, the smaller the diameter the faster it rotates so you don't need the higher rpm's. .
The key thing is to remember friction creates heat and heat kills pads and product. You have to experiment and fine the correct balance for each scenario.
The smaller pad is rotating the same speed (RPM) at the center as a larger pad...at the same RPM setting.
The outer edge of the smaller pad is actually moving at a slower SPEED (MPH), than the outer edge of a larger pad.
This is the reason that FLEX set the lowest RPM for the PE8 higher than on the PE14.
This is also one reason that I favor 6 1/2" pads on my FLEX 3401. More speed at the outer edge of the pad, equals, more cut.
You do bring up a point that is often overlooked. When you apply the same amount of downward pressure to a smaller pad; the force is more concentrated. This is what causes the overheating and makes twisting the paint more likely as well.
But, the up side is that any DA with a 3" Megs DAMF and Compound will crush defects.
I also think that many people have difficulty adjusting the amount of polish they apply to smaller pads.
If you use 4 dime sized dots on a 6" pad and think that 2 dime sized dots on a 3" pad is equivalent...it is not.
Based on the surface area of the two pads; the 3" pad only needs 1 dot!
6" pad = 28 sq in
3" pad = 7 sq in
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