Nissan 370Z Forum - Porter Cable 7424XP

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- - Porter Cable 7424XP - Question (http://www.the370z.com/detailing-washing-waxing-cosmetic-maintenance-repair/57597-porter-cable-7424xp-question.html)

Porter Cable 7424XP - Question

Ok, I got this polisher in the winter and just got to using it this week. Ive read about what im going to ask but prefer the voices of the Z forum over others... when using it, I noticed that it seemed like the pad was not really spinning much, but more "vibrating". Then I started playing with it and realized that it would only really spin when not touching any surface. Ive read its normal and you have to get used to it but just wanted some advice.. maybe im doing it wrong?

You are using too much pressure. I use the same PC. I buy most of my detailing products from Adams Polishes and they have a great forum (www.Adamsforums.com). There is some great info about detailing on there, especially info on the PC.

Best of luck...it just takes practice.

Draw a line on the backing plate. Once you turn on the PC on the paint surface, you should see that line turn. If it doesnt you are using too much pressure. Give that a shot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yutnaka (Post 1817099)

Draw a line on the backing plate. Once you turn on the PC on the paint surface, you should see that line turn. If it doesnt you are using too much pressure. Give that a shot.

:iagree: Use a sharpie to mark a line so you can keep track.

Ok, i will give it a shot. But i dont think im applying too much pressure. when doing, for example, the hood, i can hold it with 1 hand and only have the weight of the polisher doing the work and it still seems to stop... when doing the sides it seems even harder to get it to spin...

Do you have the proper counterweight installed??

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheee! (Post 1817664)

Do you have the proper counterweight installed??

Installed? There was nothing in the instructions saying i needed to install anything except for the backing plate...

Its not going to have much rpm to begin with its made to make it easy to use and safe so people dont burn through their paint. Lessen your pressure and it should increase rpm.

DAN

ok, guess ill just have to play with it more. just seems like once any pressure is applied, it barely turns, literally...

Ive read a lot of stuff that says its normal to do this and it will still work...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelican170 (Post 1817879)

Installed? There was nothing in the instructions saying i needed to install anything except for the backing plate...

This:

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._7469456_n.jpg

Quote:

Porter-Cable 7424XP Counterweight Facts
5" or 6" Polishing Applications
The counterweight is a half-moon shaped piece of metal attached to the rotating shaft of the tool. This smooths out the random orbit action by providing a counter balance to the elliptical orbit of the rotating backing pad. If you change the pad size you must also change the counterweight or suffer unnecessary vibration and possible damage to the tool.

7424XP Polisher Facts

7424XP Polisher

7424XP Countweights
The counterweight off-sets the weight of the pad and ensures overall balance of the system. The Counterweight always has to match the pad to minimize vibration.

5" Pad Counterweight
#874011
For pads between 95 and 105 grams. 6" Counterweight
#699933
For pads between 125 and 135 grams.

There are two different counter-weights which are clearly marked to indicate use with either a 5" or 6" backing pad. Therefore, if you decide to outfit the 7424XP with a 6" backing pad you must use the 6" counterweight. If you decide to use 5" backing pads you must use the 5" counterweight.

NOTE: This applies for sanding as well as polishing applications.

Thanks. yes, that piece is on there. I am using a 5 inch backing plate with a 6.5 inch pad... i assume its ok... maybe it needs to be tightened or something...

I also need to mark a line on the backing plate to be sure of how much it is actually spinning...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelican170 (Post 1818207)

Using a 6.5" pad is the problem. Switching to a 5" will make a big difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaleForce (Post 1818421)

Using a 6.5" pad is the problem. Switching to a 5" will make a big difference.

Really? Autogeek.net recommended using this setup for beginners. I trust their info usually...

I guess ill buy a few 5 inch pads and play around. If thats the fix, then good!

But I only see 5.5 inch pads. I assume these are what i need?

Yes, 5.5" pads would be good. Check out Detailers Domain.com, email Phil. He is very helpful and also is a the370z.com forum supporter. He'll get you set with what you need.

The counterweights are designed for either 5 or 6 inch pads. There are two different sizes. A 5 inch counterweight will not work well with a 6.5" pad.