Rotaty buffer - what pads to use

[Calendyr]

Hello guys,

I have been using DAs for 2 years. I own a Rupes Bigfoot 21, a Meguiars G110V2 and a Griot Garage 3".

I am well stocked on foam pads for those machines in 5.5 inch sizes and 3" sizes.

Now, last year I purchased a Dewalt Rotary polisher. It's a very nice machine but the only pad I currently have for it is a synt. Wool pad. I think this is way too agressive for my level of experience with this machine and I want to get myself several foam pads to use instead.

So I checked Autogeek's store but I am really confused about what I should buy. So I am hoping some of you guys with good experience with rotaries can point me to a few good pads.

What I need are pads to do compounding. For polishing and wax/sealant applications I see no reason not to use my DAs. Unless someone can convince me doing polishing with rotaries would be a good idea... ?

So for compounding, what would be the equivalent of yellow and orange cutting pads for a Rotary? Also, for size, what works best? I believe the backing plate supports pads from 7 to 9 inches? Am I correct?

Finally, can I simply slap on a 5.5" buff and shine or Lake Country pad on it?

 

[Kengo123]

You can use your 5.5" foam pads on the rotary with a compatible backing plate, like a 5" buff and shine one.

When I was doing dealer cars, I liked to use a rotary with AIO polish, bc u don't have to use any pressure or do many passes to get awesome results.

Nothing is smoother and quicker than a rotary for that application. That being said, I've never used a rupes or flex for longer than a few minutes.

 

[Buff-N-Glo]

Yeah those smaller pads give you more control and help get in tight little areas. I prefer to use the yellow lake county pads for compounding, they are more durable and don't soak in as much product as the softer pads do.