Pads and polisher

[JHZR2]

A number of years ago I bought a PC random orbital. Used it a bunch, but then stopped generally due to the hassle of the pads, the fact that some areas still needed to be done manually, etc.

Now that we have a minivan, there's just such a huge expanse of metal that I'm thinking of getting back to using a machine.

All my pads are Lake County (iirc), 4" size, and I've lost track of most of their status. I have maybe six or seven.

So I'm thinking of getting all new pads, if not a new polisher. I was watching ammo NYC on YouTube the other day, Nd saw a 3" unit that seemed much better in tight and trim constrained spaces.

So, recommendations on pads and polisher? Should I keep the PC set up for 4" and get a different 3"? Should I set up the PC for 3" pads?

Fwiw, my intent is an AIO and/or paint prep and then application of some wax/sealant.

Thanks!

 

[Rand]

you should go with a 5" or 6" for the main work.

get a DA not just an orbital or rotary.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7424XP-6-Inch-Variable-Speed-Polisher/dp/B002654I46

the PORTERCABLE 7424XP is pretty much the benchmark tool. You can also convert it to 5" with different backing plate and such.


If you want to buy a non-pos tool at harbor freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-69924.html

It is actually quite good.

 

[Propflux01]

Go with the 6" lake country pads and 5" backing plate on a PC or (what I use) the HF equivalent. Been using that combo for 4 years now and not a lick of trouble. The only thing I did to the HF DA was bought and extension cord and replaced the short cord on the DA with it. Now I have 25ft of cord and no plug to bang around on the vehicle.

 

[JHZR2]

I already have the PC 7424

My issue is that some of my pads lol to be in questionable state, I may not have cleaned all of them, I don't recall which "cut" versus just spread product, etc. so I'm looking to invest a few bucks to get everything straight, new and able to do things right.

If that means there's some benefit to having some bigger and some smaller pads on two machines, I'm ok with that. I'm more concerned with accuracy and control near trim, handles, etc., and also when working on a ladder on the roof of the car (even at (6 ft 4+, I can't get to the center of the odyssey roof easily).

So I need to have the right tools for the job.

I'm not keen on cutting finishes as a matter of regular practice. I'd prefer to be as gentle as possible.

 

[kbmag1]

For a PC 7424, don't go larger then 5"backing plate with 5" pads. The PC doesn't have enough power to keep the larger pads spinning. Basic set up for LC pads, orange -3, white -3, black -1 or adjust quantity based on paint condition. OTC, meg ult compound and ultimate polish will work well.

 

[greenjp]

Hope you don't mind if I piggyback on your thread...

When you say the "orange, white, and black" pads, are you talking about what Amazon calls the hex-logic "medium-heavy cutting pad", "light-medium polishing pad", and "finishing pad" respectively?

The orange being used with compound, white with polish, and black with wax correct? Thanks!

jeff

 

[JHZR2]

LC = Lake County - a common manufacturer of pads available in a lot of places.

 

[The Critic]

I've been really with happy with the new line of low-profile foam "discs" from Meguiars. Their new burgundy pads have been fantastic at cutting and finishing, and the low-profile design allows a lot more power to be transferred -- which is fantastic if you're using a DA polisher. Give them a look...