Porter Cable 7424 is the bomb!!!

[daman]

Originally Posted By: 02zx9r
Kevin Brown Method is pretty good, i think it puts a lot of pressure on the unit, plus pads go quicker.

But as long as it works right

Allot of good reading in that thread, wow

 

[Dyoel182]

Originally Posted By: bretfraz
I can say I have some time with the Flex and I would not use it. The Flex is a challenging machine to use and I can get the same results with the cheaper, easier to use PC.


The Flex is a serious machine. I have one friend that swears by it for his detailing business and another that is scared of it.

 

[bretfraz]

Originally Posted By: Dyoel182
Originally Posted By: bretfraz
I can say I have some time with the Flex and I would not use it. The Flex is a challenging machine to use and I can get the same results with the cheaper, easier to use PC.


The Flex is a serious machine. I have one friend that swears by it for his detailing business and another that is scared of it.


Yeah, it's kind of a strange machine. It rotates in the opposite direction of other polishers, so the action feels different. It's really torquey which is good for polishing but physically AND mentally challenging to use. The lack of interchangable backing plates limits the pad selection. On top of all that, its expensive.

I don't know.... I liked the idea of the Flex (one great machine replacing several others) but in hands-on application, it is sort of in limbo. Having used one on several details, I don't think I'd buy one.

Nice machine, though. Well made. Just doesn't fit into my detailing process.

 

[dkryan]

I'd really like to try one of the PCs and some LC pads instead of the detailing work by hand that I normally do (and it, too, takes all day and wears you out).

Who has a car or two they'd let me practice on after they sign a written waiver of my liability for any damage I might inflict?

 

[Dyoel182]

Oh you wont cause any damage with a PC and a foam pad.

 

[MKZman]

I have used M105/M205 and it is the best results combo I have used to date.

M105 can leave marring if you do not prime the pad right, use enough polish, or over work it to clearing or dusting but M205 will fix it. M205 is quite flexible. If the pad is primed and enough polish (few drops) it will finish very very nicely after a few passes. It is fairly idiot proof. There is no waiting for it to break down by watching it like watching for water to boil.

I found if you used Meg's pads it works exactly as directed with great results.

 

[Jim 5]

What size of backer plate should be used with a 4" pad? I believe my PC has the balance weight for a 5.5" pad.

 

[bretfraz]

Originally Posted By: Jim 5
What size of backer plate should be used with a 4" pad? I believe my PC has the balance weight for a 5.5" pad.


3.5" but double check with your pad supplier.

Don't worry about the counterweight, has no effect at your pad size. Can't do much about it, anyway.

 

[Dyoel182]

Originally Posted By: bretfraz
Don't worry about the counterweight, has no effect at your pad size. Can't do much about it, anyway.


You're right. It affects the size of the backing pad which affects the pad size.

 

[Jim 5]

You can buy different sized counterweights for the PC each for different sized backer plates.

 

[Dyoel182]

Originally Posted By: Jim 5
You can buy different sized counterweights for the PC each for different sized backer plates.


Yes you can but most people dont bother. They just leave the 5" weight in place regardless of what they use.

 

[freeze12]

Where is the best "cheapest" place to buy pads for the "Porter Cable 7424"??.....Thanks!

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: freeze12
Where is the best "cheapest" place to buy pads for the "Porter Cable 7424"??.....Thanks!

Cruse this site and watch for sales from the site sponsors. Or any automotive detailing site.

 

[02zx9r]

excel detailing has 4"pads pretty cheap, and backing plates

 

[Dyoel182]

Originally Posted By: freeze12
Where is the best "cheapest" place to buy pads for the "Porter Cable 7424"??.....Thanks!


I think autogeek is having a sale right now. Use the code memday09 for 15% off right now. I just ordered 6 5.5" polishing pads for myself.

 

[freeze12]

Thanks for the info. on where to get the pads.How do You clean these pads as they are glued on? I have never used a foam pad as I am used to the old "Lambs Wool" pads.Also..that white pad that came with My new Porter cable,what is that pad used for as the instructions that came with the PC are basic.

 

[Dyoel182]

The pad that comes with the PC is pretty bad and shouldnt be used unless you're just eager to get started and your new pads havent come yet. The easiest way to clean the pads is with some warm water in a bucket where they can soak a little and then squeeze them out. Then just set them out to dry foam side down or the glue can technically come undone and mess things up.

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: freeze12
Thanks for the info. on where to get the pads.How do You clean these pads as they are glued on? I have never used a foam pad as I am used to the old "Lambs Wool" pads.Also..that white pad that came with My new Porter cable,what is that pad used for as the instructions that came with the PC are basic.

the only glue is what holds the velcro backing onto the pad then it velcro holds to the backing plate on your PC, to clean use Dawn power dissolver you can get it at Walmart,spray it on let set 15-20 mins then massage clean under warm water will clean,works very good.

that stock white pad is kinda usless,could be used i guess.

 

[Dyoel182]

Woo hoo my UDM just got here! Reading the thread made me decide I needed to order another one to replace one that "walked" off years ago. Not sure if I'll get a chance to use it this weekend or memorial day weekend but the hood is gonna get some polish time for sure.

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: Dyoel182
Woo hoo my UDM just got here! Reading the thread made me decide I needed to order another one to replace one that "walked" off years ago. Not sure if I'll get a chance to use it this weekend or memorial day weekend but the hood is gonna get some polish time for sure.

I hear ya i only used my PC once and i'm so itching to use it again,awsome results i tell ya.

love it.