Using 6.5" pads with 5.0" backing plate

D_Nyholm

D_Nyholm

New member
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
464
Reaction score
1
I tried using 6.5" pads with a 5" backing plate the other day and man, was it terrible. It seems others have recommended this size, but at speed 6, the pad was flopping all over the place. Do I have to get a 6" backing plate just to use the 6.5" pads? It seems a little crazy to have to have so many backing plates. If I slow down to speed 4 or 5 I think it'll be ok, but I don't beleive the polish will ever break down.
 
The 6.5" pads are too big. Get the 5.5" pads or even some 4" pads for heavier correction. You will need a 3.5" bp for the 4" pads.
 
I understand that, i was using a gray pad with nano on it to finish up. I use the 5.5" pads, but got some 6.5" pads to try out. Now i need to get a new backing plate for these too??
 
Since switching to the 5.5" pads, I don't even bother with the 6.5" pads I have anymore; they're just collecting dust. Stick with the 5.5" pads.
 
If your using a pc switch to the smaller pad it really makes a big difference.If using a rotary you can use the 6.5 just be carefull
 
Harleyguy said:
If your using a pc switch to the smaller pad it really makes a big difference.If using a rotary you can use the 6.5 just be carefull
Click to expand...
I use the 5.5" pads, i just wanted to try the 6.5" pads but I can't even see for myself since the pad just flops all over the place.

As for the Rotary with 6.5" pads, that is what I use now, is there something wrong with that? :confused:
 
D_Nyholm said:
I use the 5.5" pads, i just wanted to try the 6.5" pads but I can't even see for myself since the pad just flops all over the place.

As for the Rotary with 6.5" pads, that is what I use now, is there something wrong with that? :confused:
Click to expand...
Just use the 6.5" for your rotary.
 
D Nyholm, are you using a Porter Cable or a Rotary. It sounds like you're using a Rotary and not a Porter Cable.
 
PeTrol42 said:
D Nyholm, are you using a Porter Cable or a Rotary. It sounds like you're using a Rotary and not a Porter Cable.
Click to expand...

I am using a PC on speed 6. It seems like I will need to get another backing plate if I want to use the pads with the PC. I got some gray pads in 6.5" and I want to try them. I always use 5.5" orange pads and wanted to try something different.
 
Sorry to bring up an old thread guys, but I didn't want to make a new one about the same thing.

If you shouldnt use the PC7424 with a 6.5'' pad and 5'' backing plate, why is there a kit using this exact setup? Because I ordered that kit from Pinnaclewax.com and thats what they gave me. As far as the flopping that was mentioned, I have not experienced this. Was mine modified to correct the flopping or something?

I really don't want to buy all new pads after spending so much on the ones I already have.
 
mudman said:
Sorry to bring up an old thread guys, but I didn't want to make a new one about the same thing.

If you shouldnt use the PC7424 with a 6.5'' pad and 5'' backing plate, why is there a kit using this exact setup? Because I ordered that kit from Pinnaclewax.com and thats what they gave me. As far as the flopping that was mentioned, I have not experienced this. Was mine modified to correct the flopping or something?

I really don't want to buy all new pads after spending so much on the ones I already have.
Click to expand...
No one said you shiouldn't use the 6.5" pads. The 5.5" pads just works better with the pc. I doubt if anything was modified. You'll just have better control and cutting with the smaller pads. Remember the PC was designed to use a thin piece of sandpaper.
 
I got the same big "kit" (with the 5" backing-plate and 6.5 inch LC pads). Included somewhere along the way was a 5.5 orange pad (I think in the PC box itself.) Now having experienced both pad size(s) on 2 cars ... incorporating multiple steps (heavy cut/light cut/polish/glaze/wax) and multiple hours ... I'm going 5.5 pads all the way now, from here on out.

- Easier to work small places
- less "concave" curve around edges (as the larger pad gets worked on by the smaller back-plate) ... this eventually leads to flop. Also eventually got to the point where the velcro wouldn't "hook" any longer. (After just 2 cars?! Now expensive trash!)
- less chance of pad not turning (via too much pressure).
- just seems a better fit overall

NOTE: I had to use 6 setting quite a bit, especially for some serious wet-sanding I did for my rock chips, and some heavy swirls.
 
bummer, looks like I'll have to go with the 5.5 inch pads as well. But it kind of sucks that how I have 8 useless pads (2 each of orange, white, grey, blue) now.

However If I go with the 6 inch backing plate, it would be better than having to buy all new pads.

Or is it just better in general to work with a 5.5 inch pad?
 
mudman said:
bummer, looks like I'll have to go with the 5.5 inch pads as well. But it kind of sucks that how I have 8 useless pads (2 each of orange, white, grey, blue) now.

However If I go with the 6 inch backing plate, it would be better than having to buy all new pads.

Or is it just better in general to work with a 5.5 inch pad?
Click to expand...

Well ... you and I both know they're not "useless" (even though you haven't tried them yet :buffing:), so I say just go ahead and USE your pads with the 5" plate (as many many many many many many people successfully do), and then if you want to add a 6" plate for next time, or get different 5.5" pads for next time ... you can decide then.

Just go ahead, get out there in the garage and try it. You won't hurt anything, and you also won't have to spend anymore $ to get your car looking great. Just go try them! :D

Good luck
 
mudman said:
bummer, looks like I'll have to go with the 5.5 inch pads as well. But it kind of sucks that how I have 8 useless pads (2 each of orange, white, grey, blue) now.

However If I go with the 6 inch backing plate, it would be better than having to buy all new pads.

Or is it just better in general to work with a 5.5 inch pad?
Click to expand...
If you want to waste your time and money go and get the 6" bp.:D
 
Pinstripe said:
Well ... you and I both know they're not "useless" (even though you haven't tried them yet :buffing:), so I say just go ahead and USE your pads with the 5" plate (as many many many many many many people successfully do), and then if you want to add a 6" plate for next time, or get different 5.5" pads for next time ... you can decide then.

Just go ahead, get out there in the garage and try it. You won't hurt anything, and you also won't have to spend anymore $ to get your car looking great. Just go try them! :D

Good luck
Click to expand...
Thanks, I'll go ahead and do that.
Rsurfer said:
If you want to waste your time and money go and get the 6" bp.:D
Click to expand...
haha how would it waste money? doesn't one 6'' backing plate cost less than 8 or more brand new polishing pads? I was just thinking that a different size BP would be so much easier than all new pads. I would then cover more surface area (but that's why I'd get a new plate)
 
mudman said:
Thanks, I'll go ahead and do that.

haha how would it waste money? doesn't one 6'' backing plate cost less than 8 or more brand new polishing pads? I was just thinking that a different size BP would be so much easier than all new pads. I would then cover more surface area (but that's why I'd get a new plate)
Click to expand...
Using a 6" bp would be more effective than a 5" bp with 6.5" pads. I stand behind what I said, " You will be wasting your time ". Good LuckIm the MAN
 
Rsurfer said:
Using a 6" bp would be more effective than a 5" bp with 6.5" pads. I stand behind what I said, " You will be wasting your time ". Good LuckIm the MAN
Click to expand...
can you please explain why it would be a waste of time? Maybe you would save me a big headache in the future since I haven't invested that much in the buffing pads yet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top