Some thoughts on Megs versus Lake Country pads

Thanks for the reply Bufferman. It sounds like the VC pads are more designed for the rotary then for the PC or Cyclo. I realize your 4" pads are actually intended to be spot pads used in a rotary action. But they don't actually have the tapered up edge of the larger pads, the whole pad is basically the center pocket.



Perhaps VC pads aren't the best choices from the LC product range for orbital use, then? If only this thread were started about 3 days earlier... :(
 
Its not that they are not good, its just that every patented pad we have can be used in different ways. Some people prefer to use them one way and some prefer other ways. It depends more on the users preference.
 
cheapshot said:
I drew a picture of the LC Curved Edge Variable Contact (VC) Pad. I have no Idea if it is correct, But this is the way I understand it. This is basicly why I prefer flat pads. But I'm just starting out with detailing and still learning lots. Let me know if you think otherwise or if you agree?



7893curved_edge_variable_contact__vc__pad_drawing.jpg
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I'd think the pressure would be even, because you are putting a good 3 lbs on it and that will flatten the foam.



this is a great topic though guys!
 
Eliot Ness said:
Good picture Cheapshot! I ordered two each of the white and orange pad when SMP had the 20% off sale. While I thought they'd be 6.5" pads, they are the 7.5" pads shaped like your drawing.



According to LC these pads give you more surfaces to use:



- Use flat for full panel polishing.

- Tilt the back of the machine to spot polish on the outer 1/3 of the pad.

- Use the pad on edge for polishing seams and getting into corners.

- Use the underside of the pad when polishing around mirrors and aerodynamic wings.



While I'm more comfortable with my 6.5" flat pads, I may come to like these.
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I just ordered their 7.5"'rs too. Tomorrow will be my first chance at using them. I ordered the orange and white. I'll report my findings :)
 
HotRodGuy said:
I'd think the pressure would be even, because you are putting a good 3 lbs on it and that will flatten the foam.



this is a great topic though guys!
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Yes, but on the edge you have 3" of foam flattened to 1.5" , and in the middle you have 1.75" of foam flattened to 1.5". So the pressure and density is not the same.
 
But if you put pressure on the 3 inch foam side, wouldnt it make sense that more pressure flattens out the foam, resulting in more pad in contact with surface? Just curious.
 
I think we are just talking about different usage. You are talking about using the edge/angling it on a rotary. I'm talking using it flat on a PC or Cyclo. The pad sounds like it's made more for the former than the latter, which is perfectly fine. It's just I was under the impression it was designed for both (plus I don't believe you sell a flat 4" pad). :wavey



Edit: Also, are you talking about the Curved Edge VC pads, or the regular VC pads? The regular ones don't seem to have very much edge past the concave center.



And as an aside, I wonder why most vendors sell the grey ones sold as the finishing pads, when LC has a blue pad that's less aggressive?
 
The blue pads dont have a "mechanical" ability. They are mainly used for transferring product onto a surface. Like a glaze or sealer. Autogeek does sell the blue pads.
 
bufferman71,

What sizes does LC make there flat pads?

What colors or abrasiveness do they come in?

Could I order directly from LC?

Because everyone seem to carry curved ones, I only use PC. Could the yellow cutting be used with PC?



I'm looking for 6.5 flat Orange, Green, White, Blue, and maybe Yellow if it can be used.



Any comparisons between Meguiar's Burgundy and LC yellow?



Thanks



PS. I'm also interested in the flat 4" what size backing plate would be needed? Sorry for all the question.
 
I dont like to sell directly, id prefer to go through our distributors. Next week I will post part number, descriptions, aggressions, colors, the whole nine yards on pads. If you email me off the website, i will forward the info on to you. thanks and happy holidays
 
cheapshot said:
I don't know about this:

- Use the underside of the pad when polishing around mirrors and aerodynamic wings.



Maybe when applying a cleaner product or sealant/wax. But has anyone tried polishing or removing defects in these areas with LC pads in these manners? :nixweiss
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Yep! I've used the standard LC VC, not the curved edge. But since the question relates to the VC aspect and concave surface, I have to say that it works brilliantly.



Because the concave surface *hugs* curves, it provides a better contact surface for defect removal. A flat pad would have most of its surface in the air resulting in slower results, more product sling, and lots of dusting. Even on a flat surface I found the above observations to be true.



As I understand the theory behind how they work, all of the downward pressure is concentrated on the raised edge (same pressure, less area) resulting in a greater cutting effect without the need to go to a more aggressive pad.



These two cars are almost all curves. The flats pads were no where near as effective as the VC pads. The initial state of the blue Jag was shocking. They were both completed using LC VC orange pads, except for the finishing polish, where I used a Megs polishing pad.



17477sm_hpim2941.jpg




17477smhpim2884.jpg
 
:drool:









I got a chance to use the 7.5" pads, and I really wasn't impressed. It had a hard time applying product evenly for some reason. I'm going to talk to CMA about returning the one I didn't use. It was the orange pad btw.





BTW, this was used w/ a PC
 
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