Giving up on MF pads?

IHA Mark

IHA Mark

New member
Well folks, I am considering ditching MF pads. I am going to lay out some pros and cons and would invite your input. I primarily use Optimum pads, and tried the new Lake Country MF pads and hated them.



MF pad pros:



Cut extremely well

Finish excellently

Simplify my pad inventory, only need 2 different types of pads for most jobs



MF pad cons: (this might not be true for everyone, but these are my experiences)



Wear extremely quickly (the glue issues are a pain for me. Maybe I am too rough on them but I tear them up quickly)

Hard to clean (compared to foam)

Seem to loose effectiveness after extended use

Expensive (compared to foam)



The bottom line is I feel like I am losing profitability by using pads that are just wearing out too quickly. I have a few old 3D pads from my first 3D order that are still going strong, and have only had to chuck a few foam pads over the course of the year so far. I bet I have tossed at least 12 MF pads because of excessive wear, or glue issues.



Should I stay the course since MF seems to be the trend of the future, or stick with what is durable and works? I know it is my decision but I would like to hear some other thoughts.
 
The pitfalls that seem to be relative to the use of MF pads-



1. Incorrect cleaning method (try 1. compressed air or 2. pad brush)



2. Using too much pressure / too higher speed



3. Adhesive - OPT or LC seems to have less problems than Megs ( see also #3 above)



“Microfiber Pads” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia-detailing-wiki/142378-microfiber-pads-part-i.html



I hope the information in this article is of some help to you. If you have any further questions please let me know
 
TOGWT said:
The pitfalls that seem to be relative to the use of MF pads-



1. Incorrect cleaning method (try 1. compressed air or 2. pad brush)



2. Using too much pressure / too higher speed



3. Adhesive - OPT or LC seems to have less problems than Megs ( see also #3 above)



“Microfiber Pads” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia-detailing-wiki/142378-microfiber-pads-part-i.html



I hope the information in this article is of some help to you. If you have any further questions please let me know
Click to expand...



I use both of those cleaning methods. Perhaps I am using too much product? I usually use Speed, Polish, or UNO on them sparingly.



Too much pressure... this is possible, but I tend to think if they can't handle a PC on speed 5-6 I'm not sure of the durability for long term use.



I will check this thread again later today.
 
I know that if you use the Griots 6" da at speed 6 setting with the Megs paids they have a tendancy to come a part from the velcro backing side.
 
I'm kinda glad I've stayed on the sidelines with regard to the MF pads. I thought long and hard about what problem I was trying to solve with them, and i really couldn't think of one. I guess they would be great if I did a lot of 1 steps, but other than that I can't find a use for them.
 
Speed 6 on a GG6 will heat up the spindle, backing plate, and then the pad, causing pad failure. However, this is remedied by using compressed air after each pass to clean the pad, and also cooling the pad down. SInce trying this method, I have not had one Megs MF pad fail on me, but they did when only using a pad brush, but then again I don't go higher than speed 5 with MF pads. I wonder if something in the speed, polish, or uno is causing some problems with the pads? I used speed on a Megs MF polishing pad once, and it gummed up the MF and would not clean with APC so I threw it away.
 
That is a complete non sense.



Over heating the pads is the issue, by using too much pressure and too high speeds, not products.



Did you not read Mark's replies?



I use both of those cleaning methods
Click to expand...
and
Too much pressure... this is possible
Click to expand...



Instead, you just take the opportunity to bash HD products. Thank you for your services sir!



So how do you explain ALL the MF failures that were used with D300 and 105? Or the no issues with the MF pads used with HD PRODUCTS?



RZJZA80 said:
Speed 6 on a GG6 will heat up the spindle, backing plate, and then the pad, causing pad failure. However, this is remedied by using compressed air after each pass to clean the pad, and also cooling the pad down. SInce trying this method, I have not had one Megs MF pad fail on me, but they did when only using a pad brush, but then again I don't go higher than speed 5 with MF pads. I wonder if something in the speed, polish, or uno is causing some problems with the pads? I used speed on a Megs MF polishing pad once, and it gummed up the MF and would not clean with APC so I threw it away.
Click to expand...
 
Thomas Dekany said:
That is a complete non sense.



Over heating the pads is the issue, by using too much pressure and too high speeds, not products.



Did you not read Mark's replies?



and



Instead, you just take the opportunity to bash HD products. Thank you for your services sir!



So how do you explain ALL the MF failures that were used with D300 and 105? Or the no issues with the MF pads used with HD PRODUCTS?
Click to expand...



What part of "I wonder" do you not understand? It's a question since he mentioned the products he used on them. Overheating the pads has been a known issue, and using compressed air has been known to help/cure that issue, therefore, I asked about the products on the pads, and adding that speed gummed up a MF pad for me, do you understand now? Also, Megs initial batches of the pads were known to come apart which they fixed a while back.



You could try to respond directly to the OP with some helpful tips instead of having a heart attack because someone asks if the products had anything to do with it. But anyway, get the thread back on topic.
 
Do you ever wonder if 300 or 105 is the issue with the MF pads that fail these days?



My post had nothing to do with the original Meg's batch. Use your MF pads TODAY, with too much pressure, too high speeds and the velcro is toast.



Instead of telling me what I should be doing, maybe you should stop blaming HD products at any turn you can and leave a helpful reply instead.



The issue Mark is having, based on his replies to an actual "HELPFUL" post (TOGWT's) is speed/pressure. How you can not see that is very intriguing.







RZJZA80 said:
What part of "I wonder" do you not understand? It's a question since he mentioned the products he used on them. Overheating the pads has been a known issue, and using compressed air has been known to help/cure that issue, therefore, I asked about the products on the pads, and adding that speed gummed up a MF pad for me, do you understand now? Also, Megs initial batches of the pads were known to come apart which they fixed a while back.



You could try to respond directly to the OP with some helpful tips instead of having a heart attack because someone asks if the products had anything to do with it. But anyway, get the thread back on topic.
Click to expand...
 
Something I've wanted to try but haven't is using MF pads on my rotary, I'm thinking that they should run cooler and have less stress on the glue holding them together. Anybody try it - please post.......Thanks!
 
Hi Mark



I have been using MF pads since the very first moment they were available for sale. Used properly, meaning speed 4.5 on GG PC or the 3D PC, or PCXP speed 5, I have never had any issues with any brand. When I need to up the speed or use more pressure than normal, I use a pad for only 1 panel (half a hood) at a time and switch to another pad for the following panel and switch back to the original pad. This way, I have found, that the pads don't overheat. Try that and see if you get better durability. Another thing I noticed a long time ago is that the 3" backing that comes from the Meg's kit (with all the holes in it) kept the smaller pads cooler and the pads lasted way longer than I expected, due to me abusing them -pcxp, speed 6. Just recently I was made aware, that Kevin sells the same type of backing in a large size. Order one and give MF pads another chance - they are worth it in my book.



IHA Mark said:
Well folks, I am considering ditching MF pads. I am going to lay out some pros and cons and would invite your input. I primarily use Optimum pads, and tried the new Lake Country MF pads and hated them.



MF pad pros:



Cut extremely well

Finish excellently

Simplify my pad inventory, only need 2 different types of pads for most jobs



MF pad cons: (this might not be true for everyone, but these are my experiences)



Wear extremely quickly (the glue issues are a pain for me. Maybe I am too rough on them but I tear them up quickly)

Hard to clean (compared to foam)

Seem to loose effectiveness after extended use

Expensive (compared to foam)



The bottom line is I feel like I am losing profitability by using pads that are just wearing out too quickly. I have a few old 3D pads from my first 3D order that are still going strong, and have only had to chuck a few foam pads over the course of the year so far. I bet I have tossed at least 12 MF pads because of excessive wear, or glue issues.



Should I stay the course since MF seems to be the trend of the future, or stick with what is durable and works? I know it is my decision but I would like to hear some other thoughts.
Click to expand...
 
JuneBug said:
Something I've wanted to try but haven't is using MF pads on my rotary, I'm thinking that they should run cooler and have less stress on the glue holding them together. Anybody try it - please post.......Thanks!
Click to expand...



I did last night, just to try it out on very hard clear, and with Megs MF cutting disc and about speed 2.5 on my Makita, it gave very similar results as with using it on my GG6 at speed 4.5-5, but it seemed to me that it just somehow works better with the DA. Each test panel (half of the hood for each) took two passes to correct, both with the GG6 and the Makita, so I am not sure if using it with a rotary will make correcting any faster or not. Heat wasn't an issue as I use compressed air after every pass.
 
Funny, I was thinking on giving up on foam pads. :)





In all seriousness I think your issues can all be resolved in a change of technique and cleaning process of the pads.
 
I'm still loving the Meguiar's MF cutting pads for serious correction. Quick, easy, and nice finishing. I *finally* had one of my 3" ones separate from the velcro, but it sure gave me lots of service before it finally died. With M105 or Uno, the Meg's MF cutting pads simply work great for me.
 
RaskyR1 said:
Funny, I was thinking on giving up on foam pads. :)





In all seriousness I think your issues can all be resolved in a change of technique and cleaning process of the pads.
Click to expand...



Lol.



As usual chad speaks the truth. You can have my Meg's Mf pads when you pry. Never.
 
Thomas Dekany said:
Hi Mark



I have been using MF pads since the very first moment they were available for sale. Used properly, meaning speed 4.5 on GG PC or the 3D PC, or PCXP speed 5, I have never had any issues with any brand. When I need to up the speed or use more pressure than normal, I use a pad for only 1 panel (half a hood) at a time and switch to another pad for the following panel and switch back to the original pad. This way, I have found, that the pads don't overheat. Try that and see if you get better durability. Another thing I noticed a long time ago is that the 3" backing that comes from the Meg's kit (with all the holes in it) kept the smaller pads cooler and the pads lasted way longer than I expected, due to me abusing them -pcxp, speed 6. Just recently I was made aware, that Kevin sells the same type of backing in a large size. Order one and give MF pads another chance - they are worth it in my book.
Click to expand...



This might be the problem. The backing plate I use might not be designed with MF pads in mind.



I think it might also be a problem with technique, but then I think that if technique is such an issue with keeping the pads durable, why not go back to the foam, which seems to handle "abuse" much better"



I think I am going to try the new backing plate, cut down the speeds, and see what happens.



I guess the real question is... are MF pads the wave of the future, or will foam always have its place?
 
As long as we have dark colored cars, we will need foam. (unless something new comes out)



On speed 6 I can and have destroyed many orange and yellow foam pads. :)



Little less pressure, speed under 5 and that backing plate should give better results. Which reminds me, I have to also order a few of those backing plates from Kevin.



IHA Mark said:
This might be the problem. The backing plate I use might not be designed with MF pads in mind.



I think it might also be a problem with technique, but then I think that if technique is such an issue with keeping the pads durable, why not go back to the foam, which seems to handle "abuse" much better"



I think I am going to try the new backing plate, cut down the speeds, and see what happens.



I guess the real question is... are MF pads the wave of the future, or will foam always have its place?
Click to expand...
 
Thomas Dekany said:
As long as we have dark colored cars, we will need foam. (unless something new comes out)



On speed 6 I can and have destroyed many orange and yellow foam pads. :)



Little less pressure, speed under 5 and that backing plate should give better results. Which reminds me, I have to also order a few of those backing plates from Kevin.
Click to expand...



I'm going to give it a shot before I make my next big pad order. Have to say the new 3D pads are really nice though. Had a beat up suburban that a LC mf pad was not even touching using UNO, switched to the Yellow 3D pad on 5 with a PC, and it was correcting and finishing like a BOSS. After the UNO a quick run through with Polish and I was done correcting.



Also... what the heck happened to this thread! I posted this morning and came back this evening to a flame fest. Geez.



I will say even though off topic that UNO has some of the best lubricity I have seen in a compound, the stuff just keeps working.
 
I agree with most of the above (page 2), but sometimes I find washing kills a mf pad... maybe my machine is a badass. :D I used to go through a lot of mf pads, especially early versions. Using proper pressure/speed/product eliminated 99% of my pad killing ability. As for ditching them...no way, I love them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top