Backing Pads

Backing pad is manufactured with durable phenolic plastic, premium molded urethane and nylon hook, which results in a flexible and highly resilient backing pad that minimizes heat transfer and conforms precisely to each curve and contour, with balanced and vibration-free operation, thereby producing exceptionally uniform sanding and polishing finishes. Max rpm 12,000.

Pad features quick and easy sanding disc or polishing pad changes with the hook and loop attachment system. The pad's closely arranged nylon hooks on the pad face prevent sanding or polishing pad from shifting, spinning or detaching.

Used with hook and loop sanding discs or polishing pads on wood, metal, plastics, automobiles, stone, floor, countertops sanding and polishing applications. The hook and loop backing pads with 8mm drill adapter for use on angle grinders, electric drills and other pneumatic and electric tools. 

Backing pad size, relative to the size of the polishing pad, is important because foam pads do a poor job of transferring the orbital motion of the polisher into useful polishing motion where the polisher meets the paint. This is called the working surface. Much like a bowl of jell-o that giggles on itself, the foam absorbs much of orbital motion of the machine. With out an efficient transfer of the orbital movement we are left with a low speed rotary polisher.

To reduce the amount of orbital movement absorbed in the pad we must use down force, or pressure applied to the head of the polisher, to compress the pad. Using a properly sized backing pad allows for the an even amount of compression across the entire area of the pad; increasing the polishing area of the pad and making it more efficient. A backing pad that is too small will only compress the area of the pad that is directly underneath it, reducing the amount of the pad that is able to polish effectively.

Generally, you want to use the largest diameter backing pad that will safely mount the polishing pad you are using. 

There are many factors that can affect the smoothness of your sand, like the size and shape of the surface, the grit of the abrasive and the pressure of the machine. An backing pad can influence all these factors, but if you understand how they work, you can use an backing pad in the right situations and in the right way.
 

Flexibility
The backing pad provides an extra layer of cushion, allowing the disc to move more freely against it before your abrasive hits the surface. This can be good for curved or complicated surfaces. Your disc will conform to a rounded edge and sand it as easily as it would a flat surface, preventing jagged edges or an uneven sand.
 

Even pressure
With an backing pad, the pressure from the machine is spread out, making it more consistent across your surface. Even pressure will offer clear improvements, especially on delicate or soft surfaces where nicks and gouges are more noticeable.
The consistency you can get from using an backing pad makes them great for flat surfaces as well. Human error could lead to increased pressure on one side or holding the machine at an angle. This natural movement might cause divots or an uneven surface. A pad will absorb these movements and redistribute the pressure more evenly, so you get a smooth, even finish.
 

Comfort
The cushion of an backing pad helps to absorb vibration, particularly the lateral side-to-side movements of a strong sander. A comfortable machine with less vibration can help lower your risk of ergonomic-related injuries. Hand-arm vibration has been attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome and directly injures the fingers and hands. It restricts blood flow to these extremities and can affect your feeling, dexterity and grip. An ergonomic injury like carpal tunnel syndrome in a shop environment can be detrimental to your work. Any effort to reduce vibration risks can help immensely.
 

Control
Any machine with this type of motion can be difficult to control, but working with an uneven surface can make it especially temperamental. The sander can wander in another direction or jerk across the surface erratically. Of course, this can lead to dips and nicks in the surface you are working on, but it can also be a hazard to your workshop. Uncontrollable machinery at high velocities are accidents waiting to happen. An backing pad can help with this. The increased flexibility and redistribution of pressure that a pad offers can make a sander much easier to control and safer for your workplace.
In addition to increased safety, enhanced control offers you better influence over how your sand affects your project. You can more easily direct your sander where it needs to go and adjust pressure accordingly, so you see even results.
 

Materials
An backing pad generally softens the impact that your sander and discs see. The cushioning effect makes the powerful vibrations of your machine less damaging to the materials. It can slow down the wear and tear process and keep your discs running better.
All these features can provide your finished product with a higher standard of quality and improve the efficiency of your work and environment. The backing pad is great to use with many types of sanding, offering smoother results that won't ruin a delicate or curvy piece. 

To ensure your power sander's proper function, change your backing pad regularly.

In general, you should change your backing pad at least once a month. This rule of thumb may also vary based on how often you use a particular machine and the types of projects you use it for. If you don't use the sander very often, you should be able to stretch the change interval out to every three to six months.

Here are some other signs that it's time to switch out your backing pad:

● Change in color: Compare your old pad to a new one. If it looks faded, the foam is likely degrading, and it's time to switch out the pad.

● Worn face material: Look at the face material on both the pad and sanding disc. If hooks are broken or wearing off, or if you find adhesive buildup on the pad, you will need to replace it.

● Worn edges: Examine your pad's edges. If the foam looks cracked or worn, you need a new pad.

If you're using a hook and loop pad, you can test the condition of the hooks by covering about a third of the pad with your sanding disc. If you're still able to lift the disc, the pad is still usable.