Pad size for rotory

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Mike@DedicatedPerfection

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I would like to know what pad size to run on my new 849x. I havent gotten an actual plate for it yet but have considered the LC HT pad system for it.

I am running the 5.5 HT line on my D/A and absolutly love the combo. Wanted to get some opinions on what pads or pad line and size to run on my 849x. Also would the little wafer size 5.5 by 7/8 be to small for the rotory? Also want to get the 5 inch Flex foam backing plate.
 
There's almost no pad that's too small. Years ago the 8 or 9 inch pads were all we had for a rotary. Nowadays, I find it so much easier to use smaller pads, usually 6 inch, sometimes as small as 4 inch. With the wide choices available in backing plates, you can just get plates that will work with your current pad inventory.

Bill
 
I like to use anything between 3" and 6".

3" Crimson HT pad with 85Rd on the door jams and tight spaces... Omg the pure joy of it!
 
If it's smaller than 8", then it will work. The primary reason why you would use "rotary" tool vs a standard drill is the ergonomic/shape design; it's how you hold it and ability to control the rotation of the pad.

You can rig up an 8" wool pad and stick it onto a heavy duty drill but the amt of control and feature is limited.

When selecting pad size, the key is the 2'-by-2' work area but that's recommended for pad size like 6-7". The smaller the pad size, the work area should be smaller than 2'-by-2' to polish/cut effectively. This is the most fundamental idea when it comes to polishing/cutting.
 
I use either 3 or 4" for the small areas and 5.5" for everything else. I have a flex bp for both 3" and 5".
 
3" - 5.5" is all I use .. it covers everything on any car.
 
I use 6.5 for both my rotary and PC/DA. I plan on getting some smaller ones to try soon. For now the 6.5 work for me.
 
I'm aligned with CEE DOG, richy and danube on this. I fail to go any larger than 6 inch and mostly 5.5 and then down to 3 inch for the tighter spots. Love the full range though and on just about any vehicle.

I like the control of the smaller pads personally.
 
I never followed up with my thread and I apologize.

I use the 5.5x7x8 Hyrdrotechs on both my G110v2 and 849x with the 5 inch flex backing plate and love the extra cushion afforded by the foam in the backing plate. With this route I can use the thin wafer style pads on my G110v2 and also use the same pad on my 849x with the extra cushion from this backing plate. Win-Win.

Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate, circular polisher backing plate, backing pad
 
4" LC BP (3 3/4 actually I think) and a 5" hybrid pad feels really nice on both my 849x and PE14.
 
That is the BP I would like to have next to spin my 5" hybrids. How do you like the 5" hybrids on your 849x say compared to a 5.5 pad setup?
 
smack said:
That is the BP I would like to have next to spin my 5" hybrids. How do you like the 5" hybrids on your 849x say compared to a 5.5 pad setup?
Click to expand...

I love it. Sometimes on certain paints the 5.5 flats seem a little bit too thin/stiff even with a flex backing plate. For me the hybrids just work better always.

For 5~6" foams:
I like 5" hybrids the best, followed by CG Hex 5.5" and finally LC Flat 5.5"

For 3~4" foams:
I like 4" CG self centering, followed by Megs 4" and for super tight spots the 3" LC Hydros or Buff & Shine 3" which are actually more like 3.5"
 
I've found pads anywhere between 3" and 6" to be the optimum size for my rotary polishers. These sizes allow me to be in charge and control when addressing finish defects and remove them quickly and easily...:props:
 
I use everything from 3" to 7.5" foam. Up to 8.5" wool.

The 3" on rotary with a extension is heaven on mirrors and tight spots.
The 7.5" self centered CG pads from Buff & Shine make quick work of large cars and 5.5" LC HT gets the most rotation. (Pun intended)
 
Hi Smack, how do you like the softstart on the Dewalt, 7" BP comes with it?
Might have a good line on one from a tool store that wants to get rid of their demo model.
 
cartman57 said:
Hi Smack, how do you like the softstart on the Dewalt, 7" BP comes with it?
Might have a good line on one from a tool store that wants to get rid of their demo model.
Click to expand...

Not trying to answer for Smack since your question was directed at him, but I'll throw my 2 cents in.

The 7" BP that comes with it is nice but mostly good for wool. Only 6" of it has velcro so what I did was trim the foam off around the edge that did not have velcro. Then I spun it on the tool while holding sandpaper on the edge to give it a nice finished edge. Now it looks like it came that way and 6" is more useful than 7" for me. It's a perfect fit to the 6" Hybrid Blue Foamed Wool pad.

The soft start is slightly abrupt. Hard to explain, but the initial torque is pretty strong if you pull the trigger all the way. It kinda speeds up quick then slows to speed. With that said my PE14 does it as well just to a lesser extent. I like my 849x more in every way than the PE14 except for size and weight. The DeWalt is such a well made machine.

The 849x can be had for just under $180 new including shipping. Get AG to price match... For the money it's a pretty amazing machine.
 
No problem answering, I appreciate your feedback.
Not able to try it on a vehicle with pads, just trying it at the counter for now, $75 with full warranty, no box.
 
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