Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 6
3" backing plate on Makita PO5000C
A forum member asked me if a 3" FLEX or RUPES backing plate will fit on a Makita PO5000C polisher.
I tested the FLEX and the RUPES backing plates and the FLEX will fit like it is, the RUPES would have to have the center hole in the backing plate enlarged.
Here's some pictures....
BEFORE
AFTER
The term I use to describe what it's like to use a large or full size polisher with a small backing plate is,
Tippy
This applies to when you're buffing on horizontal panels BECAUSE --> you <-- and that includes me we tend to use the weight of the machine as a part of our downward pressure thus if you're not paying attention, the tool can fall over on the panel.
With vertical panels it's NOT and issue because when buffing a vertical panel you're automatically holding and supporting the weight of the machine.
Make sense?
Also - me testing this and taking pictures and then sharing this is not an endorsement of this practice, I just had the ability to help out a forum member.
The 3" backing plate and the 4" pad I used on the 1968 Mercedes did work for what it's worth and was smooth running.

A forum member asked me if a 3" FLEX or RUPES backing plate will fit on a Makita PO5000C polisher.
I tested the FLEX and the RUPES backing plates and the FLEX will fit like it is, the RUPES would have to have the center hole in the backing plate enlarged.
Here's some pictures....
BEFORE
AFTER
The term I use to describe what it's like to use a large or full size polisher with a small backing plate is,
Tippy
This applies to when you're buffing on horizontal panels BECAUSE --> you <-- and that includes me we tend to use the weight of the machine as a part of our downward pressure thus if you're not paying attention, the tool can fall over on the panel.
With vertical panels it's NOT and issue because when buffing a vertical panel you're automatically holding and supporting the weight of the machine.
Make sense?
Also - me testing this and taking pictures and then sharing this is not an endorsement of this practice, I just had the ability to help out a forum member.
The 3" backing plate and the 4" pad I used on the 1968 Mercedes did work for what it's worth and was smooth running.
