New Foam Cutting Disc Problem... Deteriorating?

[talonted]

Back at the end of January, I purchased a set of the new 5" foam discs. 2 cutting, 2 polishing, 2 finishing. I've loved the performance, but my cutting pads seem to be deteriorating. Not sure if they just have a shorter service life due to the increased "work" they do, or if it's my technique. I'm typically using either Ultimate Compound, M105, or M101. I prime the pad correctly, then apply 3 dime sized dots, work a panel, then move on. Typically running a harbor freight polisher on speed 5, and using the W67DA backing plate. I purchased another pad about a month ago, and it is starting to show signs of deterioration as well. I typically cycle through both (now all 3) pads on every vehicle I detail, and I'd guess that the 2 older pads have about 12 cars on them, and the 1 newer one has 5 or so. Any ideas/suggestions?

[talonted]

Re: New Foam Cutting Disc Problem... Deteriorating?

Anyone??? Bueller???

[The Guz]

Re: New Foam Cutting Disc Problem... Deteriorating?

Call customer service and see if they will replace them for you.

Related thread.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?63053-disappointed-(da-foam-cutting-disc-and-backing-plate)&p=562142&highlight=#post562142

[talonted]

Re: New Foam Cutting Disc Problem... Deteriorating?

Yeah, I don't really think they're "defective" per say (everyone else is having great luck with them), and as such it isn't really fair to make Meguiar's replace them. I think I'm maybe missing something in my "process" that is causing them to fail prematurely. Or maybe that is just their typical service life (in which case they're still a decent value I suppose). Just seeing if anyone has any ideas.

[davey g-force]

Re: New Foam Cutting Disc Problem... Deteriorating?

Are you cleaning them on the fly? i.e. after every couple of section passes?

[talonted]

Re: New Foam Cutting Disc Problem... Deteriorating?

I've been cleaning them more like after every 2 panels or so via pressing it into a folded up terrycloth towel and turning on the polisher on speed 3 with enough pressure to keep it from actually spinning, then letting up on the pressure and letting the pad spin into the cloth a couple revolutions before stopping. Think maybe this isn't often enough?

[davey g-force]

Re: New Foam Cutting Disc Problem... Deteriorating?

Maybe not.

And your method may not be not cleaning the residue out properly, if you're stopping the pad from spinning. I like to turn it up to about speed 5 and press down on the pad with a terry cloth whilst still letting the pad spin.

I also use a pad brush first, to get the bulk of the gunk out. Perhaps you should invest in one of those.

[Firehouse Mike]

Re: New Foam Cutting Disc Problem... Deteriorating?

Maybe not.

And your method may not be not cleaning the residue out properly, if you're stopping the pad from spinning. I like to turn it up to about speed 5 and press down on the pad with a terry cloth whilst still letting the pad spin.

I also use a pad brush first, to get the bulk of the gunk out. Perhaps you should invest in one of those.

I agree here, I use a pad brush followed by compressed air. I am still using some pads that are over 2 years old and like new still. Its possible there was a bad batch of foam, but i think rethinking your cleaning will help greatly. It does appear to be separating from too much product in the pad ( over saturation will cause product to sling to the outer edges of pad during rotation with resulting tears ) and also caues heat build up resulting in foam degradation.

Mike