PC pad stalling on small areas

[DouginDenver]

I'm not sure I understand the physics of why this happens or what can be done about it. I have a PC DA polisher. Even with a small foam pad I get good pad rotation even with firm downward pressure so long as I am polishing a flat surface or any surface with full pad contact. But if I try to polish a surface with only partial pad contact - like the side of a long hood ridge - even the lightest pressure will cause the pad to stop rotating. I don't understand why firm pressure on the full pad does not stop the rotation, but any pressure at all - or even just contact - on just the outer edge of the pad does. Is this a phenomenon with DA polishers? How do I polish the side of a ridge like that - or any place where there is only partial pad contact?

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

But if I try to polish a surface with only partial pad contact - like the side of a long hood ridge - even the lightest pressure will cause the pad to stop rotating.

That is simply the downside of a free spinning, random orbital polisher.

All you can do is practice your technique and get as good as you can become.


If you look at most of my detailing work - I use the BEAST just for this reason. I don't have time for pad stalling.

I posted a video on my Facebook page last week while buffing out a 1957 Chevy where I demonstrated how to turn a 6.5" pad into a 3" pad.


Mike Phillips - If you spend enough time behind any tool...


I love the Porter Cable and anytime I'm trying to "finish out" on soft paints, if the BEAST won't do it I'll switch to the PC or the GG6 or the new Griot's G9. Besides this - I use the BEAST because I can PLOW through any detail job.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Note....


If you read this forum enough, you'll see multiple, multiple threads with people experiencing this same pad stalling issue or "problem" with all brands of free spinning random orbital polishers.

I do my best to share why in this thread but it's more specific to LONG THROW polishers.

The ghosting footprint and the actual footprint - Long Stroke Free Spinning Orbital Polishers


The same thing does effect short stroke polishers like the PC but not as much as long stroke polishers due to the extra leverage they have over the reciprocating components.

 

[PaulMys]

Lighten up on your pressure, and move your concentrated pressure point away from the center of the pad until the machine starts spinning again.

With practice, this will become second nature.