Just got my Makita rotary - what pads/products to buy?

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imported_Lightman

New member
Hey guys. I just took delivery of my Makita 9227c, yet don't have any pads to try it out with..bummer. In any case, I'd love some recommendations on a basic arsenal of pads to get for use with my new rotary. I have a random orbital to do final polishing and waxing/sealing duties, with griot's orange polishing pads and red finishing pads. Now I need to eqiup the rotary with the right gear.



I see a lot of people seem to like the LC pads, some like 3M and other brands. Basically my goals for the rotary are for really nasty paint, to remove swirls and various scratches. Pad recommendations please!



Also I'm curious will the same products I use with my RO work for the rotary, or should I get others? I have poorboys ssr3 and ssr2.5, griot's machine polish 2 and 3, and a bottle of Optimum Hyper Compound. I do understand the optimum is designed for the rotary and should be pretty aggressive at taking out swirls etc, however I"m wondering can I follow up with say ssr2.5 with the rotary to smooth out any hazing I may experience, and then use the RO with griot's 3 or maybe even straight to AIO if the surface looks good after ssr2.5?



Thanks, any tips welcome to a newbie with a rotary! :usa
 
I use this for cutting (8.5 in foam pad)

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and this for finish before I start with my DA

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Both from prowax.com but im sure you can find them anywhere.



Your polish are fine, you just need to practice to see what you like. same as with the DA you have to work your way down. now get rid of some scratches!
 
The best pads for the rotary are the Propel II pads manufactured by American Buffing. Oh yeah, that's a thread closer.



Get the complete Optimum and Menzerna line...also a thread closer.



Let us know if you need to know any more specifics, but you can find out just about anything you need to know if you use the right search.
 
I find I like Lake County's pads the best, Propel's just never felt right to me. Its very much an issue of personal feel, over time you'll get a sense for what brands you like and what brands you don't. Any commercial brand of pads should be fine to start with, just pick up whatevers most convenient (and not 3M, those are wicked pricey).
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Seems like everyone likes a little something different, but most will work just fine. I guess I'll just try a few different kinds and see what feels best. I'm excited to try out my new tool!
 
Lightman said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. Seems like everyone likes a little something different, but most will work just fine. I guess I'll just try a few different kinds and see what feels best. I'm excited to try out my new tool!
Click to expand...



Try some smaller pads first. 7.5 & up will be more challanging until you get better.
 
Yeah, stay away from the larger pads, especially those old school (80's all the way) curved pads. Stick with 6.5" pads, you'll have a lot more luck.



I have a little over 30 different pads, and I'd say the most user-friendly, best all-around pads are the Green propel IIs...I guarentee they'll make learning a lot easier. In fact, get a couple of these, and compare with any other pad you choose - I guarentee you'll see what I mean.



I used to use the LC pads, but when the Propels came out recently, I couldn't believe the improvement (I started using them after Kevin Farrel started pushing them...he's an industry leader for sure...if fact, he had a large hand in the development of Optimum Polish). I should say, however, that I still really like the white LC variable contact pads for "heavy" polishg and light compounding work...they are very aggressive and yet finish down great).
 
how aggressive of pads will I need? Basically I bought this thing because my random orbital and even the most aggressive stuff like ssr3 or optimum hyper compound will not remove heavy swirls. I intend to use the rotary to kill the swirls then of course the RO for finishing duties..



I guess I'm curious of typical pad/compound/polish combos to achieve the rotary portion of my goals.. Is optimum hyper compound typically too aggressive? Maybe even though ssr2.5 won't do much with my RO it will be effective with the rotary?
 
Lightman said:
how aggressive of pads will I need? Basically I bought this thing because my random orbital and even the most aggressive stuff like ssr3 or optimum hyper compound will not remove heavy swirls. I intend to use the rotary to kill the swirls then of course the RO for finishing duties..



I guess I'm curious of typical pad/compound/polish combos to achieve the rotary portion of my goals.. Is optimum hyper compound typically too aggressive? Maybe even though ssr2.5 won't do much with my RO it will be effective with the rotary?
Click to expand...



Rotary will definitly remove more with a light polish than the PC with a heavy one... But like anything, it all depends on the pads you're using.



I personally have not found a pad other than 6" spot polishing that *feel* right when working, as well as giving me the ease of use and finish I want.



I've burned a car trying to use an 8" pad once, and I don't want to ever do that again!!!
 
Pads:

3M Super-Buff double-sided white wool pad (with super-buff adapter) for rubbing compound. OR 3M Hook-It single sided wool pad... same thing but quicker to change over to the finishing pad.

3M Hook-It black foam waffle pad for swirl mark remover/polish. Used with a backing plate. Great finishing pad that doesn't leave any swirl marks in paint. key is to not put any force on it, just let the machine do the work. :)



Polishes:

3M Perfect-It 3000 Extra Cut rubbing compound 06060, and Perfect-It 3000 SMR 06064. Or you can buy a set that comes with glaze as well, and a MF cloth.. 06050



This is all I use as I find it can do the worst of paint, or fine swirl removal on delicate paint.
 
Thanks for all the tips guys. With so many varying suggestions, I had to finally pick something and make a purchase. I picked up a new backing plate and some meguiars soft buff burgundy and yellow pads. Hopefully these are decent and relatively forgiving for a newbie. I also have the trio of optimum hyper compound, compound, and polish. Hopefully those will do the trick. Comments there?



As far as use goes, is it preferable not to have the pad flat on the paint, but rather to have it tilted up a bit? Thx
 
Lightman said:
Thanks for all the tips guys. With so many varying suggestions, I had to finally pick something and make a purchase. I picked up a new backing plate and some meguiars soft buff burgundy and yellow pads. Hopefully these are decent and relatively forgiving for a newbie. I also have the trio of optimum hyper compound, compound, and polish. Hopefully those will do the trick. Comments there?



As far as use goes, is it preferable not to have the pad flat on the paint, but rather to have it tilted up a bit? Thx
Click to expand...



The yellow pads are okay, not great, but not bad either. But you are going to have a really hard time with the burgandy pads...they are like a brick...you'll see.



The Optimum was a good choice though.
 
Lightman said:
As far as use goes, is it preferable not to have the pad flat on the paint, but rather to have it tilted up a bit? Thx
Click to expand...





Foam polishing pads you will want to keep flat, but don't put much (if any) pressure.



With my wool compounding pad I keep it on a bit of an angle (not too much) cause I find I get best control that way.



Once you get your pads you'll get a feel for them..
 
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