Why not 6.5 pads on DA

[wanabe detailer]

Opinion wanted

[volrus]

That's what I'm using and from what I understand is what the Porter Cable was designed to use (someone could maybe confirm or deny that).

[Fishincricket]

Yeah, I thought it was funny that the pads that came with my GG were 6.5 when most folks on AG seem to suggest that the 5 inch pad is the better choice...

[LazyGhost]

If i remember correctly its because the pads large size + absorbsion of compound polish = the DA not being powerfull enough to turn the pad when you are putting downward pressure on the DA. The DA is not powerfull enough to (in most cases) efficiently operate with the large pads. Thats why almost everyone uses a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads.

[AutowerxDetailing]

6.5" pads will work just fine on a DA.

Most prefer smaller diameter pads on a DA though for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that if you are using a DA for any form of paint correction you need to be able to maintain pad rotation. If the pad stops spinning you are no longer efficiently leveling paint and are therefor wasting time, product, electricity, and energy. Due to the basic design of how a free spinning DA machine works it is harder to maintain pad rotation using larger diameter pads. 5.5" and smaller pads allow you to use an appropriate speed and maintain pad rotation much more easily.

[Neothin]

I always used 4" pads in the past, and recently purchased a set of 6.5" ones. Having used both, i much prefer the 4's because of reasons stated above relating to the pads not spinning with the larger size

[Iron400]

I use smaller pads because of the reasons stated prior, plus ease of use. Most vehicles are smaller with complex curves, meaning the smaller pads are much for usable. Larger pads work great for flat larger surfaces like vans, boats, etc.

[ihaveacamaro]

they don't spin well. If your pads don't spin well, they don't correct well.

[umi000]

Larger pads = more mass = more power needed to rotate = easier to stop rotation = less correction

[cardaddy]

6.5" pads will work just fine on a DA.

Most prefer smaller diameter pads on a DA though for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that if you are using a DA for any form of paint correction you need to be able to maintain pad rotation. If the pad stops spinning you are no longer efficiently leveling paint and are therefor wasting time, product, electricity, and energy. Due to the basic design of how a free spinning DA machine works it is harder to maintain pad rotation using larger diameter pads. 5.5" and smaller pads allow you to use an appropriate speed and maintain pad rotation much more easily.

It has been said the the PC isn't quite up to the task of the larger pad, especially as it's loaded with liquid and used up paint. The GG is able to work the 6½" just fine. FWIW I have 3 backing plates for 4", 5½" & 6½" pads and use them all.