I have a lot of 6.5" pads that I use on my DA, and I want to use them on the rotary, but they seem too large on the 5" backing plate that comes with the PE14. Has anyone used 6" on this polisher? I want to know if it is safe and also which one to buy.
There is no problem to run a larger 6" plate on the PE14 so you can utilize your 6.5" pads.
If you are using a 110V machine the spindle is 5/8 and any plate found on AG will work. If you are using a 220v machine the spindle is M14 thread and you will need to find that plate elsewhere.
The nice thing about rotary plates is you can increase/decrease the amount of cut as well as alter the conformability of the pad to the panel by selection either a firm rigid plate or by using a soft foam backed plate.
The LC plates are firm and rigid plates while the others listed are soft.
The rigid plate will add a bit more cutting ability in the fact that the plate is firm allowing you to exert a bit more pressure to it which in turns transmits that added pressure through the pad and to the paint surface.
Think of these plates as suspension for your vehicle. The firm plate will give you more feel and allow the pressure to transmit to the pad/paint. The softer plate will absorb your added pressure reducing the amount of feel through the machine.