5" Backing Plate

[nymickey]

I am new to detailing. I just bought a Bauer DA from HF. Everyone recommends replacing the 6" plate with a 5" one, so I just bought a 5" plate.
Now I read that it is better to get one with holes in it. Probably a dumb question but can I just drill 5 holes (maybe 1/2" ) in the backing plate I just bought?

 

[BLM]

Why not try it without the holes. None of the backing plates ive used have had holes.
Never noticed any issues with those. Maybe i just dont know what im missing.
Assume the holes assist in cooling.

 

[Eldorado2k]

The holes aid in venting/cooling during use. If you drill your own holes you might affect the smoothness in a negative way. I’d lean towards it being likely that would happen. Probably better off using it as it came.

Which exact backing plate did you buy?

I bought a Maxshine 5” backing plate to replace my original Griots Boss backing plate on Amazon and it came with vent holes.

 

[Desertnate]

If you drill your own holes you might affect the smoothness in a negative way.

My thoughts as well. Depending on how and where you drill them it could have a negative effect on the balance of the backing plate and make it wobble/vibrate while in use.

I don't know if the vent holes are all that important. I used a solid Lake Country backing plate on my old HF polisher for many years. Frequent rotation of my pads kept them from getting too warm.

 

[Bosko]

I see you say you are new to detailing...my thought is if you are just working on your own vehicle once in a while you won't have an issue with heat.
If you are working on multi vehicles all day long then maybe..."Big maybe"

I'd go with what others have stated.....leave it alone as it might cause balance issues...

 

[nymickey]

Just using on my own car.
I went the cheap route and bought the Casoman 5in backing plate and the SPTA 5pc 5.5in buffing sponge pads.
Then I saw someone on here say you should use the same brand of backing plate as the buffing pads, so I went and bought the SPTA 5in backing plate.
Thus, I have 2 brands of backing plates.

 

[BLM]

No reason to use same brand pads as the backing plate. What if the brand of pads is a poor one? Check reviews of different brands and go with one that has many good reviews.
Much more important is keeping the pads clean. Also the product applied to the pad.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

The only time that ever came up about using the same brand backing plate, was Meguiar's, I think it was when they came out with the microfiber DA system and they said that you should use their backing plate with it--they included the backing plate in the kit: