I am sure that this topic has been discussed in the past in this forum, but since the search feature is not working I need to ask it again. I am considering purchasing the Porter Cable 7424 Orbital Polisher and was looking for feedback. For a novice like me, is there a chance that I will hurt my paint by using this? From what I have read elsewhere, even a novice will be okay using this. Here is a link to where I would purchase it from, any feedback concerning the price? http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motor...rcabpolac.html
I would especially appreciate hearing from people who own this model and use it.

Thanks!!

Ryan

 

There is ALWAYS a danger of damage when using one of these if you do not have experience with it and are not careful...much more so with the questionable quality of our paint.

 

back in the day when I was rollin around in a 92 Accord EX, I wanted to desperately bring back some life to the hood, so I bought an orbital polisher, needless to say as soon as I turned it on and placed it on the hood, I scratched the **** outta my paint...I almost hung myself there...

the next day, I returned it for a refund.....luckily (well actually unluckily) a week or two afterwards, my ex-friend was driving my car and rear ended some old Monte Carlo.....hood was replaced along with bumper, and headlights..

 

The buffer has no real way to scratch the paint. It's the pads you have on it that can mess it up. Always use the appropriate pads and operate the buffer correctly and you'll be fine. Up and down the car, don't leave it in one spot, keep it moving with the lines of the car. I've used mine dozens of times with awesome results. Applicator pads, then terry cloth pads, then a nice hand buff and it's like buttah. I have a craftsman, a big one. Nothing fancy, but it does the job very well. If you have a dark car, I recommend the 3M swirl remover or even better, some Zaino Z5. I use the Z5 and Z2 myself. Meguirs gold class is also a prime product.

 

Not too concerned with outright scratching. I am more concerned with 'burning' and other abrasive issues. Granted pads, etc. play a big role, BUT also the knowledge of how to do it plays an even bigger role. I used one over the years on my Mustang ('88), Prelude ('93), current truck, but am hesitant to take it to the Max.

 

The very nature of the porter cable products is fairly fool-proof. It is what is considered a 'random' orbital polisher which basically means it's damn impossible to mess up. Just make sure you have no dirt on the pads and don't leave it in one place for too long. Generally though, random orbitals don't have enough power to really heat up the paint and cause signifigant damage. I say go for it. If you still feel uneasy about it, there are good instructions and advice at http://www.autopia.org .


The ones newbies want to stay away from are high speed rotary buffers. These should be operated only by experts or professionals.

 

Also used the Craftsman with terry cloth pads on my max. I used Meguires gold and it came out beautiful. Just make sure that the paint is freshly washed and that there is no debris on the pad and you should be fine.

 

I second the last two posts. Having a freshly washed car, clean and proper pads and the proper polish(always start with the least agressive) should avoid any paint damage to a well kept finish. Keep the orbital moving and avoid pressing on corners.

 

I totally agree with Chinkzilla. When you buy it get the pad kit here:

http://www.properautocare.com/porcabac.html

A PC can work wonders on your paint. I would probably clay it first to make sure you get all the contaminants imbedded in your paint out. Then got to work with the yellow pad & some Swirlmark remover to get Swirls out. Then if you would like, you can use the white or grey pad for the wax, but I usually just use the PC for Swirls and scratchs.

 

I have this buffer and I love it. If you are a beginner, put it on setting "1" (slow) and go to town. Use a pre-wax cleaner, change the bonnet and use a sealer glaze. I've never seen my Max shine this good.

 

full image over 50k limit =(

 

 

I bought my 7424 through Griots Garage. While they are more expensive, you get a few benefits:
1. There unit comes with a case and the hoses/attachments to hook up to a sander and shop vac
2. The backing plate that they use is rubber and does not transfer heat
3. They guarantee the unit for life (as opposed to one year from the manufacturer)

Griot's products tend to be much more expensive than other brands, but they are WELL worth it. I own a ton of their products and am completely satisfied. Even their basic car wash is incredible!

 

I recently bought a sears 6inch polisher, which I have not used yet, because of all the good things that I am hearing about the Porter Cable. I would like to get it this weekend. Does anyone know of any large stores, such as Lowes, or Home Depot that carry it?

On a side note, has anyone used the 6inch sears buffer? If so what do you think?

 

Lowes always has a good price on the PC

 

Thanks. However, I didn't see the 7424 on their website. Do you know for sure if they have it there?

 

..and can't say enough good about it. He said it is almost impossible to burn your paint with it as long as you use the mild pads. I think the wool pads were the ones that can burn / scratch. I say go for it. Autotopia is where he got the reccomendation from and they REALLY know their $hit!

 

I priced the 7424 at Lowe's and Home Depot here in Houston this week. Neither stocked it, but both were more than willing to order it. Lowe's wanted $160 plus tax, Home Depot $215 plus tax!! I wound up winning a new one off of Ebay yesterday and saved $60 compared to Lowe's price. Here are a few links I found in my search to find one also. The Ebay link is the place I bought mine from.

Mike

http://www.planetportercable.com/tools/polishers.html
http://www.northwestpowertools.com/polish/7424.htm
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2319481208

 

Porter Cable is one of the best orbitals you can buy, just keep fresh pads handy and don't stay in one spot on the car too long.

 

I own one, I will never go back to hand waxing, my forearms were starting to look like "Popeyes".

 

I bought my Porter Cable from Costal Tool for $119.00 and the pad kit from Classic Motoring Accessories for $59.95. I couldn't be any happier. You can not burn the paint or plastic with the Porter Cable. It just won't do it. Here is a picture of my last detail:

 

Lowes has the 7336, which is same. The only difference is the 7336 comes with the sander and 6inch counterweight, which is what you want for pads from classic motoring.



http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...ight=7336+7424