How to choose a backing pad: diamond, polishing or hook-and-loop
The right backing pad depends on the material you are working. For cured concrete, bricks, roof tiles and natural stone you need a diamond backing pad or a diamond cup wheel; for polishing stone, a polishing pad; for sanding metal and wood, a hook-and-loop support for abrasive or fibre discs. In every case the diameter and bore must match the machine (the data show diameters from 50 to 180 mm and bores of 14.2 and 22.2 mm), and the maximum speed of the backing pad must never be lower than that of the tool.
The types
- Segmented diamond backing pad: disc with diamond segments for grinding and wearing down concrete, bricks and stone, such as the Fervi D040/115 segmented diamond backing pad or the 180 mm model, the D040/180.
- Diamond cup wheel: a cup with a single row, double row or Turbo segments, which removes more material and is fitted to a grinder. An example is the DeWalt DT3795-QZ single-row diamond cup wheel.
- Backing pad for fibre discs and flexible plastic pad: support for abrasive discs on an angle grinder. The DeWalt DT3610-QZ backing pad is for angle grinders; the Milwaukee flexible plastic backing pad is 110 mm, for 115 mm grinders.
- Polishing pad: for polishing, in materials such as lambswool or nylon, like the DeWalt DT3622-QZ polishing pad.
- Backing pads for stone (Plato series): the Plato Quattro Fast line from Sea Technology is for working and polishing stone, in a sequence of grits.
How to choose by job
| Job | What to choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding cured concrete, bricks, roof tiles | Diamond backing pad or cup wheel | The diamond segments wear down hard material. |
| Granite and natural stone | Diamond backing pad, then pads of increasing grit | First you level, then you bring it to a polish in sequence. |
| Porcelain stoneware, clinker, fresh concrete | Check the data sheet: some versions are only adequate | In the data some diamond backing pads are rated "adequate" on these materials. |
| Metal and wood | Hook-and-loop support with abrasive or fibre discs | You fit the grit you need and change it quickly. |
| Final polishing | Polishing pad | You work with light pressure on an already smoothed surface. |
The features to look at
Diameter (mm). In the collection there are pieces from 50 to 180 mm. It must match the discs you fit and stay within the machine's guard.
Bore (mm). Mostly 22.2 mm (some models also give 19 for the larger diameters), and 14.2 mm for others. It must match the machine's spindle.
Material. Diamond, resin, thermoplastic, rubber, nylon, lambswool: it varies according to the use, whether abrasion, support or polishing.
Segment height (mm). For diamond ones it ranges from about 2 to 6 mm. A taller segment lasts longer.
Material compatibility. Some data sheets rate "excellent" or "good" for cured concrete, bricks, roof tiles, granites and natural stone, and "adequate" for porcelain stoneware, clinker and fresh concrete. Read the data sheet of the model you are buying.
Common mistakes
- Not checking the maximum speed. The backing pad must withstand at least the tool's rpm, otherwise it is dangerous.
- Fitting it with the machine switched on or off-centre. It is fitted with the machine stopped and well centred.
- Using a diamond pad on the wrong material. On porcelain stoneware or fresh concrete the result may be only adequate.
- Skipping grits when polishing. Stone pads must be used in sequence, dry or with water as indicated.
- Pressing too hard. Work flat with light pressure, going from coarse to fine grits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a backing pad and a diamond cup wheel?
The cup wheel removes more material and is more aggressive; the diamond backing pad does finer work on the surface. The choice depends on the material and on how much you need to remove.
Is it used dry or with water?
It depends on the model: follow the product's instructions. Stone pads are used in a sequence of grits, dry or with water as indicated.
How do I know whether it is compatible with my grinder?
Compare the diameter and bore with those of the machine and check that the maximum speed of the backing pad is not lower than that of the tool.
All the models are in the backing pads collection: to choose the right one for your machine or to ask for a quote, contact the AMES technicians.
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