Couple of DA questions...

[eddie926]

I've got an older PC 7424.



I've been noticing lately (doesn't seem it used to be this bad) that it's not very difficult to get into a situation where it stops rotating. Typically, this is when I don't have it perfectly flat on a surface, for example when correcting headlights, but it also happens when doing curved paint surfaces. When doing headlights, I'm using 4" pads, so not a lot of pad resistance, and I'm not applying a lot of pressure, but it will still stop rotating with the slightest angle.



So, first question. Is this likely just becuase it's an older "weaker" PC, or is this kind of thing (stop in rotation) just inherent to DAs when you get them even slightly off "flat"? I'm thinking about buying the new Griots machine for increased power, but don't want to get one only to find out it's does the same thing.



Second question. You can get backing plates for DAs to use 3" pads, which seems like would be good for headlights and other tight areas. I had someone suggest to me (sales person) that you wouldn't be able to control a 3" pad using a full sized DA and said I really should get the Griots 3" machine. I don't really want to buy a 3" machine if I can just use 3" pads on my regular DA. Does anyone have any experience with using 3" pads on a full sized DA that can comment?



Thanks for any feedback.

 

[pwaug]

Griot's sells the 3" backing plate for the GG3 for $5.00 so you could give it a try without too much invested. It's not in their catalog, but if you call you can order it. It fits on the GG6 so should fit on the PC.

 

[chrisguga]

I've personally had nonproblem using 3" pads on my Porter Cable and I have the Lowes unit designed for 6" pads. I just don't go up to speed 6 and instead use it on speeds 4 or 5 without problem.

 

[Accumulator]

I've got an older PC 7424.



I've been noticing lately (doesn't seem it used to be this bad) that it's not very difficult to get into a situation where it stops rotating. ..it will still stop rotating with the slightest angle.



So, first question. Is this likely just becuase it's an older "weaker" PC, or is this kind of thing (stop in rotation) just inherent to DAs when you get them even slightly off "flat"? I'm thinking about buying the new Griots machine for increased power, but don't want to get one only to find out it's does the same thing...

I have both machines. I originally planned to keep a small backing plate on the PC and use the Griot's with bigger pads. The GG is *so* superior that now I don't really use the PC for much of anything.



The GG 6" RO does *NOT* bog down/stop rotating with the slightest of applied pressure the way the older PC will. And the GG cuts better in-and-of itself so you don't *need* to apply as much pressure anyhow. Very, VERY different machines despite the superficial similarities.



If you have the $, I'd get the Griot's. IME it *is* that much better.

Second question. You can get backing plates for DAs to use 3" pads, which seems like would be good for headlights and other tight areas. I had someone suggest to me (sales person) that you wouldn't be able to control a 3" pad using a full sized DA and said I really should get the Griots 3" machine. I don't really want to buy a 3" machine if I can just use 3" pads on my regular DA. Does anyone have any experience with using 3" pads on a full sized DA that can comment?

I use the Meguiar's 3" backing plate on both the PC and the GG. Works fine on either but better on the GG (eh, everything works better on the Griot's). ZERO issues with control or anything else; that "sales person" didn't know what he was talking about, simple as that.

 

[Nth Degree]

that "sales person" didn't know what he was talking about, simple as that.

What?! a salesperson doesn't know what they're talking about? Hmmm. Let's see. He's selling equipment, not detailing. He also probably thinks he's going to sell a new machine rather than just a backing plate. I just had to emphasize this point. Always think about why someone tells you something.



When I was younger I worked as a ski instructor and managed a snowboard shop. I skied and boarded every day. Always had people come into the shop with mismatched or inappropriate equipment because some salesman in a "ski shop" in the city down the mountain told them it was the best. Whenever they questioned our "opinion" over what they were told by the con artist (salesman) we simply asked them whether they trust someone who spends 4-6 hours every day on the slopes or someone who might make it up 4 days per year. Moral: Always consider the experience of the person giving you advice. Reciting statistics from a sales pamphlet should always be a red flag.

 

[eddie926]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Think I'll go ahead and pick up the new Griots machine, and will also get some 3" pads and corresponding backing plate to try on it as well.

 

[pwaug]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Think I'll go ahead and pick up the new Griots machine, and will also get some 3" pads and corresponding backing plate to try on it as well.

If you're not in a big hurry watch Amazon Gold Box Deals and BJs.com--they often have the Griots Garage 6" Polisher on sale for $80-90 including shipping, but you have to act fast as they go quickly. Another option is Detailers Domain (one of our sponsors) who have nice kits with a 5" backing plate and 5 or 10 5.5" pads--then you can pick up polishes and LSPs as you need them. Since a new GG6 (with cosmetic changes) is coming out on Dec 4th the current model may be on sale soon.