My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype Pad!

awd330

awd330

"Beep Beep"
I haven’t had the time to do much posting on DC this year, but I thought I’d take a few minutes to comment on some new additions to my detailing arsenal. I recently took advantage of Aaron Krause’s free offer to exchange older versions of his Edge2000 DA adapter for a new and improved version. I personally did not have any problems with my adapter, but it seemed silly to pass up such a good deal.

My new adapter arrived in a few days. To my delight, Aaron also sent along some prototype E2K DA pads. For those of you who have been on this board for a while, you may remember that I have been a fan of Edge’s durafoam material but always preferred the shape of Lake Country’s Curved Edge model. After nearly two years of nagging… er, I mean humble requests… Aaron has come up with a solution to my pad quandary.

Behold: an Edge2000 DA pad with beveled edges!
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

Let’s take a look at the replacement adapter. This revised design, with factory Loctite and a permanently attached retaining pin, is somewhat shorter than the previous version and much smaller than the original E2K DA assembly. The new version seems to be securely assembled. In use, vibration levels have been reduced to the point that it seems smoother than a comparably sized Velcro assembly. All in all, this represents a significant improvement. I would encourage all of you with older adapters to take advantage of the free exchange offer to trade up now!

See this thread for instructions regarding your exchange –
Edge2000 DA adapter REPLACEMENT EXCHANGE OFFER

Here are some pics of the new adapter as well as comparison shots with the original version and a Velcro backing plate.
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

Now, let’s talk about the new prototype pad design. Aaron took some of the regular E2K DA pads and found a way to bevel the edges. This resulted in a flat polishing surface about 5” across plus a nicely contoured beveled area. Ideally the flat section should be about 6” across, but we are dealing with the real world cost constraints of a limited quantity prototype batch. If the pads were to go into production, Aaron knows that a slightly larger diameter (about 7” to 7.5” inches in total) would be a more useful size.

Here are some pics of the new pad plus some comparison shots with other pad designs. For reference purposes, the following pads are featured:
Yellow = Prototype Edge2000 6” DA pad with beveled edge
Smaller White = Lake Country 6” Variable Contact pad
Green = Edge 6.5” Velcro backed DA pad
Blue = Lake Country 7.5” Curved Edge pad
Larger White = Edge2000 Rotary pad
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

In use, this prototype pad behaves much like a Lake Country Curved Edge pad. It is a very versatile design which allows for effective polishing of large flat areas plus a contoured section for easy navigation over bumps/curves and squeezing into tight areas (e.g. around mirror housings, along “A” pillars, etc.).

As I mentioned earlier, the new E2K assembly seems to have less vibration than a comparable Velcro backed assembly. This leads to less hand fatigue. For folks with carpal tunnel issues (like myself), this is an important feature. It is still yet to be determined whether a larger diameter E2K pad will exhibit this same lack of vibration. It is also undecided as to whether or not a beveled edge design will become a part of Dedication to Detail’s production line offerings. Aaron does not know if there is a viable market for such a product. I know that I certainly want this design. How about you?
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

Hi Marj,
Nice to see you posting again.
Thank you for the very informative writeup

"J"
 
I've been looking at the edge pads for a while now .it is appreciated that you took the time to give a full few of the pads on a PC. I have some Nice pads i recently received from AG (Thanks Again Jason). My next purchase will no doubt be Edge Pads.

Joe


Sorry but can you tell me if their is any vibrations when using the edge pads on a PC. How do you like the pads compared to a 6".5".
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

joe.p said:
Sorry but can you tell me if their is any vibrations when using the edge pads on a PC. How do you like the pads compared to a 6".5".
Click to expand...
The new E2K adapter with the prototype beveled edge pad seems to have LESS vibration than the regular 6.5" Edge DA pad with a velcro backing plate. I would prefer the larger polishing surface of a 6.5" pad, but the new beveled edges are more important to me. What I really want is a 7" pad with a beveled edge.
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

awd330 said:
Sorry but can you tell me if their is any vibrations when using the edge pads on a PC. How do you like the pads compared to a 6".5".
Click to expand...
The new E2K adapter with the prototype beveled edge pad seems to have LESS vibration than the regular 6.5" Edge DA pad with a velcro backing plate. I would prefer the larger polishing surface of a 6.5" pad, but the new beveled edges are more important to me. What I really want is a 7" pad with a beveled edge.[/QUOTE]

I upgraded to 7".5" pad w/6" BP and 6" counter weight. although i have not had the chance to use the pads i can tell i'm gonna like the upgrade pads much better, but no doubt in the future i will purchase the Edge Pads.Thank You

Here are the Pads Jason upgraded for me.http://www.autogeek.net/curvededge.html
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

joe.p said:
I upgraded to 7".5" pad w/6" BP and 6" counter weight. although i have not had the chance to use the pads i can tell i'm gonna like the upgrade pads much better, but no doubt in the future i will purchase the Edge Pads.Thank You

Here are the Pads Jason upgraded for me.http://www.autogeek.net/curvededge.html
Click to expand...
I also use 7.5" Lake Country pads with a 6" velcro backing plate and 6" counterweight. However, the LC model that I normally use is the regular Curved Edge model with the concave center. Although the concave center does help limit splatter, I would actually prefer to have the flatter surface described in your link. The prototype Edge pad does not have a concave center.
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

awd330 said:
I also use 7.5" Lake Country pads with a 6" velcro backing plate and 6" counterweight. However, the LC model that I normally use is the regular Curved Edge model with the concave center. Although the concave center does help limit splatter, I would actually prefer to have the flatter surface described in your link. The prototype Edge pad does not have a concave center.
Click to expand...

After you have had some time to use the edge pads will you post the pro & cons of using the edge as to another brand. Not much in detail and only when you have the time.
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

joe.p said:
After you have had some time to use the edge pads will you post the pro & cons of using the edge as to another brand. Not much in detail and only when you have the time.
Click to expand...
I have been using Edge pads off and on for a couple years. Here is one of the write ups I've done on the subject -
Edge Pads vs LC Pads???

I know there are more posts out there. Search is your friend. ;)
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

Aaron Krause of Dedication to Detail started another thread to gather feedback about these new prototype pads - Edge2000 6inch DA pads with EDGES??

If you want Edge Pads to produce a PC sized quick connect pad with beveled edges, speak up!
 
Excellent write up Marge!


I no longer use the edge system, but it does look like they've made several key improvements.

I have had the pleasure of dealing with Aaron, and he's all about customer service. If you have a problem, he's there to make things right.


p.s. A beveled edge pad is a good idea. I'd probably buy a few to compare against LC.
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

Someone pointed out that all of the attached images had disappeared from this thread. This is probably related to the migration from DC's old .com site to the new .org site. Anyway, I'm reposting the images below.
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

Here's an update regarding the E2K DA pads with beveled edges -

Aaron has incorporated some of the preliminary feedback and developed new prototypes. These are now much closer to my idea of a perfect DA pad. The flat portion of the surface has been enlarged to 5.25" across (I'd still like 6" across, but we're making progress ;)). The overall thickness of the pad has been reduced and now more closely resembles the profile of their rotary E2K product. This thinner pad is able to more easily fit into those hard to reach areas like underneath spoilers and around side mirrors.

Pics are attached of the new regular and waffle DA pad prototypes (both in orange). I've also included a group shot with a regular velcro DA pad (green) and the previous prototype beveled E2K pad (yellow) design shown earlier in this thread.
 
Re: My take on the newest Edge2000 DA Adapter… plus a first look at a new Prototype

Another follow-up to the beveled prototypes mentioned in Post #17 above:

I've had the chance to try out the latest prototype versions of the E2K flat and wave pads for DA machines. My test models both came with the orange light cut foam. The orange foam provides an excellent combination of cutting and polishing abilities (removes moderate cobwebbing without leaving more marring behind). The foam seems very similar to the orange foam used by Lake Country in its pads.

Regarding the pad shapes and design, I was very pleased to find that the size of both prototypes resulted in less vibration than a 6" velcro pad and backing plate. The sharper cut of the bevel also made the pads extremely maneuverable in tight areas. The flat prototype may, in fact, be my favorite DA pad design to date. It encompasses all the attributes that I find appealing in a DA pad - effective area of contact with the surface (large flat section plus usable bevels), lightweight (less vibration than with velcro assemblies), excellent foam durability, and ease of centering. The wave pad exhibits these qualities as well, though the pockets of air seem to allow for longer polishing times since products do not dry out as fast. Longer polishing times can be useful with some products. The waffle shape also allows for better heat dissipation. While such a trait is not that important with a DA machine, it is an extremely useful attribute for use with circular polishers. Since many people have elected to use the smaller E2K DA pad designs on rotaries, it makes sense that a similarly sized wave pad would also be appealing for rotary users.

Overall, I am quite happy with this latest round of prototypes. My only additional request would be for the pads' diameters to be widened by 1/4" to 1/2" but only if that change doesn't result in any significant increase in vibration. My hope is that Dedication to Detail will decide to add these designs to their regular production lineup in the near future. I have my credit card handy, and I'm ready to buy.
 
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