PVA QC Style

Alpha® PVA QC “Quick Change” System is a low speed version of the original PVA MS style and is designed for use on an aluminum snail-lock backer plate specifically developed for low speed polishing tools such as the AWP-158 and the AIR-680. Alpha® PVA QC will work on all of the same applications as the PVA MS style with the same excellence and quality. Marble shops, tile installers or anyone else that already has access to a low speed polishing tool will find that the Alpha® PVA QC system will speed up their productivity. The aluminum backer plate is attached to the polishing tool and each of the pads has a snail lock adapter. The adapter simply fits into place and locks on with a twisting motion. To remove the pads simply untwist and remove, then replace with the next grit. This “Quick Change” process saves time, increases productivity and is an Alpha® exclusive.

Question : Can I use water while polishing with PVA?

Answer : No. PVA is designed for DRY polishing only. If you get the PVA wet, it will act like a sponge and expand. PVA will be dangerous to use in this condition and may possibly disintegrate.

Question : Can I polish granite using PVA?

Answer : No. PVA is designed to polish soft material such as marble, travertine and onyx. Granite is a dense material and will wear away the PVA by causing the wheels to heat up and melt away. For Granite polishing, we recommend using Alpha® Ceramica or Ceramica EX which are wet polishing systems.

Question : What are the grit numbers of the PVA and which order do I use them?

Answer : The grit and color sequence is as follows: White (40), Red (80), Blue (220), Green (400) and Yellow (600).

Question : Can I skip grits?

Answer : No. PVA is designed to be used in sequence, as each higher grit disc removes the scratches left by previous grits. Skipping certain grits will make the time process longer and the life of your abrasives shorter. Also, the final polishing results on the material may not be satisfactory

Question : What is the maximum rpm which these PVA Quick Change wheels can be used?

Answer : The maximum rpm is 4,000, therefore, it must be used only on low-speed polishers and variable-speed grinders which can be adjusted down to 4000 RPM maximum.

Question : Should I use a buffing compound or wax to finish up?

Answer : No. One of the advantages of PVA is the beautiful finish it gives without using any wax.

Question : How do I mount PVA Quick Change (QC) onto the grinder or polishing tool?

Answer : You need to attach the Alpha® PVA-5/8 backer pad (sold separately) onto your grinder or polishing tool. This PVA-5/8 backer has 5/8" -11 threads on one side and uses a special snail lock (SFAT) adapter to hold the PVA Wheel. The PVA QC series easily snail locks right into the adapter making it easy to change grits. It is very important not to use this product on a high-speed tool.

Question : Can I use this product on a high speed grinder?

Answer : No. The maximum safe speed is 4,000. Alpha® sells a high speed PVA for use on high speed grinders.

Question : On which tools do these quick change wheels fit safely?

Answer : These wheels will work on the most common variable speed tools when used at the lower RPM ranges (less than 4,000 RPM). Aside from low speed polishing tools such as the Alpha® AIR-680, the following is a list of common popular tools that PVA Quick Change will work on. Makita # 9207 SPC 7" Sander/Polisher, Bosch # 9250 5" Angle Sander/Grinder, AEG # WP1900 7" Polisher, and Milwaukee # 5460, 5540, 5455, 5535 Polishers.

Question : I am using a PVA assortment kit and the white wheel wore out before the others, can I purchase individual pieces of PVA?

Answer : Yes. Alpha® offers PVA for individual sales, we call these “Single Packs”. You can also purchase PVA QC in boxes of five for each particular grit. (Please refer to the chart)

Question : Can PVA be used on metal?

Answer : Yes. PVA works very well on many different type of metal especially stainless steel. As a matter of fact, PVA was initially designed for the metal industry.

Question : Can I use PVA on glass?

Answer : Yes. After you cut or score the glass to size, we recommend using the PVA Red and PVA Blue to ease the edge of the glass.

Question : Does the backer pad come in other arbor sizes?

Answer : Yes. Please call for availability for optional arbor sizes.

Question : What is in the little bag that is packed with each PVA wheel?

Answer : It is drying compound of silica gel desiccant that prevents the PVA wheels from absorbing moisture.