Buffer Pad Size Choices
 

I have a Porter Cable RO polisher and it came with the 6" pad and I have the 6" hook & loop arbor attachment. I notice that some folks are using the polisher with smaller 5" pads and was wondering what, if any, advantage the slightly smaller pad provides. I understand that the balancer has to be changed, and it turns out I already have the 5" balancer in my kit, so it's just a matter of a new hook & loop and some pads. Any clear advantage?

I like the smaller pads because you have more control, i.e. less surface area for when you are maneuvering around molding, trim, edges, side view mirrors, etc.

Pad size means more if you are using a rotary than for a RO. Larger pads turn at a higher RPM (at the out edge) than smaller pads. (Thank you, Mr. Wizard:rolleyes:).

For compounding and initial polishing a rotary buffer does a better and faster job. It takes experience to use one without buffing through the paint especially the clear coat. Practice before you attempt to use one on your car.

For light compounding, small scratch removal, polishing and waxing the RO works fine. I use an 11" one for all the large flat areas and then go back with my 5" for getting close to the trim and nooks and crannies.

Using a smaller pad means you need to pay a lot more attention to your "overlap". It's easy to end up with lines in your polish.

Get a cushioned pad where the bonnets slip over the pad rather than a "hook and loop". Use a microfiber bonnet for the final polishing stage.

Check out the "buffandshine.com" website.

Why do you like the bonnets better than the hook-n-loop pads?

They're easier to clean and the cushioned pad allows you to get a lot closer to trim areas by allowing you to use the "edge" of the pad.

You can also slip the bonnet off the buffer and use the bonnet for those final touch-ups around the really tight places.

I use the "hook and loop" on my rotary for ease of pad changing.

Just lazy I guess.

I like the hook-n-loop for sanding. I don't have a buffer . . . yet. I might after my next birthday, though. Doesn't the PC come with a hook-n-loop pad?

Mine didn't. I think it only came with a sponge polisher.