Buying a smaller backing plate

[goldenlight]

Should I get a 3inch backing plate or 4 inch backing plate??

I plan on using a 3inch pad.. is there a such thing as a 3.5 inch pad...??

[2old2change]

I'm guessing this is for a 6" da ?? , since you didn't specify . A 3" bp works great on a PC , Griots Megs and Harbor freight da.

[wdmaccord]

3" bp for 3" pad (unless you can find a 2.5" bp). 3.5" bp for 4 inch pads.

[goldenlight]

ok I think I give the 3 inch backing plate a show along with a 3 inch pad. I will be using a Griots Garrage

[allenk4]

Do not run a 3" BP with 3" pads

Lake Country makes an excellent 2 7/8" BP for 3" pads and a 3 1/2" BP for 4" pads

If the BP is too small, you will have the outer edge of the pad flopping around and not cutting effectively

Using a BP that is too small does not allow the pad to protect the BP from touching paint, moldings, door handles etc

[goldenlight]

As allways you guys have fantastic advice. Will go with lake country backing plate

[808_detail_nut]

Do not run a 3" BP with 3" pads



Lake Country makes an excellent 2 7/8" BP for 3" pads and a 3 1/2" BP for 4" pads



If the BP is too small, you will have the outer edge of the pad flopping around and not cutting effectively



Using a BP that is too small does not allow the pad to protect the BP from touching paint, moldings, door handles etc


Agreed. I use a 2 7/8 with the PC for tight areas

[2old2change]

When considering matching pad size to backing plate size Kevin Brown has written a article about using exact size backing plates and it's advantage. IMO this is for those that have the experience and feel comfortable with no edge cushion. I have a few of the cut down bp's and they do a great job . Exact-Fit Backing Plates for Meguiar's DA Microfiber Discs (http://www.buffdaddy.com/product/XF-BP)