I have a six inch Power Pad that has some damaged foam around the edge. I was thinking about making it into a four inch pad that I could use for foiling fins. Before trying to reshape it I figured it might be a good idea to ask how others perform this operation. I was just thinging about clamping my variable speed grinder to the workbench, putting it on level 2 or 3 (out of 5), and holding a utility knife at the desired radius to make the cut. Is this the best way to do it? I was also thinking about using a Dremel instead of the utility knife, but figured that it might burn the foam.
Hi swied, The safest way to cut down a Power Pad is to determine the size with a pen. Then using a machine, take a 36 grit hard back disc and press it to the side while running the machine. This will take the pad down in size but you will also keep the Power Pad in perfect circle shape unlike like cutting. Hope this helps my friend. Be careful! Mahalo,larry
Perfect! Thanks Larry. That looks a lot safer than using a utility knife. I'm glad I asked.
heres one for ya Mr Larry,,,
what if I want to enlarge a powerpad
I was thinking of glueing on a larger disc of 3/4" thick neopream for an ultra soft pad
that would cover more area
your thoughts please
Old PowerPads can be cut down or added to, giving them a new life and/or purpose. Hopefully this doesn't cut into Larry's sales of new ones too much.
The old ones with torn-up edges are ideal for making ''squishy pads'' that work great for finish shaping. Just glue some upholstery foam 1'' or 2'' thick onto the pad, paper can be glued on also because it'll last for thousands of boards (if only used on foam). DON"T try to ''shape'' with it, just take out scratches. Slow machine also a must, too many rpms will disintegrate pad. Going larger diameter (as Ken is asking) will put more strain on pad also, maybe Larry can address that more directly; I've never tried it.
Trying different thicknesses and densities of add-on foam can result in some specialized pads for HC sanding too.
Ken, Never tried that but Mike is right some guys add to the pad for super softs like a sponge to do rails. I am not sure the proper way to do that I usally go to cut down size in my world on fins, never foamie thick like in the surfboard world. I have some reject parts ken before they get reworked that you can experiment with. Call me! Mahalo,Larry
cool Larry
I love rejects,,,,,, makes me feel at home,,,,,Ha Ha\
I better throw in the cautionary note if I'm going to talk about the squishy pads on blanks. Too many rpms, fresh ''grabby'' paper, or pushing down on the pad (among other things) can cause the nearly finished blank to fly off the rack. You will invent some new curse words.
Some super 77 and some rounds cut from those dense foam workout mats makes for really great sanding pads. I wish I could post photos and I would show the home made set I have they work great. The only problem is that I only have one density.
Shape and bevel the edges using the above method with 40 grit on a hard sanding block.
T