Porter Cable 7424 vs Ultimate Detailing Machine

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Strictly from my own research and from reading threads on multiple detailing boards, the prevailing opinions I read is that both of them are top notch. The UDM as some noobie features that are helpful what from what I could glean. The thing about the 7424 is that you can get one for 99 bucks by googling it.
 
You could also add the Meg's G110 to the list. I have a UDM due to theoretical superiority (more power) but the only real risk I took was that it was a new product without much history. The PC has a good reputation and be repaired at many places.
 
I've got the UDM and I love it! Before I bought it, I tried out a friend's PC 7424 and I didn't like how the PC bogged down when you put pressure on it. The UDM does not do this, so it's motor is definitely stronger. I also found the PC would vibrate too much and after a short period of time my hand was killing me. With the UDM it is so comfortable to use that I've used it for 8 hours in a row (taking only short breaks) and still wasn't uncomfortable at all.
 
Originally Posted By: Patman
I've got the UDM and I love it! Before I bought it, I tried out a friend's PC 7424 and I didn't like how the PC bogged down when you put pressure on it. The UDM does not do this, so it's motor is definitely stronger. I also found the PC would vibrate too much and after a short period of time my hand was killing me. With the UDM it is so comfortable to use that I've used it for 8 hours in a row (taking only short breaks) and still wasn't uncomfortable at all.



If your pushing down so hard to bog down the PC (I can't bog mine atleast on the faster settings) then you are pushing way to hard. You need to let the machine do the work.
 
I've owned a Porter Cable 7424 for several years and been very happy with it (never had it bog down, btw). That said, if I was buying a new polisher, I'd get either a Meguiars G-110 Dual-Action Machine Polisher or Flex XC3401VRG Dual-Action Polisher. I think the 7424 is the best value, but I'd prefer some of the features of the G-110 or the Flex. I haven't used an Ultimate Detailing Machine Model 1000 Car Polisher , but since the G-110 is similarly priced and has a better handle, I'd get it instead.
 
Originally Posted By: GMBoy



If your pushing down so hard to bog down the PC (I can't bog mine atleast on the faster settings) then you are pushing way to hard. You need to let the machine do the work.


I wasn't pushing hard enough on it to stall the motor completely mind you, but enough that you could feel it bogging down.
 
I've owned the 7424 for years and love it, but also would like to try out the UDM to see if I'm missing out on anything. The 7424 used to make my hands numb from the vibrations, so I upgraded to the heavier balance weight, which helped a LOT. Also, it does a little quicker job because it has more inertia with the heavier weight, which means it doesn't slow as easily if I push down too hard. I've never had to push so hard that it noticeably slowed down, if I had to remove a mark that bad I just use a different pad/polish combo.
 
Tried calling Autopia Car care today, all I get is a voice mailbox. It appears they might not be too customer service oriented as they have yet to return a call.
 
Originally Posted By: Patman
Originally Posted By: GMBoy



If your pushing down so hard to bog down the PC (I can't bog mine atleast on the faster settings) then you are pushing way to hard. You need to let the machine do the work.


I wasn't pushing hard enough on it to stall the motor completely mind you, but enough that you could feel it bogging down.



I know, your Corvette always looks great so I know you know how to use the machine. I do now understand what you mean, you can get the machine to bog when you are working on a problem spot (like a scratch) and you need some more pressure to buff it out. I have witnessed that.
 
Originally Posted By: ruralcarrier
Tried calling Autopia Car care today, all I get is a voice mailbox. It appears they might not be too customer service oriented as they have yet to return a call.


Autogeek is the big boy of the online detail houses.
 
ruralcarrier, I've ordered from Proper Auto Care for several years and always been happy. I'll bet they'd even pick up the phone and give you their honest opinion about any of these buffers.
 
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Thanks, I may give them a call. Autopia did call me back finally and were very nice but I am still undecided.
 
I ended up buying from Danase. I wanted Lake Country 5-in CCS pads and they are the only ones that carried them so I order the UDM at the same time. The UDM pricing is the same. Autogeek does carry a similar size now and many have kits. The kits often have stuff you really do not need (pad cleaner, etc). AG will often match a price of a competitor.
 
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Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: Patman
Originally Posted By: GMBoy



If your pushing down so hard to bog down the PC (I can't bog mine atleast on the faster settings) then you are pushing way to hard. You need to let the machine do the work.


I wasn't pushing hard enough on it to stall the motor completely mind you, but enough that you could feel it bogging down.



I know, your Corvette always looks great so I know you know how to use the machine. I do now understand what you mean, you can get the machine to bog when you are working on a problem spot (like a scratch) and you need some more pressure to buff it out. I have witnessed that.
I have a PC 7424. The only negative thing that I can say about it is that I sometimes use hearing protectors as the 7424 can be quite noisy up close. I love it. My vehicles look great.
 
I use either my Cyclo polisher or my Festool EQ150 ROS. The Festool can be easier to get into some spots but I usually manage OK with the Cyclo.

The Cyclo is hands down the best polisher I have ever used. Vibration is practically NIL, noise levels are acceptable and the finish is superlative.

If you have the $$$, consider one of these.

http://www.cyclotoolmakers.com/
 
I like the look of the UDM but does anyone have one of the Griots polishers? People have said they really prefer it to the PC.
 
I like the fact that I could convert my PC sander to a polisher without having to buy another tool. When needed, I can convert it back to a sander. Dual Use.
 
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