Is something wrong with my new PC 7424???

brig2221 · 03-29-07, 06:11

I just got a Porter Cable 7424 and am awaiting the delivery of my Edge Pad system along with Poorboys SSR2.5.

In the meantime, I finally decided to play around with it a bit, and I have a couple questions.

First question. My porter cable came delivered with a 5" backing plate already screwed in that states "use 5 inch pads only". It also came with a 6" backing plate that states "use 6 inch pads only". I went ahead and removed the backing plate and don't have one screwed into place at the moment. My first question is, are you supposed to have a backing plate screwed in when using the PC 7424?

Next question. I have seen plenty of videos online showing the PC 7424 in use, and none of them seem to use the screw in handle for the PC. Is there any reason for this?

Lastly, ALL of the videos I have seen of the PC 7424 in action show them starting off on level 2-3 to spread compounds, and then dial up to a 5 or 6 to work the compound in, all the while being held by one hand. When I turned my PC7424 on a second ago, the thing felt it was going to completely come apart due to the vibrations of the motor after about level 3, and I don't think there is anyway I could hold it with one hand given those vibrations.

Is something wrong with my new PC 7424, or are they normally that loud and have that much vibration, and it just takes some getting used to? Thanks!

Nimble · 03-29-07, 06:42

Usually they don't come with bp's, and you got 2, score one for the home team!

You're going to wanna use the bp when buffing bud.

The vids you've seen just have the handle detached because you can then apply more pressure over where the pad touches the paint=better results.

Some can use one hand, some cannot, I do both. Choose what suits you best.

They all vibrate, it's a dual action mechanism, it's the nature of the beast.

Oh yeah, and they're all loud. hehe

qballjr13 · 03-29-07, 06:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by brig2221

Is something wrong with my new PC 7424, or are they normally that loud and have that much vibration, and it just takes some getting used to? Thanks!

This is the only part I will respond to. I have a 7424 but there are other people that have much more experience than I do and can answer your other questions with much more expertise. You really need to use your polisher with pads on it before judging the vibrations. With the pads on the polisher and the polisher on the car the vibration is there but its minimal. Think of using a random orbital sander, its about the same. Just dont get too excited about it until use it as it was intended.

brig2221 · 03-29-07, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimble

Usually they don't come with bp's, and you got 2, score one for the home team!

You're going to wanna use the bp when buffing bud.

I actually spoke wrong. My PC 7424 came with a 5" and a 6" COUNTERWEIGHT, not backing plates.

That said, I will pose my question again, this time with the correct terminology. Do people use COUNTERWEIGHTS when using their PC 7424's? If so, does it make any difference if you use the 5" or 6" variety?

FWIW, I will be getting the 6" Edge pads. Thanks!

BigJimZ28 · 03-29-07, 07:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by brig2221

I actually spoke wrong. My PC 7424 came with a 5" and a 6" COUNTERWEIGHT, not backing plates.

That said, I will pose my question again, this time with the correct terminology. Do people use COUNTERWEIGHTS when using their PC 7424's? If so, does it make any difference if you use the 5" or 6" variety?

FWIW, I will be getting the 6" Edge pads. Thanks!

the counterweights are sizes for sanding paper not a large foam pad
so most people just use the 6" for everthing

GBSLambo · 03-29-07, 07:15

I have never used Edge pads but I think you need a special adapter to use them and they don't use a backing plate.

I have never used the screw in handle on mine.

At 6 mine vibrates quite a bit but not at 3.

ZoranC · 03-29-07, 07:39

#1 Yes, I feel you should use counterweight. I feel that otherwise you will damage your PC.

#2 Adapter for Edge pads is different way of mounting pad, instead of Velcro, I feel it theoretically might be reducing need for counterweight but not eliminating it.

Bottom line: I would personally put on counterweight.

JDookie · 03-29-07, 07:57

My PC came with a 5" counterweight, so I bought a 6" cw and never changed it again. I found my machine to operate much smoother (with all sized pads) with the 6" weight than with the 5".

Nimble · 03-29-07, 08:03

I just use the 5" CW the PC came with, no problems. Works fine.