Which DA Should I get?

[Accumulator]

..I could bog a PC with my looonggg arms outstretched using 1 hand, but I think many could do that..

Yeah, I bog my PCs even when using them with one hand, depending on what size pad I'm using.

I think most people are melting LC pads because sometimes LC pads melt. Even with all the high speed, high pressure polishing even in the direct sun on a black car in July, I have never melted backing material.

I can't think of any time I've melted a pad :think: I've had them break and I've had them wear out, but I can't recall melting one.

Sounds like me and Accumulator are monsters

The funny thing is that I generally don't apply all that much pressure. I've killed clear by overdoing it with a PC/4", and I'm always :nono: about people pressing too hard with the Flex 3401. I don't go so far as to advocate "let the product and pad do the work", but it's not like I ever feel I'm really pressing all that hard :nixweiss

Why no votes for the Flex? I love mine!!

Yeah, I'd hate to be without my Flex, almost think I oughta buy a second one for a backup! But it's a different price point and IMO it's a different approach in general. It would *not* be my first choice for finish-polishing or LSP application, for instance, and some people simply don't like the feel, and/or the specific sense of "recoil", of the thing. A few folks have sold 'em over that, felt it was simply too much of a workout.

Just out of curiosity check you power...

Yeah, and the extension cord comes to mind too...

 

[Bill D]

Are we talking melting pads or melting plates? :think:



I never melted a plate but I was disappointed to have one disintegrate. I'd like it if LC could perhaps look into reformulating the material used to make the plate so that it is much more durable against melting and disintegrating. Heat seems to negatively impact them. I might also look into offerings from other manufacturers if I see myself getting more into regularly detailing multiple vehicles.

 

[autoaesthetica]

Sorry when I said melt, I mean adhesive delamination with heat. I have never melted foam...



Then again, I have never torched or blew up a backing plate, and after reading this thread, I know I push these things to the limit.



I checked power this morning, its definitely me lol.. but thanks for reminding me to check it.



I too feel like Im not pressing that hard but I suppose its all relative.

 

[Accumulator]

Are we talking melting pads or melting plates? :think:

OOPS....[Accumulator kicks self for reading carelessly ]



Eh, I haven't bought any new LC pads for quite a while and I suspect that production runs vary. There have been other issues with velcro backing in the past.

 

[Bill D]

Eh, I haven't bought any new LC pads for quite a while and I suspect that production runs vary. There have been other issues with velcro backing in the past.

Me neither. In the past I've had some of the backing on a few come loose. I just crazy glued it back and stuck in a vice for an hour or two, was good to go.

 

[imported_MCA]

Why no votes for the Flex? I love mine!!

I hear ya - I got my Flex 3401 for Father's Day and it's corrective speed is like night and day compared to my non-XP Porter Cable...not to mention the much lower vibrations associated with it. It's heavier than the PC but not something I would call heavy.



I still use my PC for LSP and some glaze applications.

 

[Guitarist302008]

I hear ya - I got my Flex 3401 for Father's Day and it's corrective speed is like night and day compared to my non-XP Porter Cable...not to mention the much lower vibrations associated with it. It's heavier than the PC but not something I would call heavy.



I still use my PC for LSP and some glaze applications.

I have the non XP PC as well and it's perfert for my sealant/wax application.

 

[TedFred]

Just got my GG last night to replace my old Porter Cable. The GG is way more powerful. I tried it out a little polishing the bathroom counter. YA I know I will polish anything

 

[mongo]

Go with the Griots but I find the backing plate has a smell to it so I have swithed it out for a lake county backing plate.

 

[Bill D]

Hmm..I have a brand spankin, never even turned on one, didn't notice any obvious smell. I guess I'll go have a whiff and see. He he..

 

[Junebug]

Back when the KBM was all the rage and guys were correcting paint with a PC as good as rotary, some issues started to come up. We all learned the LC hydro pads would come apart in short order. That was due to them being thick like a good ol bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. That thickness was too much and the surface next to the paint would be moving in a different plane than the surface next to the backing plate - result - torn pads! LC has cut back on the fat and I hear the new ones are better. The other factor was the amount of pressure & speed that was used, reports of failed backing plates, PC's going bad, etc. Now, we have surbuff and MF pads, these don't need the pressure and speed that the regular foam pads needed. I found on my PCXP that speed 5 is the sweet spot for MF pads and I use just enough pressure to keep the pad nice and firm against the paint. It sure is easier on my 51 year old paws, lot less knuckle pain later.



Still waiting on a 4" version of MF pads so I can bust out the Cyclo!

 

[smokinfastlegen]

I wanted to bump this thread and voice my displeasure of the g110v2.



I originally bought one back in november of last year, lasted me until april, then I had cord failure. The unit was manufactured in march of last year, so it was built during when they were having problems with faulty cords. I received a replacement july 22, made in Dec '10, which is supposed to have a new type of cord....... 14 days later, cord failure yet again. I am waiting on #3 to come in sometime this week. Hoping this next one is a better unit. If not, im going to get my money back and purchase the GG6.



Dont get me wrong, when my g110v2 worked, it was smooth and worked well, but if I have to continue going through cords.........im not about to replace my cord either and risk warranty problems down the road. I love meguiars stuff, but ive lost most confidence in their new machine.

What makes me laugh the most is I have a g100 I have had since I was a senior in high school, so about 5 years, that works not problem (beside the fact i think its time to get the brushes replaced.)