Porter Cable 7424 - Won't keep rpm's

[Tor-Lein]

Hi there!



Finally the temperature here in Norway is hot enough to do some detailing!



So, i bought this PC7424 last year, but never got to try it until now.



I used a dual-headed random orbital until i bought the PC, never ran in to any problems really, but wanted to upgrade my arsenal and experience.

So, heres what i have done this far:



-Wash

-Clay

-Wash

-Wipedown



Then i prepared my PC for action.

I started with Medium Cutting pads, and Megs #1 Medium Cut Cleaner.



But here the problems start.

As soon as i start polishing, it seems as if there is too much friction between the pad and the paint. It stutters and won't rotate if i apply even a bit of pressure.

And it gets really hot, almost too hot to touch.

What could cause this?

I have tried adding more product, priming pad, changing pads, nothing helps.

The only pad that works is the wool pad i have. That one just cuts too heavy, i don't need that.



Since i live in Norway, we have 220V output, and i had to buy a converter. I bought a 3000W converter, which should be more than enough. I have heard of people using 500W converters.



Any tips would be greatly appreciated, as i need this done tomorrow.

And a wool pad can't remove swirls right?



Thanks alot for helping!

 

[Accumulator]

Hi there!



Finally the temperature here in Norway is hot enough to do some detailing!



So, i bought this PC7424 last year, but never got to try it until now...

Welcome to Autopia! I'll try to address some of your issues.

I used a dual-headed random orbital until i bought the PC, never ran in to any problems really, but wanted to upgrade my arsenal and experience.

What kind of dual-head unit? TOP tool, Cyclo....something like that? You might very well have taken a step backward by buying the PC.

So, heres what i have done this far:

Then i prepared my PC for action.

I started with Medium Cutting pads, and Megs #1 Medium Cut Cleaner.

Uh-oh...Meguiar's #1 isn't appropriate for use via PC. The PC won't break it down properly.

As soon as i start polishing, it seems as if there is too much friction between the pad and the paint. It stutters and won't rotate if i apply even a bit of pressure.

Sounds typical, especially if you're using pads larger than ~5". The PC is simply too weak to overcome the friction of larger pads combines with pressure (I have two PCs and they both act the same way).

The only pad that works is the wool pad i have. That one just cuts too heavy, i don't need that.

And most wool pads aren't suitable for use with the PC, though there are a few that work OK (most are 4").

Since i live in Norway, we have 220V output, and i had to buy a converter. I bought a 3000W converter, which should be more than enough. I have heard of people using 500W converters.

I know nothing about voltage converters, but I suspect yours might be making a bad situation worse.



Gee, sorry to sound so negative, but I find that even under optimal conditions, PCs only do decent correction when fitted with little 4" pads.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated, as i need this done tomorrow.

Don't know what to say with regard to sorting this out by tomorrow....I'd probably go back to your dual-head polisher!

 

[Tor-Lein]

Thanks for clearing things up! I heard great things about the PC. I guess i need a new machine! What do you reccomend for a semi-new detail enthusiast?



Btw, ill fit my 4" pads and try that tommorow, adn the dual-headed was TopTools or something like that. Cheap, but OK..

 

[Accumulator]

Tor-Lein- Since I'm pretty ignorant about what's best for Euro voltage, IMO you oughta try to contact Autopia member Porta. He's a nice, helpful guy and very knowledgeable.



IIRC, he's a big fan of the TOP tool, but maybe he likes a specific model.



Otherwise, I'd just say to get something *made* for your voltage. The only tool like that which *I* am familiar with is the Cyclo (link: Cyclo Toolmakers ) which I think is similar to the TOP.

 

[Tor-Lein]

Thanks Accumulator!



I did a one step polish with my Dual headed instead today.



I used some Megs Machine Glaze on some orange cutting pad,s a shot in the dark you might say... Well, i tried to the best of my knowledge to Kevin Brown it, and im actually quite pleased. I got no serious scratch removal effect, but most of the swirls were gone. No holograms, and it looks quite good in direct sunlight. Ill shoot a picture later. I finished up with Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0.

That is one wicked sealant! First time i used it today.



Thanks for the replies Accu, and ill do some more work with my DH and maybe move on to a Flex Rotational or a Makita later?

 

[Accumulator]

I did a one step polish with my Dual headed instead today.



I used some Megs Machine Glaze on some orange cutting pad,s a shot in the dark you might say...

Glad the results were pleasing. Note that the problems might "come back" as the Meguiar's Machine Glaze (M03, right?) is functionally nonabrasive.



Normally I'd say to use that stuff with a much milder pad, but I won't criticize something that worked!



Interesting that the Wolfgang sealant bonded to it.

ill do some more work with my DH and maybe move on to a Flex Rotational or a Makita later?

There are some Euro manufacturers who make tools of this type and I bet their offerings would be the best bet. Is it "Festool" or something like that? I think a power-rotational unit like the Flex or a "dual mode" random orbital would be your best bet.