Which 5" backing plate?

[JayG30]

I'm curious which 5" backing plate is preferred.
Please don't factor price into the equation.
The two I've seen mentioned most frequently are:

Meguiars Mirror Glaze G110 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-w67da-5-inch-backing-plate.html)

Dual Action 5 Inch HD Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/damvp5.html)

I think I saw some mention that the Meguiars W-67DA backing plate does help to reduce vibrations.

[Rsurfer]

I'm curious which 5" backing plate is preferred.
Please don't factor price into the equation.
The two I've seen mentioned most frequently are:

Meguiars Mirror Glaze G110 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-w67da-5-inch-backing-plate.html)

Dual Action 5 Inch HD Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/damvp5.html)

I think I saw some mention that the Meguiars W-67DA backing plate does help to reduce vibrations.
I don't think any of the backing plates reduce vibrations.

[C. Charles Hahn]

I don't think any of the backing plates reduce vibrations.

Agreed -- the source of the vibration is mostly the tool, not the backing plate or pad. If the problem is that operating the tool becomes irritating, there are anti-vibration gloves that can be worn while working that do seem to help. :dblthumb2:

[maximus20895]

How about the LC-43-125DA (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)

[JayG30]

Obviously the vibration comes from the machine.
But take this comment for instance.

Got a chance to play with the Griots DA for a while... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/22033-got-chance-play-griots-da-while.html).


After playing with the speed setting between 5 and 6, I decided on speed 5. The vibration was just too intense at speed 6. I even changed out the backing plate to Meguiar's new W68, and it helped quite a bit but it just didn't help enough for me to feel comfortable using it on speed 6.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Well obviously, if the backing plate you choose isn't well matched to the pads you're using, that can change the dynamics of the tool.... so I think that's where you would want to start looking first.

[ASPHALT ROCKET]

You also have to remember certain people favor certain products, so taking that into account that may not be the case or the answer for you. On another note I do not see how the backing plate is going to reduce vibration.

[JayG30]

I've obviously never used them. It is always possible that it's "psychological" due to biases to certain manufacturers. The almighty "placebo effect".

Some things I could think of is that the material used to construct the two plates could be different (and I'm not JUST talking about if they are both "urethane"). Or perhaps varying thicknesses at different areas. Even casting processes. All of these could have an impact on vibration.

I have a rather strong understanding of harmonic vibrations, resonance frequencies, dampening, materials/chemistry, etc. as I studied lots of it for my degree. I do know that even slight changes can have a big impact in some cases. Case in point, harmonic dampeners on the front of your crank...but that's not something to get into discussing here. :) But I certainly can't say that it would have any impact in this case. I just found the comments interested and was looking for anyone who has used both and could offer "subjective" opinions.

[Mike Phillips]

I think I've used them all at some point or another but never in any controlled testing for vibration, just buffing out cars.

I can't say I've ever noticed any backing plate reducing vibrations better than another backing plate on a DA Polisher. The oscillating action of the tool at high speeds is kind of violent to start with as far as tools go.

Backing plate design is an important factor when it comes to pad performance and longevity, I think all manufacturers of backing plates have improved and strengthened their designs in just the last year or two due to the increase in people using these tools along with the increase of at least some portion of this group pushing these tools and of course the backing plates, Velcro, adhesives, foam formulas, etc, to their limit.

:)

[JayG30]

Thanks Mike.

If there was really a difference I would expect you to have noticed.

With that said, do you think either of the two backing plates I've mentioned provide any advantage over the other? I know you have mentioned both as good products in your previous postings.

[Mike Phillips]

I've posted pictures of these two in real life, so you can better see what they look like here,

5" and 6" Backing Plates on 6.5" pads (Pictures to show safety margin) (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/20620-5-6-backing-plates-6-5-pads-pictures-show-safety-margin.html)


Here's a quote from the above page,


The Edge DA-500 Backing Plate[/COLOR] (http://www.autogeek.net/damvp5.html)
Note the Edge DA-500 no longer looks like the image in the store.
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2072_71506586


Meguiar's W67DA (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-w67da-5-inch-backing-plate.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2072_74782967


***Update***

Here's 5" backing plates on 5.5" pads to show how they fit. Shown are the Meguiar's W67DA and the Edge DA 500 on 5.5" Hydro-Tech pads and 5.5" CCS pads

5.5" Hydro-Tech pads
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/719/5inchbackingplateon5_5inchpadHT.jpg






They are actually both very nice units, both are high quality components and even the new Lake Country Backing plates have been redesigned and are reinforced.

The part that will usually wear out first is the Velcro Hooks on the face of the backing plate. The more you remove a pad the more you will stretch out the hooks, after a while they don't regain their hook or "J" shape as much as they are curved or hooked when new and this shows up as a loose attachment between the pad and the backing plate.

This is normal wear and tear as nothing lasts forever.

:)

[JayG30]

Well it certainly makes the decision easier when both products are quality. You can just let price be the ultimate decision maker, lol. :)