Need recommendations on 6,5" pads?

[Thlian]

I need som inputs on what pads to use on a full car detail staging.
What they are called and how many and which types I need.....

Bought myself a 6 inch Makita polishing machine

[Nica]

First of all welcome to AG and congrats on the purchase.

As for pads, well I have both the Lake Country 6" pads and the Edge 2000 6.5" pads. Both pads are great, I like the Edge pads because they are two pads in one and that they are automatically centered due to there adaptor that goes on your machine. If you have a rotary, you will have to purchase the rotary adaptor, not the DA adaptor.

AG has great selection but I would encourage you to look at a package, you can get the Edge pads plus other goodies for a really good price. If your doing a complete detail I guess it depends on the vehicle but I would at least get orange pads, green pads and white pad...at least.

As to how many, I got two sets but one set will do just fine. If they get too dirty to use simply clean, spin dry and away you go. I like having two sets because I can simply remove the dirty one and install a new clean pad and away I go.

Hope this helps.

[Thlian]

How do I know if that adapter will fit my machine?

[Thlian]

By the way, what would be a better choice?
The 6 inch or 8 inch??

[Nica]

Well all rotary's are a standard size and the Edge adaptor will fit it...trust me, I got one and it fits perfect.

As for the pads, I prefer 6 inch. I have some 8 inch pads but I prefer the control that the 6 inch pads give you and not to mention that with the 8 inch pads they won't fit in hard to reach areas....well that's just my opinion on them. There is no wrong or right really, it's just preferance. I have them because in large flat areas like the hood or roof you could use the 8 inch pads but I still prefer the 6 inch.

[Thlian]

Well all rotary's are a standard size and the Edge adaptor will fit it...trust me, I got one and it fits perfect.

European rotary`s as well?

It`s just that the 6 inch is too thick to get into tight areas!

[orngez]

hmmm...i am a little worried if you are starting off with a rotary as your first machine...I hope you have some prior experience with it? if you need any guidance on it make sure you do your research before even turning the machine on...if you at least have prior experience with a da polisher congrats on upgrading to the big leagues of polishing

[Nica]

European rotary`s as well?

It`s just that the 6 inch is too thick to get into tight areas!

mmm....well you got me there on the European rotary's. I'm not sure if there is a difference to be honest. If all fails you can phone Edge to double check. Sorry I don't have there number handy. I know I have it because I phoned in a few times drilling them about there pads. I'll look for it, if I find it I'll send you a PM...or perhaps if anyone has the number handy please post it.

Now as for the 6 inch pads too thick, well that's why I have the 4 inch pads too. I'm not saying you need to have them but they do come in handy here and there. When you say thick, what exactly do you mean? Reason I ask is because if you are going to be removing swirls and scratches it's all on paint surface...why do you need it to be thin? I can't picture where the thickness of the pad would come in to affect that's all.

[Thlian]

Inside door handles for example.....

I was a bit frightened by the edge pads when I saw what they can do if you put too much weight on center when going around curves!! It`s very possible to scratch the paint

I`m not gonna call Edge, but I can e-mail them, if anybody has their address?

[Thlian]

Btw. what`s recommended to use? Durafoam or the wave pads?