backing pads for grinders - what do you use?

[Vinko]

What are you all using for backing pads? We're doing a lot of grinding (several guys for 8 hour shifts) and I've noticed that the Bosch type pad (black) with the recessed locknut (that holds down the 3m sanding disc) is pretty good because it doesn't come into contact with the work piece.

The Metabo pad (white) is a lot better made, and I like the flexibility it affords on edges but the locknut is raised and it's easier to hit the work piece.

That and the Bosch is a hell of a lot more expensive than the Metabo.

I'm running Metabo W-8 115 grinders. 5/8 spindle.

There's probably a better pad out there, just wondering what you all are using?

 

[mike13u]

For steel grinding and blending we use 3M backing pads with different densities—Soft, Medium, Hard and Extra-Hard. They are color coded. The 3M Cubitron abrasives are incredible. Even their less expensive 782C fibre discs are light years ahead of others.
For stainless finish work and polish we will use soft backers from Diskit.
On the air tools we use Dynabrade's softer pads on the ROs or 3M roloc backers on the air disc sanders.

 

[Superbec]

3m are very nice .. I think they came up with this format

Truly incredible grinding , don't understand why people keep using stones ...