3" or 4" Backing Plate-What is More Practical?

[explorerlyon]

I have a Griots 6" DA using 6.5" pads. I want a smaller size for the harder to reach areas on the car. Should I get a 3" backing plate or 4"? How hard is it to hold the machine flat with such a small pad if I go with 3"

 

[g26er]

I'd go with 3" simply for the fact you can use it with 3" and 4" pads. 4" would obviously would only work for 4".

 

[KillaCam]

What about 3.5"?

 

[bmwohio]

I'm bumping this question as I'm curious as well. Looking at 3" backing plate and 3" pads for my PC7424XP....does anyone know if this works well with the 7424?

Thanks!

 

[g26er]

I'm bumping this question as I'm curious as well. Looking at 3" backing plate and 3" pads for my PC7424XP....does anyone know if this works well with the 7424?

Thanks!

It works great! I use self centering CG Hex Logic 4" pads with a 3" LC BP.

I can snap some photos when I get home for anyone who wants to see this combo.

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

You can infact run the 3 inch pads on whichever machine you chose. The only down side is having to switch plates for different pad sizes.

If you could, pick up the mini 3 inch griots and run a 3 inch on it for your small pads and a standard size machine for your bigger pads.

 

[g26er]

What about 3.5"?

Just seen this... was this a suggestion to the OP or asking me?

You can infact run the 3 inch pads on whichever machine you chose. The only down side is having to switch plates for different pad sizes.

If you could, pick up the mini 3 inch griots and run a 3 inch on it for your small pads and a standard size machine for your bigger pads.

This is indeed a pain. I've dedicated my PC to small pads with the 3" BP and use the 3401 for bigger pads. The Harbor Freight DA could be had for around $50 and just dedicate one to smaller pads and the other for bigger.

 

[ihaveacamaro]

I'm bumping this question as I'm curious as well. Looking at 3" backing plate and 3" pads for my PC7424XP....does anyone know if this works well with the 7424?

Thanks!

I have a 3 inch bp for my PC. The size of the PC makes it hard but not impossible to be used in small areas. I've since upgraded to the 3 inch gg and don't look back.

 

[Gurge]

I keep a 3in BP on my PC (gg and the flex for larger pads). as mentioned above, can be used with either 3 or 4in pads. I also use it for 3in sanding discs (headlight restos mainly)

 

[VISITOR]

some 4" pads (megs for example) have recessed velcro that's trimmed in from the edge and you'll need a 3" DA backing plate. a 3.5" DA backing plate would be for 4" pads that have the velcro extended to the edge. i have both sizes and would choose the 3" DA backing plate if i had to choose only one...

 

[atoy]

Is there a 4in bp for da polisher? 3in bp is less than 3in

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Is there a 4in bp for da polisher?

Not that I know of.

 

[1953hogan]

I have a 3 inch bp for my PC. The size of the PC makes it hard but not impossible to be used in small areas. I've since upgraded to the 3 inch gg and don't look back.

Just curious as to how the size of the PC is a problem? Is the housing too big to see? What is the issue? I have both a GG and a PC so was thinking about dedicating the PC to 3", and your advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[bmwohio]

You can infact run the 3 inch pads on whichever machine you chose. The only down side is having to switch plates for different pad sizes.

If you could, pick up the mini 3 inch griots and run a 3 inch on it for your small pads and a standard size machine for your bigger pads.

So, just to be clear, if i am getting 3" pads, do I need a 3" backing plate? I just want this for using in small areas (A pillar, roof, bumpers, wings, etc)

As for now, the budget will allow for new pads, not new buffer. I JUST bought the XP last week :xyxthumbs:

It works great! I use self centering CG Hex Logic 4" pads with a 3" LC BP.

I can snap some photos when I get home for anyone who wants to see this combo.

That would awesome, thanks!

 

[g26er]

That would awesome, thanks!

CG Hex Logic self centering 4" with LC 3" BP... Don't mind the crappy iPad photos.

 

[Josh_RN]

CG Hex Logic self centering 4" with LC 3" BP... Don't mind the crappy iPad photos.

Thanks for the Pics! I was talking w/ Nick@AG, and his only concern w/ doing this was the vibration and difficulty in use for tight areas. He recomended just hand polishing. What is your experience w/ use? Thanks again, I'm looking at getting the GG 6" for myself as a belated Christmas gift in a few weeks

 

[g26er]

Thanks for the Pics! I was talking w/ Nick@AG, and his only concern w/ doing this w/ the vibration and difficulty in use for tight areas. He recomended just hand polishing. What is your experience w/ use? Thanks again, I'm looking at getting the GG 6" for myself as a belated Christmas gift in a few weeks

You're welcome.

For me the vibration is less than using a 5.5 inch pad (I've seen others stating the opposite). I suppose that's because it's slinging less weight around? I'm not really sure, but with that said the vibration even with a 5.5 inch is a non issue for me.

There are going to be places that aren't going to be able to be reached regardless what machine you have and you'll need to hand polish those areas. For pillars, thin panels and complex curves it's great.

These pads also work great with a 3" BP on my Dewalt and Flex rotaries as well.

 

[Josh_RN]

One last question, do you remove the counter weight when using a smaller pad?
Thanks again

 

[g26er]

One last question, do you remove the counter weight when using a smaller pad?
Thanks again

I don't. I've seen others change to a different weight, but I've always just used what it came with.

I wouldn't advise removing it completely.

 

[KillaCam]

CG Hex Logic self centering 4" with LC 3" BP... Don't mind the crappy iPad photos.

Those look awesome, and I just looked up the prices which aren't bad either. Are the orange and white hex logic pads similar in cut to the orange and white from lake country? If they are I'm gonna pick some up.