Backing Plates for PE14

[Danube]

Just ordered my first rotary today (PE14) .. been reading a lot about the rotary and wanted to give it a go (very exited)!!

I was looking as to what BP to order and require a bit of feedback there.

So far I have an arsenal of LC pads in 4", 5.5" and 6.5". I also have 18 poorboy's VC pads in 6.5".

What BP's do you recommend to go with PE14 and the above pads? I'm only a week-end (and after hours) warrior, so not a pro and not trying to make money in detailing, just enjoying myself in detailing family member's and friend's cars.

I was thinking of Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate (pictured) ..

What do you think?!?


http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss32/draganc_photos/autogeek_2199_48041916.gif


Thanks

[Rsurfer]

Those will do, but check out the 3M backing plate. The last time I bought one they were around 60 bucks.

[alko]

I picked that backing plate up but not sure how I feel about it. I'll have to actually use it to form my conclusion. One thing I notice about it is that the loops are more spaced out and larger than the tiny loops in the yellow backing plates. IMO when a pad is fitted on the back, it doesn't have that tight secure feeling....but then again, it could have been made that way for a reason. Hopefully I'll be able to give it a go here soon. I would actually like to see/get a feel for the 3M backing plate in person. Thats a heck of a price tag for a backing plate. Then again....its supposed to be one of the best backing plates out.

[Mike Phillips]

Just ordered my first rotary today (PE14) .. been reading a lot about the rotary and wanted to give it a go (very exited)!!

I was looking as to what BP to order and require a bit of feedback there.

So far I have an arsenal of LC pads in 4", 5.5" and 6.5". I also have 18 poorboy's VC pads in 6.5".

What BP's do you recommend to go with PE14 and the above pads? I'm only a week-end (and after hours) warrior, so not a pro and not trying to make money in detailing, just enjoying myself in detailing family member's and friend's cars.

I was thinking of Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate (pictured) ..

What do you think?!?


http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss32/draganc_photos/autogeek_2199_48041916.gif


Thanks


Well I think I really like flexible backing plates for rotary buffers and they are my first choice, my first choice to teach someone how to use a rotary buffer and my best recommendation to anyone looking for a backing plate for a rotary buffer.

Here's an article I wrote about them...


Trend: Flexible Backing Plates for Rotary Buffers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/33907-trend-flexible-backing-plates-rotary-buffers.html)



The 3M backing plates are built to a very high quality so they're a great option for a non-flexible backing plate and will probably outlast you and any buffing work you do the rest of your life.


I updated the above thread with this picture and stated at that time that we didn't have the 3" in stock but we do now. We also have the Meguiar's 3" flexible backing plate in stock.


Here's a picture of the three flexible backing plates of which at this time we have the to larger versions in stock.


Dimensions

7" backing plate measures 6 15/16" in diameter, basically it a hair under 7"

5" backing plate measures 4 7/8"

3" backing plate measures 2 7/8"


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates001.jpg



I'll update the above thread with all the new updated links.


Also, the 5" flexible backing plate with 5.5" foam pads is an excellent way to learn how to use the rotary buffer as the smaller footprint of the pad makes it easier to learn how to control...


I use these in my Detailing 101 class for people new to the rotary buffer like these two young ladies...

Pictures & Comments from January 29th Detailing 101 Class (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-saturday-detailing-101/32283-pictures-comments-january-29th-detailing-101-class.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1035/Jan29101ClassF098.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1035/Jan29101ClassF099.jpg


:xyxthumbs:

[alko]

Mike...is there a reason why the loops on the back of the HD backing plate is larger, compared to the yellow backing plate? Is there a specific reason for that?

[Mike Phillips]

Mike...is there a reason why the loops on the back of the HD backing plate is larger, compared to the yellow backing plate? Is there a specific reason for that?


Different backing plate manufactures.

Most backing plate and pad manufactures match the Velcro on the pads they sell to the backing plates they sell so there's no attachment issues as both are compatible.

That doesn't mean a backing plate from one company won't work with a buffing pad from another company it's just their internal manufacturing process.

I actually discuss this in my how to book on pages 52, 53 and 54 as it relates to DA Backing Plates but the same principals apply to any backing plate.


Paperback
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/medium/paperbackDetailingBook01.jpg (http://www.autogeek.net/art-of-detailing-paperback-book.html)



Good question!


:xyxthumbs:

[alko]

Thanks for the reply Mike. I'll revist the book.

[Kaban]

This is the one you want:

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/9015/3mbackingplate.jpg

Its the 3M 09627

You can also try the 09553 (yellow foam), it's definitely not as soft. I reach for the grey one all the time now.

[Rix6]

Gee, made in USA isn't good enough for 3M on that one. It's made in Switzerland! :eek: 3M 09627: The Swiss Watch of backing plates!



-Rick