The 7424 is a professional machine. It's high quality is accepted by everyone. But to me, professional means a tool that is used day in, day out without wearing out. It's why I don't always buy the higher priced Craftsman or Snap-On tools. I don't use them every day either.

I see myself using a buffer once or twice a year. I'd like to hear about an acceptable orbital, 6 inch, hi-lo speed, less expensive alternative to the Porter.

 

I don't think the 7424 is a professional machine, or especially expensive.

Say you're looking at $200 for the 7424, pads and compounds. That's not much more (maybe even less?) than it would cost to have a professional detailer clay, polish and wax your car just one time - and you'll certainly use the 7424 more than once!

 

Tools are certainly a 'to each his own' kind of purchase. I am the owner of nearly a full shop of tools (hand, power, bench/table, etc...).

I am a diehard (no pun intended with Sears ) Craftsman man. My shop area looks like a Craftsman catalog. I buy them because it is in my blood, they are convenient to replace if necessary (at Sears of course), and I prefer the fit and feel of them. Had there been a Craftsman equivilant of the 7424, I would undoubtedly have purchased it instead.

Quality is a big thing for me. I was talking with a co-worker about my new 7424 and showed him the car after I had done it...he was immediately interested in duplicating the results on his vehicles. I gave him a list of the products I used, but instead of purchasing them, he bought cheap knockoff products and not only had bad results, but the polisher shot craps before he could finish his big Suburban.

So again, to each his own, but count me in the category of 'go with a trusted, name brand tool'. Not that you wouldn't necessarily be there with me Hugh!

 

There are no cheaper alternatives that have the same effectiveness of the PC. Any other polisher on the market, especially the ones that you control with two hands like a steering wheel are for applying waxes, but not buffing out scratches and swirls.

Well I suppose a Hitachi Rotary Buffer might be cheaper but it takes a lot more skill to operate a rotary buffer over a PC. And since you only plan to use it once a year, which IMO, isn't frequent enough to maintain a high quality finish, maybe you should consider buying one with a friend and sharing it?

Richard

 

I would just order a PC from Amazon for $107

Scott

 

Thank you everyone for your replies.

Well, I guess there is no low priced Porter alternative.

I guess I'll have to bite the bullet $$$

 

Good Call!