should the PC spin?

W

wizardofahs

New member
I've been reading through some old posts and found mention to this... i didn't even realize it was an issue. I've notcied that when i use the pc, if i use light pressure, the pad will spin in a circle (like a rotary would i guess) in addition to sliding around. To me this would seem more effective since you are getting more 'speed' thus working the product in better. If you push harder it stops rotating in a circle and just goes back to oscilating.



One poster said that you only want it to do this, not rotate. Is this accurate? Does it not matter? does letting it spin get more results or higher chance of damage?



Just goes to show you learn something new all the time.
 
Yeah I know what you mean... I haven't played around very much with my PC yet in actual polishing use, but this is kind of related to the question if you should or should not apply downward pressure with the PC. Some people say yes, some people say no. Both parties have respected opinions behind them, and both get results. I don't know which one gets results faster though.



The only thing I do know is that both must work, and the PC manual specifically tells you not to apply additional pressure when polishing. :nixweiss



Hopefully I'll learn more by tomorrow.... I didn't get too far today. :rolleyes:
 
Near as I can see any pressure on the Porter Cable -seems- to be enough to stop the random action and cause the tool to vibrate only. Which is sort of dumb as there are times, scratch and swirl removal, when pressure is needed.

My Cyclo tool -appears- to maintain the rotation with downward pressure.
 
My experiences mirror those of RJJ. The Cyclo might be just another random orbital, but it sure seems like a very different animal than the PC. I too have wondered if the PC is SUPPOSED to act the way it does, but you NEVER wonder about what the Cyclo's doing! Perhaps the way that it acts the same under pressure is why it seems "so aggressive" compared to the PC even though its speed is only like a PC on 3.5 or so. They rate it at 2800-3200 and I assume the 400 variation has to do with being under load.



I TRY to not push down on the PC, just let the pad and polish do the work, but still...Maybe that's why some people say they can't remove swirls with a cutting pad and DACP while others are thrilled with the results from just a polishing pad and #9 :nixweiss I can't help but think that there is probably something a LOT better (for car polishing) than the PC out there (besides the Cyclo). Remember, the PC is REALLY a SANDER, where you want the sandpaper to do the work WITHOUT pressing down.
 
I vary the pressure I apply on my PC as follows: first pass, to spread product with light to no pressure. To work the product in until it breaks down (such as DACP) I use moderate to heavy pressure. Then towards the end I use NO pressure for the final few passes.



I don't think there is a right or wrong, just whatever works for each individual.
 
RJJ said:
How many of us do you think have a Cyclo??
Click to expand...



Smart-aleck answer: not enough :p Actually, there seem to be about 6-8 Cyclo users who post here. Not too many, considering the number of Autopian. I'm sorta surprised there aren't more Cyclo users here. Yeah, they aren't cheap, but they've been around forever and they sure are indestructible. I'm surprised that more Pros don't use them instead of PC's.



I'm not sure if it was the "straight scoop" (I like to think so), but both Terry from CMA and Irene from TOL told me the Cyclo is their preferred random orbital .
 
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