Just ordered a PC, few questions - Page 2

ZIN · 08-01-07, 02:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxima9169

almost three months.

OK, you will be fine enjoy

russde · 09-20-07, 08:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben_r_

Yea I have been wondering this too... Is there a different counter weight we should be using with the 3.5" backing plate and a 4" pad?

Two folks have asked this question, and I followed along hoping for an answer too...anybody?
\
Ok, some more reading and I've answered my own question: there's only two counter weights, a 5" and a 6". Terrific.

tonysoprano · 07-04-08, 11:14

OK folks, I've done multiple searches and read multiple threads, and I still can't find an answer. I just got my new PC and the starter kit included both the 5" and 6" counterweights. Acting on the advice from this board, I also picked up the Edge quick connect system and a handful of the double-sided 4" Cyclo pads. Using the 4" Cyclo pads, do I use the 5" or 6" counterweight, or should I just remove the counterweight altogether?

Eliot Ness · 07-05-08, 07:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonysoprano

OK folks, I've done multiple searches and read multiple threads, and I still can't find an answer. I just got my new PC and the starter kit included both the 5" and 6" counterweights. Acting on the advice from this board, I also picked up the Edge quick connect system and a handful of the double-sided 4" Cyclo pads. Using the 4" Cyclo pads, do I use the 5" or 6" counterweight, or should I just remove the counterweight altogether?

You can't remove the counterweight and operate the PC because the counterweight is what holds the spindle/bearing unit in place.

Some like using a 5" weight, some swear by the 6" weight, and some (like myself) don't really notice a difference. If you feel the PC has excessive vibration with the weight you're using then swap it out and see if it makes a difference:

The Dual Action Counterweight 'Controversy' - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

tonysoprano · 07-05-08, 10:40

Thanks, I appreciate the info!

drew.haynes · 07-05-08, 01:45

SSR1 has almost zero bite. Also, I PERSONALLY would get only 4" pads. The 5.5" and up work, but not nearly as well, and the 4" pads don't slow down the process. I've done entire cars with 4" pads.

Buegie · 07-05-08, 01:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eliot Ness

You can't remove the counterweight and operate the PC because the counterweight is what holds the spindle/bearing unit in place.

Are you saying its not possible, or is it just a bad idea? I think I've run a PC w/ 4" pads and without a counterweight, seemed to reduce vibration by quite a bit.

detail1 · 07-05-08, 02:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by drew.haynes

SSR1 has almost zero bite. Also, I PERSONALLY would get only 4" pads. The 5.5" and up work, but not nearly as well, and the 4" pads don't slow down the process. I've done entire cars with 4" pads.

Can u elaborate on this? I have read that using a smaller diameter pad with a PC gives the PC more power.

Thanks
Frank

Eliot Ness · 07-05-08, 07:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buegie

Are you saying its not possible, or is it just a bad idea?...........

It's a very bad idea because the counterweight is what holds the spindle/bearing unit in place. I guess technically you could do it, but you run the risk of the spindle/bearing unit and your pad flying off the PC.

The following thread will illustrate how the spindle/bearing unit is exposed and removed after taking off the counterweight.

HOW TO: Replace bearings - w/pics - DetailCity.org - Auto Detailing Forum

Accumulator · 07-06-08, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eliot Ness

..Some like using a 5" weight, some swear by the 6" weight, and some (like myself) don't really notice a difference...

I prefer the 6" counterweight with *all* sizes of pads. Note that the counterweight is designed around the use of a *single sheet* of sandpaper stuck to the backing plate (so the functional difference is between the weight of the two sizes of PC-brand backing plates, and that's not much of a difference). As best I can tell, even a small backing plate with a 4" pad (let alone when the pad's wet with product) weighs more than a larger backing plate with just a piece of sandpaper on it.

I've been using 6" weights exclusively on my PCs for years with no problems. And it might just be a coincidence, but when I used the 5" weight that came with my first PC, it needed rebuilt after only a few years of use.

And yeah, I *always* use 4" pads (or the 3.5" LC PFW) for correction. It simply works better for me than using larger pads.

9935annivgt · 07-07-08, 04:43

Edge 2000 system with the 4 inch pads except for your white and blue ones.