wassup guys

this week was the first time when it's been clear and sunny! I wanna start detailing again!

so my birthday is this friday and my mom is buggin me about a list of stuff I'd want... i think a PC orbital would be cool.

which one do you recommend? Do i need accessories to go with it? Where can I buy it?

thanks!

 

Porter Cable 7424 or 7336

 

coooooool, thanks. Now, I am a noob... never used a PC before, so this will still be somewhat safe right? I wont burn my paint off? I'll practice on my dad's corolla lol.


also, do you guys recommend a place to buy it from? Cheapest place?

also, what's the difference between the 2... best bang for the buck?

 

I've got the PC 7424 and I love it. I paid $120, but I don't remember from where.

For accessories try:

http://www.properautocare.com/

These guys have the PC, but it's expensive. I have gotten the pads from them, though and they seem to work well.

I also just got some pads from:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_9090

It hasn't been warm enough to try them yet.

 

Coastaltools.com, without a doubt.....

 

http://www.detailersparadise.com/

They currently have both the PC 7336 and a pad kit on sale right now.

You really want the 7336 model because it has a heavier counterweight in it that will work better (fewer vibes) than the 7424. Yes, it's safe even for a newbie which is why it's so popular and becoming more so. Pretty short learning curve if you just study some of the good articles about how to use the PC first. Blues' properautocare linked above, Roadfly, and Autopia should have more than enough well-written material for a beginner to get started.

Hope your mom has deep pockets though!

 

hmm.. what's the difference between the 2 models tho, other than the counterweights. I believe those are just $10 if I want to switch between the 5 or 6. thanks

 

nadir you gonna turn 20?

 

haha yeah, thanks. it's this friday!


anyways, never mind about the difference between the 2 PCs... i found the answer. They're basically the same except the accessories + counterweight.

I am tempted to go with coastal tools (as long as they dont charge sales tax). Lowes the 7336 locally for $109 but i'd have to pay the $8-$9 tax + backing plate.


so... I think I am goin for the:
coastaltool.com
-Porter-Cable 7424 Polisher
-6" Hook & Loop Contour Pad
-6" Counterweight
= $126.50 shipped


that's a good deal, right?

 

That's a good deal. In hindsight, I think I got mine from Coastal. It came with the backing plate and the additional counterweight. It is very user friendly. I had never used an orbital and I had zero problems using it. The results were amazing.....even on my new finish! I wouldn't be without it. Check my homepage for some pics.....

 

beautiful! I ordered it

 

Umm.... you're still going to need the all-important pads for it though, otherwise all you have is an impressive looking paperweight.

I just thought it would have been more convenient to order from a detailing store because then you get it all in one package and you're done shopping. Unless you had other plans for pads anyway?

 

i just got a shipping receipt that my orbital has been shipped. Yeah, i still need the pads.

I orderd through coastal tools because I am saving about $20. Also, the pads kit at detailersparadise won't be completely available till this friday... so either way I'd have to wait for both pads and PC! I will order the pads this weekend... I dont intend on playing with it till spring break.

can't wait

 

We'll be waiting for pics, nadir!!

 

how many pads do you go through while buffing a car?

 

It depends on many things, but I suggest having at least two pads of each type handy, so that you have a spare incase you need it. I also suggest having more polishing pads as they are commonly used with the widest range of products.

 

I got a gift in the mail!

 

I still remember what my PC smelled like fresh out of the box.

 

@Bluesbrekr - The Griot's pads are of superior quality to the properautocare pads in my opinion, but I have found that they don't work particularly well with polish. For some reason the properautocare pads seem to be significantly more effective when applying products like DACP. They are designed to be more aggressive, and I think that shows through in your results. The Griot's pads are great for anything else though...wax, AIO, etc.

 

I ordered both the polishing and waxing pads from Griots. For polishing I use the 2 grades of Menzerna. Even the more aggressive Menzerna is not as agressive as DACP. Have you tried the Griots polishing pad with anything besides DACP?

I'm not looking for a really aggressive polishing pad. My 2K2 paint is still in pretty good shape.