Ok... I've put in enough work to consider myself a senior noob, since I've actually made money polishing things, and selling them.
I bought a 3/4 buffer today, and I'm REALLY confused. Mind you, it's the first time I've ever bought one, AND the first time I've used one. The buffing pad has 5 pieces sewn together. I suppose it's good quality, however I'll learn through experience. Plus, it came with it. Brand new. Weird thing is that when I went to put the black emery on it, 1 1/2 inch pieces of thread went FLYING all over the place. I mean, it's like I'm taking a knife to the wheel. LOL Did I get a lemon of a pad, or is it going to stop

?
Thanks again to all.