Need pads/plate for a Craftsman 6" polisher

K

kickslop

New member
Yes, I know, please don't lay into me about not having the ultimate polisher. It's what I have, so please work with me :)



I'm in need of more proper supplies for the unit. You know, something other than the Craftsman bonnets.



I've looked around and it seems that the Sonus pads are made "for" the PC. And it seems like the DAS pads are made "for" The Ultimate Detailing Machine.



I am in the process of 1500 + 2000 wet sanding my new paint job (a nightmare story, but I am trying to move forward with positivity). So far I've done the hood, roof, trunk, and top of the rear bumper. I don't think I've destroyed anything yet, but after 9 hours I pretty much collapsed.



From what I can tell, I need:



* A backing plate to accept a certain line of pads

* A decent rubbing compound to start with + ?????? pad

* A semi-fine polish + ?????? pad. I own a full container of Griot's Garage Fine Polish, but I'm happy to use whatever someone recommends.



It's Xmas time and I am looking to place an order today with overnight shipping so that I have the supplies to do the work during my vacation time this weekend + Monday.



I beg for your help with consideration for what I have to work with.
 
the pads are just pads and can be used with any velcro BP



I am not sure where(or if) you can find a BP with that size spindle
 
I'm assuming this is a rotary. Any rotary velcro backing plate should work. Danase and Excel should carry them. LC CCS pads or Sonus 6 1/2 inch pads will work fine. I'd suggest a trip to the local paint supply store or CarQuest to get some 3M 3000 Rubbing compound. I'd also suggest a wool pad since you are trying to remove sanding scratches. Remember to tape creases, avoid edges and keep the machine moving at all times. Follow up with a milder polish such as Presta Ultra cutting creme light. Finish with a finishing polish such as Menzerna Final Polish 2 or Sonus.
 
5/16 24 threads is what I've read for the PC etc... :(



I just went out to CarQuest and picked up 3M Perfect-It III compound and Meguiar's Number 9, so that's a start. The rubbing compound I was using after wet sanding was taking fooooreeevveerr -- at least 3 full applications to get things remotely cut down. I'll be careful with the 3M at first ;)
 
I try to stay away from 1500 grit when possible. I usually find that 2000 will get most defects, with a little patience, without leaving 'deep' tracks. Then, I make several passes with 4000 (yes, 4000) and then finish with a medium cut polish like Meg's #83.



Good Luck, sorry about your situation...



JB
 
kickslop,



You haven’t even told us what machine you have yet. Sears had made lots of different ones.



Is it a rotary or an orbital? What’s the part number/model number? Can you post a pic?





PC.
 
kickslop,



You haven’t told us what machine (part number/model number) you have. From the threading you mentioned it sounds like the rotary.



BigJimZ28’s right about plate threading. The bottom line is that nobody makes a standard backing plate that fits the Sears rotary because it doesn’t follow the standard.



You’d need to either make an adaptor, modify a standard plate to the oddball Sears threading or modify a Sears plate to be Velcro compatible.





PC.
 
Yes, it's the rotary model (they only make 1 rotary that I can see).



Bummer! I'll have to make do with what I've got for now then.



Thanks for the replies, everyone!
 
I guess I learned my lesson.



I'm going to sell off my 10" Craftsman random orbital waxer/buffer as well as this 6" Craftsman rotary polisher.



I ordered a UDM unit + some pads with my new Autopia.org member discount. THANKS for the savings!
 
A rotary and a wool pad should make quick work of the wet sanding scratches. The rotary will be much gast than a PC/UDM at removing sand scratches.
 
I'd suggest a different finishing polish than #9. It's so mild as to be almost useless and its full of oils. Maybe try one of the 3m swirl removers or Megs 80. Did you order any polishes when you got the UDM?



I'm not sure what the backing plate looks like for the sears rotary but you might be able to get a sheet of velcro and cut it to size and attach it with some Gorilla glue.
 
kickslop said:
I'll keep the rotary for a few weeks then :)
Click to expand...

I saw a 1/2 inch H and L BP at Harbor freight the other day, I went to get a 3 and 5 inch Hook and loop for a rotary, got them both for less than 10 bucks, they seem to be holding up fine.
 
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