Thanks Nathan  -   I saw that foam pad somewhere and thought about trying it but I don't remember a 1" pad.   I have a ton of 2" velcro discs that I use on the drill press to sand the bottom after I glue in the plug.
Also, I don't care for the thick walls, it makes the bowl look like it was turned.
I going to look around for the 1" disc and foam pads  - a 1" and a 2"