Since purchasing my MINI, I struggle every day with new decisions of little real consequence. :smile:

My latest dilemma is whether I should save up the money to purchase "real" Porter Cable 7424 (or 7336) polisher (about $100-$120 shipped) or whether I should get some cheapo knock-off for about 1/3 of the price (Harbor Freight, the dean of cheapo knock-off tools, has something similar for about $30; there's something on eBay for about $50). I expect that there are some passionate opinions on this important matter. I would delight in hearing them!

Thanks.

 

porter cable at lowes: 93-120 - 10% off coupon. personally got mine for 92 dollars after tax.

it really depends on what you want. if you want to be able to do something with your machine besides applying wax then you need a PC. Not much else that has the versitality in terms of pads and power that has the safety of a PC.

what exactly are you looking at from HF. I know they have a rotary, but supposedly much harder to use, easy to thin out clear coat and burn the paint. I say go for PC, but it is expensive.

 

The best nugget of wisdom my father ever gave me: "You never regret paying for quality."

I've learned the hard way it's true.

 

I bought a Random Orbital Buffer from Sears. I bought the 11" model about 3 years ago. I am not sure if they still sell it though. I think it was around $100 or so. I used one when I used to detail cars and it lasted over 3 years of constant use. Not too bad if you ask me.

As far as a high speed buffer/polisher, I would stick with a nice brand name. It will last you forever and have better quality control than a cheap model. Last thing you would want is the pad to break off while you are polishing your car and then you run a bolt over your paint!!!

 

I waited for the PCDA (Porter Cable Dual Action) that you referenced above. It is an exceptional piece of equipment (super heavy duty) with a nice balance. The dual-action movement is more than just random orbit and so much more than the orbital movements that you will get at Harbor Freight. I think I got mine from Autopia-carcare.com with all of the attachments and foam pads that you would need to compound a fairly oxidized car or glaze your trailer-queen Ferrari.... seems like it was only $180 or so with all the bits.

 

I'm also happy with the Edge 2000 pads. Just snap them on (you need to buy the adapter of course). No trying to center the pad on the mounting plate, no slippage, no gouging your paint. Very nice.

http://www.edgepads.com/

 

I went for propel pads

www.exceldetail.com

 

I would have to say "Get the real thing", a PC that is.

If you go to the Lowes website and at the top click on Register. Once you put in all your information you will be logged on to a preferences screen. There is a box at the bottom that says "I am moving in the next 6mo" check this box and you will be e-mailed a 10% coupon . That's what I got when I did it a few months back. Hopefully the promotion is the same.

BTW, you can use the coupon for anything. If you need a fridge too then you can use the 10% off for that and pay full price for the PC and still be ahead.

Anyways, I hope this helps, and no I don't work for Lowes. Just another obsessive detailer trying to save a couple of bucks.

Later,
Ray

 

Well, it sounds unanimous. Save up the money and buy the real deal. Thanks for your help!