clawhammer

What is the largest size pad that is safe to use with a 7424? I'm currently using either 6 or 6.5 inch Sonus SFX pads, and I was wondering if I could even move up to 8.5 inch to save time.

wanabe

interesting question...

who makes an 8" pad?? maybe you mean the 7.5s that are usually used on circular polishers?

i wonder if you really will get any more mileage out of the extra size even it you could use it. i assume you mean for polishing and not last stage products?

i have used my "more normal" size pads even on vans- lotsa paint to clean, but i just take my time and eventually get there. and i repeat it is an interesting question whether a bigger pad would do any more. so i am waiting to see if anyone has an answer to this too!

clawhammer

Autogeeek sells 8.5 inch foam pads.

http://www.autogeek.net/bfpk400.html

In the picture they show a Makita circular polisher, but I was wondering if that would work with a 7424. My guess is yes, but it would wear out the 7424 faster, since it's putting more work on the motor.

wanabe

yup i think you are right-
especially with the random action... i think it would wear down the machine sooner.
some one out there must be willing to give this a try!!

MikeyC

The larger pad would put too much stress on the PC's motor. Plus, you would not be able to do defect correction easily as the machine would not be able to move the pad as quickly.

You're really not going to be able to polish a car that much quicker with an extra inch on your pad anyway. The only ways to really increase your speed is through practice or by switching to a rotary.

clawhammer

I'd still like to hear from someone who has tried it

MikeyC

I have tried it. Bass (wrote the famous "how to detail your engine bay" thread) who posts here on occasion has the larger pads on his PC. I've done some detailing with him a few times and tried out his larger pads.