Cyclo Backing Plate

[Pete]

My Christmas gift Cyclo is waiting 12 more days before it gets opened. I'm leaning toward the hook and loop pads made by Cyclo.

Question: for backing, can I buy a 3.5" backing plate for each head, or do I have to instead buy the hook and loop pad cover made by Cyclo?

Is the backing plate shaft size the same as the Cyclo requires?

[ballswaldo]

Just buy the hook and loop pad cover made by Cyclo. The backing plates on it already have a lot of cushioning on it. The plates are also different from the backing plates on a PC and rotary. So I dont know if you can use 3.5" backing plates on it :-k .

[Bob]

You can use the 3.5" backing plates without problem. A lot of people go this route because the grip of the hook and loop on the Cyclo rubber pad holders are really good and can be a pain to get off. However, I like the fact that they are hard to get off.

[Pete]

With my current machines, I normally don't remove a pad from its backing plate until it's time to discard the pad.

Aside from the frustration with getting them centered, I found that removal and reapplication wears the pad down to a point where it doesn't grip the backing plate as well.

That said, do you think it's smarter to buy several sets of backing plates and keep doing as I've done or will the Cyclo pads be OK to remove and reattach frequently?

[GearHead_1]

Edge is supposed to have a new 4" pad coming out that uses the Edge 2K system and fits the Cyclo. Might be worth a look. Centering a pad would never again be a problem.

[Pete]

Good point on the Edge. I've never used one of their pads in any form, though I've considered experimenting with them. I had been happy with what I used (Meguiar's and 3M), but I need more options with my newly purchased Cyclo.

I've heard some people complain about the Edge pads being too firm and leaving marring. My Cyclo is just for final finishing if I can't get things to my satisfaction with the rotary. Would The Edge work for this?

[GearHead_1]

I've thoroughly enjoyed my Edge pads. You are correct though depending upon which color is selected you can get either Durafoam or the traditional foam. I believe that people have a certain mindset that a color should be "X" level of aggressiveness but believe that is only relevant within a specific product line and that the assumption can't be taken from line to line. Not all manufacturers use the same color scale. Think about it this way if a pad is more firm it's cutting ability will be greater. That said go to the next softer pad or alter the compound being used. I have had no more problem with marring than when using either LC or Meguiar's pads.

[Pete]

Is their Durafoam too harsh for finishing? I don't know enough about their two grades of foam.

Perhaps this is a situation where I'll just have to order and experiment.