can you use 8" pads on PC?

I

imported_thecarguy

New member
I tried a Chicago Tools rotary buffer that slowed down under any pressure so I returned it but I still have the 8" pads.



I want to get a PC but not have to buy 6" pads if I don't have to.



Can I use 8" pads on a PC? What would happen if I do?



Thanks!
 
Sure you can, the only thing is that it might not give you the full affect that you desire. With a small backing plate and a large bad you are decreasing the pressure that you can apply to the outer edge of the pad. Pressure is key with the PC as it needs it to build up a little heat to break down polishes et al.



You would need to make tighter passes overlapping by 25% each time (rough estimate.)



Look at it this way if you have a 4 inch plate and 8 inch pad you are probably only getting the full benefit of the PCs power for about 6 inches diameter from the center of the backing plate. Adjust your buffing accordingly.
 
You are also going to have a tough time getting into tighter spaces and you will have the pad making contact with trim due to the size so make sure that you do a good job taping off the trim.
 
Actually, I find that with big pads, the part that overhangs the backing plate is good for getting into tight spots. But...(and it's a *HUGE* "but") the larger pads are too heavy for the PC. Any applied pressure results in mere "jiggling". No way I can do any correction at all with the larger pads.



Don't let the tail (a few pads) wag the dog (the effectiveness of your pad/machine combo). I wouldn't throw them away, but I'd only try them with glazes and liquid waxes. I'd really save them for your next rotary, though I prefer 6.5" pads on those too.
 
I think with a large pad you are creating surface resistance..and with downward pressure to do correction..The backing plate will orbit faster on the pads velcro backing, faster than the pad is orbiting on the paint surface..causing velcro breakdown..backing plate meltdown...the heat will generate between the pad and backing plate...



you have seen pictures here showing melted backing plates and pads...the more you press down on the PC.the more surface friction resistance...the slower the pad rotaes..but backing plate stays at same speed on the pads backing velcro..



Al



Al
 
you didnt mention if your 8in pad are finishing pad or polishing pad or both......

i assume its a finishing pad.....

yes you can use the 8in for apply wax it offer more coverage then the 6.5 in pads...again if its a polishing pad then you cant real do any defect correction(swirls) at least not heavy to meduim.....

by the way what model of rotary did you get and return reason i ask is because if you got the $30 unit thats why i would suggest two other model from hf if you still intrested in that if not no biggie ....

but back to your pads i think with the pc you are going to need 5.5 to 6.5 in pads at least the polishing and cutting pads if u still desire u can use the 8in pads if there finish pads to apply wax at least up to you....



by the way dont forget two get 4in cutting pads,polish pad they reall help out
 
Djmigs - I can't remember which model for certain but I think it was the 92623:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92623



It looks like the next model up, #90820, has the same amps but is $49. has slow start which would be good but the main problem is the cheaper one:

1 - bogged down during any pressure

2 - did nnot come with any speed indication - was selector #4 1300rpm or 2300rpm??



Another problem, with all rotaries I suppose, is the product sling. It was all over the place. I took me just along to clean up the slung product as it did to poilish the hood. Technique aside, I am still open to harbor freight.
 
thecarguy said:
Djmigs - I can't remember which model for certain but I think it was the 92623:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92623



It looks like the next model up, #90820, has the same amps but is $49. has slow start which would be good but the main problem is the cheaper one:

1 - bogged down during any pressure

2 - did nnot come with any speed indication - was selector #4 1300rpm or 2300rpm??



Another problem, with all rotaries I suppose, is the product sling. It was all over the place. I took me just along to clean up the slung product as it did to poilish the hood. Technique aside, I am still open to harbor freight.
Click to expand...



CarGuy, yes i have heard many people displeased with that model.....the model i would highly recommend is unavaiable at this time or discountued i recently check just to give you the model its 46507 this one i have personally used...the second one is the one you mentioned i have heard by another member he uses that and has no problems with bogging again the motor may have the same amps but not the same motor but if i was in your shoes since this is $49 i would save up or buy a hitachi$99 and i cant tell you it so much better you wont have no problems bogging this...this tool is built to last plus did i mention it come with an 5year warranty...but like some mention there are using it for there personal vehicle then maybe the $49 hf would be right for you(but my thought is if this break well u just lost $50 and if you decide to by another one or something else when you could of started with a high quality...or you can look at it this way if you dont like the hitachi you can ebay it and it would retain its value well imho...again just rambling here....sling i hear yea i get it too again i am no pro but a diff pad which has a pocket in the pad or concave design like Lake country pads may help plus different products are less prone to sling then other, it come down to technique to be honest, im assuming you have megs polishes since you have megs pad have you ever seen the Megs video cant remember the name maybe someone can give us a link it touches briefly on the technique...but remember that why they say prep before polishing(prep taping up covering anything that may get polish) i think taping for me is the boring part but once i finsihed i see the light.....hope this helps :hifive:
 
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