Cutting Small Polishing Discs

[chilly]

I would like to hear from anyone who is cutting or punching out smaller discs from larger ones to use on their mini polishers

I have seen references to using an arch punch to punch discs out of microfiber pads and that seems pretty straightforward

I am curious if anyone has had luck punching out foam discs from larger ones though

I can see the foam getting mashed and deformed and ending up lopsided or out of round

I have a mini polisher on the way and the price of 1” discs seems criminal to me


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[Bosko]

I would like to hear from anyone who is cutting or punching out smaller discs from larger ones to use on their mini polishers

I have seen references to using an arch punch to punch discs out of microfiber pads and that seems pretty straightforward

I am curious if anyone has had luck punching out foam discs from larger ones though

I can see the foam getting mashed and deformed and ending up lopsided or out of round

I have a mini polisher on the way and the price of 1” discs seems criminal to me


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I agree on all points

Figured it was too obvious to do this...lol

why not....I'll give it a go...need to find a good cutter this seems kinda pricey


Robot or human?

 

[chilly]

I agree on all points

Figured it was too obvious to do this...lol

why not....I'll give it a go...need to find a good cutter this seems kinda pricey


Robot or human?

Wow, never seen one of those

Would probably make great foam pads but yeah, spendy

The arch punch is like $20 and 2-3 Megs 5” microfiber pads would probably make a lifetime supply for a hobbyist like me

I guess one thing to consider is pad consistency between machine sizes

If I am using a Rupes foam pad on my 3” and 5” and I cut up a Lake Country or B&S flat pad for the mini machine how close are the finishes going to be

Probably more than acceptable for me but IDK

It’s not like I need a ton of baby pads, it’s kind of the trying to avoid the feeling of getting ripped off that matters to me

I better do the math on the cost of the punch or punches plus the cost of pads to cut from vs just taking the hit and buying 5-6 of the various pads I need




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[psnt1ol]

I been punching out the 1/2", 1", and 2" for over a year. I experienced the lopsidedness in the beginning but with practice I got it down pretty good now. To be honest... the lopsidedness doesnt really minimized performance. I would recommended using a slightly larger punch for the size that you need. for example... 1" pad ( use a 1 1/4" punch) and 1/2" pad ( use 5/8" punch).

A good punch mat makes a huge difference as well.

 

[chilly]

I been punching out the 1/2", 1", and 2" for over a year. I experienced the lopsidedness in the beginning but with practice I got it down pretty good now. To be honest... the lopsidedness doesnt really minimized performance. I would recommended using a slightly larger punch for the size that you need. for example... 1" pad ( use a 1 1/4" punch) and 1/2" pad ( use 5/8" punch).

A good punch mat makes a huge difference as well.

Excellent, this is the kind of feedback I was hoping for

Thank you very much

 

[ducksfan]

Couldn't you rough cut it; put it on a rotary; turn it on and ease a razor blade into it (in a blade holder)? It would be kind of like a lathe.

 

[chilly]

Couldn't you rough cut it; put it on a rotary; turn it on and ease a razor blade into it (in a blade holder)? It would be kind of like a lathe.

I have seen videos of Kevin Brown doing exactly that cutting down foam pads for the Ibrid with a hobby knife when working in super tight places

You can even add the taper like Rupes pads

Honestly probably a great suggestion

Thanks!!


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