to go with 6" pads and a 5" backing plate so I can still use the pads with my UDM and get into tighter spaces with the rotary. The extra time it may take using a 6" pad is still faster than using a DA so thats not an issue. Eventually Ill get bigger pads.

I thought a backing plate was a backing plate so if there are better ones (Meguiars black?) let me know.

I want to get a good wool pad to use for heavy cutting instead of a dense yellow pad because Im under the impression its smoother to use? What pad should I use? What brand? I have no idea the difference between any wool pads or cuts of wool.

As far as foam pads go I was thinking the Kompressor pads. I like the design and am willing to try it out. I have LC CCS pads right now for my DA and Im not sure If i like them or not because I have never used anything else.

So if someone could tell me what color pads I need and what backing plate as well as what wool pad to get that would help a LOT.

Also I read somewhere yesterday that you really only need 2 polishes, a compound or heavy polish and a finishing polish. The intensity can be adjusted with the pad. Once you get good you can start getting different polishes. If this is the case I think I want to get Menzerna Polishes because I hear they are good for harder clear coats such as mercedes and BMW. I already do these cars all with a DA and XMT polishes. I get the results but it takes forever. (Im hoping the Menzerna and the rotary will a) shave time and b) remove more of the things I cant touch with XMT and a DA)

I know this is a lot but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!:Picture:
 
I'm going to take the step and buy a makita rotary at the end of the month. After debating getting the Flex DA I decided just to go the distance and get the rotary. It took a ton of reading and researching online before deciding on this and this model.

Now comes the pad choices and Im really confused.

This is what I think Im going with and why. If anyone sees error please let me know. Im on a TIGHT budget and cant afford to make costly purchasing errors.

I want to go with 6" pads and a 5" backing plate so I can still use the pads with my UDM and get into tighter spaces with the rotary. The extra time it may take using a 6" pad is still faster than using a DA so thats not an issue. Eventually Ill get bigger pads.

I thought a backing plate was a backing plate so if there are better ones (Meguiars black?) let me know.

I want to get a good wool pad to use for heavy cutting instead of a dense yellow pad because Im under the impression its smoother to use? What pad should I use? What brand? I have no idea the difference between any wool pads or cuts of wool.

As far as foam pads go I was thinking the Kompressor pads. I like the design and am willing to try it out. I have LC CCS pads right now for my DA and Im not sure If i like them or not because I have never used anything else.

So if someone could tell me what color pads I need and what backing plate as well as what wool pad to get that would help a LOT.

Also I read somewhere yesterday that you really only need 2 polishes, a compound or heavy polish and a finishing polish. The intensity can be adjusted with the pad. Once you get good you can start getting different polishes. If this is the case I think I want to get Menzerna Polishes because I hear they are good for harder clear coats such as mercedes and BMW. I already do these cars all with a DA and XMT polishes. I get the results but it takes forever. (Im hoping the Menzerna and the rotary will a) shave time and b) remove more of the things I cant touch with XMT and a DA)

I know this is a lot but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!:Picture:
The meg's 5" bp is ok, but I perfer the 3M bp ($70). I also like the 6" Kompressure pads in orange, white, and black, althougth I have all the colors. Menz's SIP and 85rd should handle most jobs. Wouldn't hurt to have Meg's 105 and 205. I only use foam wool pads for compounding so I can't recommend a full wool pad. Mike P just posted a thread on wool pads, do a search.
 
Look into 3m double sided wool pads .The 3m superbuff III and don't forget the 3m adaptor not the quick disconnect one.And go with what Ron mentioned the kompressor pads they work great.If you ever see ASPAULT ROCKET online ask him about wool pads and polishing he is an old school master when it comes to rotary buffing.
 
The meg's 5" bp is ok, but I perfer the 3M bp ($70). I also like the 6" Kompressure pads in orange, white, and black, althougth I have all the colors. Menz's SIP and 85rd should handle most jobs. Wouldn't hurt to have Meg's 105 and 205. I only use foam wool pads for compounding so I can't recommend a full wool pad. Mike P just posted a thread on wool pads, do a search.


i thought a backing plate is just a Velcro disc the attach the pads to. What on earth could be the noticeable difference and how do you justify a 70 dollar backing plate???? For that money the backing plate should buff the car, not me!
 
i thought a backing plate is just a Velcro disc the attach the pads to. What on earth could be the noticeable difference and how do you justify a 70 dollar backing plate???? For that money the backing plate should buff the car, not me!


Basically, you'll never need to buy a new one with that 3M one. It's rock solid.

I just bought the 3M Superbuff III with the adapter on Asphalt Rocket's recommendation. Giant pad, but it's a nice item. I haven't gotten to use it quite yet.


Check your local body shop supplier for alot of good stuff. That is where I found 3M Ultrafina and the 3M buffing pads. They even had a DeWalt 849, Makita rotary, and an old school Black and Decker.

Just go to google and search ______ (name of city) body shop supplier and they should pop right up.
 
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