How much of a difference?

**NickZ28** · 01-10-2012, 06:17 AM

I'm looking to purchase some new pads and have a question...how much of a difference in performance is there between the Lake Country 5.5" pads and the Griots 6" pads?
I have a Porter Cable 7424 and already own 6.5" and 7.5" pads, but after reading through several posts, it seems the smaller the pad, the greater the correction ability.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

**BobbyG** · 01-10-2012, 06:50 AM

The 5 1/2" pads appear to be optimal on the Porter Cable style polisher. As you increase the pad size the motor must work harder to muscle the larger pad.

Pads & Friction

The size or surface area does not directly affect the frictional force between two surfaces until downward force or pressure is applied. Reducing the pad size will only improve the mechanical efficiency of the machine.

The motor of your polisher produces some amount of power. The larger the pad surface area the harder the motor must work. Now, most will say "it's only 1 extra inch", but when it comes to surface area and friction your really talking about an additional 10 square inches. Now take a look at the difference between the 5 1/2", 6 1/2" and 7" pad...........Size does matter!

Surface Area - 5 1/2 pad = 23.75 in²
Surface Area - 6 1/2 pad = 33.18 in²
Surface Area - 7 pad = 38.484 in²

There is a direct relationship between the pad surface area and the polishers ability to transfer adequate power to the pad improving it's overall performance.