DA and Backing plate/pad ???'s

**Bugdude** · 03-17-2015, 01:43 PM

I have seen on here that it is recommended to go with the LC-43-125DA Dual Action 5 Inch Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate for a da,

and was wondering why the 5 inch is chosen over the 6 inch?

If i switched to the smaller backing plate above what size pad would you recommend?

**Rsurfer** · 03-17-2015, 02:52 PM

What DA are you using? If it's a Griot's 6" it won't matter as it has enough power to spin the 6/6.5" pads. If you have the Porter Cable then the 5" bp with 5.5" pads would give you more correcting power which the PC lacks.

**Evan.J** · 03-17-2015, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by Rsurfer

What DA are you using? If it's a Griot's 6" it won't matter as it has enough power to spin the 6/6.5" pads. If you have the Porter Cable then the 5" bp with 5.5" pads would give you more correcting power which the PC lacks.

In addition to the above I feel the 5" pad offer more control for those new to polishing

**Bugdude** · 03-17-2015, 08:20 PM

It is the Harbor Freight model.

could not resist getting it...it was free!

**MaakoF** · 03-17-2015, 09:09 PM

In my opinion, the 5.5 inch Pads specially those low profile pads allow quicker and effective work compared to the 6.5 pads..

**lawrenceSA** · 03-18-2015, 01:20 AM

With a free spinning DA the smaller the pad, the better it is going to cut. Not only is there less mass to spin but the machine's power is being spread over a smaller area with less surface area of the pad causing frictional drag.

Additionally the smaller pad will allow you to keep the pad face flat against the paint on convex/concave panels for longer than a bigger pad would.

Also, a thinner pad will transfer the machine's power to the working surface of the pad better than a thick one.

On these types of machines I really like the Lake Country 5.5" Hydrotechs....

**Desertnate** · 03-18-2015, 08:07 AM

I really like the 5" plate and 5.5" pads on my HF. I do find the pads work better than larger ones with that machine. I also find the slightly smaller pad fits better when working around the contours of a vehicle.

**Bugdude** · 03-18-2015, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Desertnate

I really like the 5" plate and 5.5" pads on my HF. I do find the pads work better than larger ones with that machine. I also find the slightly smaller pad fits better when working around the contours of a vehicle.

just curious...what plate did you get for your HF DA?