Griots 6” random orbital- why 6” backing plate?

[1k9]

I’m in the market for my first random orbital. While reading all I can find on the subject it, what keep being repeated is to us a 5in backing plate.
Now the question I have to ask, why does the Griots 6” random orbital come with a 6 in backing plate? Is it so they can call it a 6” random orbital? Because I see no other reaon to include a 6” backing plate only to have to purchase an additional 5” plate.
why not just give the consumer a choice of backing plates at time of purchase?

 

[VISITOR]

back when it first came out there weren't really too many backing plate/pad options like there are now and the standard size plate size (same with other similar style DA's) is the one that comes with it now (GG6 has the torque/power to rotate 6.5" pads unlike other similar DA's). the nice thing is GG offers a few different conversion kits for the GG6. there's a 5" conversion kit (also 3" and 6" too) that includes the 5" vented backing plate and one each of the BOSS pads (minus the yellow perfecting pad). you can also buy the backing plates separately as well...


5 Inch Griot's Garage BOSS Pad Conversion Kit

3 Inch Griot's Garage BOSS Pad Conversion Kit

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I’m in the market for my first random orbital. While reading all I can find on the subject it, what keep being repeated is to us a 5in backing plate.
Now the question I have to ask, why does the Griots 6” random orbital come with a 6 in backing plate? Is it so they can call it a 6” random orbital? Because I see no other reaon to include a 6” backing plate only to have to purchase an additional 5” plate.
why not just give the consumer a choice of backing plates at time of purchase?

Umm.... yeah.... I've typed about this a "few" times and also talked to Jeff Brown about this issue. Don't know what to tell you.

But for everyone that will read this thread into the future, (I always type for the future, never just the present), check out this article, it covers this tool and the 5" backing plates and all the 5.5" pads.


Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips


Griot's Garage 6" ROP - Standard cord

Griots Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher - HD Cord - 25' Heavy Duty Cord already pre-wired

And of course.... TONS of info in the actual thread


Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips

 

[1k9]

I just read your write up, and that’s why I questioned why it comes with a 6”backing plate. I think they should also throw in a 6.5 polishing pad to go with the 6in backing plate especially since they encouraging you to switch to 5.5” pads.

 

[Marc Hufnagel]

If I want to use a 5 or 5.5 bp, don't I need to change a counterweight too?

 

[VISITOR]

If I want to use a 5 or 5.5 bp, don't I need to change a counterweight too?

no need to, just change the backing plate and use the corresponding pads...

 

[JMak97008]

If I want to use a 5 or 5.5 bp, don't I need to change a counterweight too?

I just threw on a 5" backing plate on my GG 6" and went to work with 5.5" pads. No weight change needed.