Woohoo I just ordered a PC & I got it for only $108. I have been thinking about ordering one & Autopia had 15% coupon code for everything until 1/1/07. Well I just went to order one fully expecting to get 15% off but I got a really nice surprise...they had marked the PCs down from $149 to $127 plus I got 15% off.
Woohoo I love finding a killer bargain
The coupon code is "SAVEBIG"

 

Thanks for the tip! I got one too!

 

How 'bout a web address!!

 

sure thing......

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/

 

Yeah glad someone else got one too

 

hmmmm... i'm wondering if I should get one.

I don't have a garage, so I was thinking I wouldn't, but now I'm wondering, at this price, if it might not be worth it. Currently my paint is in pretty good shape (only picked up the car in Oct 2006), so I don't think I really need an intense polish, however, there are some swirls here and there. I'm also quite unsure about how to use it, but I know that OctaneGuy's DVD would help. Guess I should read that other thread... "do i need a PC?"

by the way, what's the difference between a PC and a random orbital?

 

Just think...what kind of shape will your paint be in 6 months-1 year from now? To me even if I am not de-swirling or polishing but only waxing I look forward to letting the PC do the work for me. I have never used a PC & I just watched OctaneGuy's DVD last night & feel totally confident about using one now so the DVD is a must

When I use the term PC, it is a random orbital made by Porter Cable.

 

As far as I understand it, it is a random orbital, it is just that the brand is Porter Cable thus the "PC".

Always interested in deals I took a peek around - it looks like the model is Porter-Cable 7424 (there are others, not sure if the higher models are better/have more features?).

 

I looked around on the net before I purchased & the model 7424 (at Autopia) vs 7336 (at DP) appear to be the same machines & I dunno what else a PC would do except rotate randomly but I am a 1st timer so whatdoIknow

 

Technically the Porter Cable machines we're all talking about are "Dual Action" sanders/polishers - the "dual" means they randomly orbit AND they rotate at the same time.

The difference between the different PC models, as I understand it, is that one has the proper counterweight for the heavier 6" pad systems pre-installed, the other doesn't (but some resellers pre-install the upgraded weight to further complicate matters). Can't remember offhand which is which, but there are detailed posts about this...

 

Here's what Autopia says about the counterweight issue: (I don't fully understand what the hec they are talking about :impatient but I purchased a pad bundle w/ my PC so I am hoping they took care of this issue for me)


For proper and safe operation, the backing plate and pad combination must be balanced to the installed counterweight. The purpose of the counterweight is to dampen harmonic distortions (vibration) caused by the pad whipping around in its tight orbit. If the counterweight was not in place, you would not be able to hang on to the machine for more than a few minutes before your hand went numb.

Velcro backing plates come in a wide range of sizes. For safety, be sure to use a backing plate that is slightly smaller than your pads.

In general, the 5-inch counterweight (p/n 874011) should be used with a 5-inch or smaller backing plate, whereas the 6-inch counterweight (p/n 699933) must be used with a backing plate larger than 5 inches. Weight is the true determining factor for the proper counterweight, not the backing plate or pad size. If your machine vibrates excessively, you may need to switch counter weights. You will need a Torx driver (size T15, not supplied with the machine) to swap counterweights.

While on the subject of weight and counterweight, the lighter the backing plate and pad combination the more efficient the machine will be. Some suppliers assemble backing plate and pad combinations that have no business being connected to the Porter Cable 7424. After several years experimenting with a variety of backing plate and pad combinations, I have concluded that a light weight, 5-inch, flexible backing plate used in conjunction with a 6- to 7-inch pad achieves the best results. Larger backing plates and pads apply too much torque on the motor and rob efficiency. Also, to improve safety (stuff happens!), it’s best to use a pad that offers .75 inch or more foam clearance beyond the backing plate.

 

Hmmm, so would one bought from them be different then one from elsewhere or is that just the add on bundle? (Sorry if I'm missing the obvious, my brain is fuzzy today)

Fwiw I found it for a tad less at tools-plus.com, and the usual price at Amazon is $119 sans tax and shipping and they have discount coupons sometimes just fyi.

 

Just remember to check if we are comparing apples to apples. For instance the DP bundle will include the appropriate counterweight and the backing plate which is necessary for using the PC.

There are only a few different backing plates, and essentially they can be separated by which is rigid (Meguiar's) and which is flexible (Lake Country sold by DP/Sonus).

The Porter Cable polisher has been dubbed the PC mostly to differ it from the rotary buffer, but also because the Porter Cable was the first effective sander used for automotive polishing that just about anybody can use.

Craftsman and a whole slew of other people make RO's ---the two handed variety and don't have the power to remove swirls--they are strictly for applying wax to a car. Thus they are cheaper. The PC name helps you distinguish the "real" RO from the "useless" ones.

For the counterweight there are really only two weights and some people swear there is a difference between them. Some say it vibrates less, but I don't think anyone can say whether one is more effective over the other--atleast when using polishing paint. Should you buy a PC with either counterweight, you will still have the same effectiveness, so no need to worry about that.

Remember that with any PC purchase you will need a Velcro backing plate and an assortment of foam pads.

In the Meguiar's system you have a single pad for polishing--the W8006 yellow pad. You can use a variety of polishes with different aggressiveness with it.

That's about the only pad you need. I would recommend having 2 or 3 of these on hand.

The W7006 cutting pad would be used for removing wax---putting a MF bonnet over it.

W9006 finishing pad would be to apply a wax.

If I could only afford one pad--it would be the W8006 pads.

Richard

 

I'm still unclear, when you say bundle do you mean the pad kit or the PC itself is different? I mean can I buy the PC from anyplace and then just get a good plate/pad kit, or seperate stuff from one of the detailing shops? Again, foggy brain means I'm not sure if the counterweight plate and such come with the machine or are add-ons

Thanks again for the good info - it is very helpful just in case I make the leap of faith (I can just see my SOs face at the idea of me with a powertool next to the car tho )

 

Ohh, sorry for not being clear.

Yes, you can buy the PC from any vendor. I bought one of mine from Lowes several years ago.

Then I bought the Meguiar's backing plate and Meguiar's foam pads directly from Meguiars.com at the time. Now I'd use ADS.

When DP sells you their PC, they want to make sure that the PC is usable out of the box, thus they include the backing plate and foam pad.....OOOOOOPS. My bad. Sorry for the misinformation. I just checked out their site. They sell the regular PC with the non usable backing plate and pad and you need to buy their pad kits separately. I know Heather said she's used that included white pad, but in my experience it's not a pad you want to put near your paint at all if you care about it. The included backing plate is also not usable for polishing paint.
http://www.detailersparadise.com/Vie...1-122521261403

The Meguiar's G100a is the Meguiar's branded PC and it comes with the Meguiar's backing plate and W8006 polishing pad. I incorrectly assumed that DP was doing the same.
http://www.autodetailingsolutions.co...20Specials.htm

The counterweight is not an add on. One of the two different counterweights is available on one of the two available models---sorry I don't have the specific ones on hand right now--but either model is fine, i.e. either model with either counterweight will work for polishing your paint. I have two PC's one with each type of counterweight. To me, the counterweight is a non issue.

Richard

 

Great info, thanks Richard - you the man

A quick google brings up other discussions on it too like this thread:
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ead.php?t=6241

Looks like the G100a can be had for various prices from different sources as well, a bit more costly but a lifetime warranty, etc. In my little search I've seen some mention of people liking Griots pads too.

Well, it may be all moot but I'm a geek and find it interesting nontheless

Anyway, Cheers and Happy Happy New Years all !!

 

ADS aka AutoDetailingSolutions is the least expensive source for the G100a.
$149 and includes backing plate and 1 W8006 polishing pad+ lifetime warranty.

I don't have much experience with the Griots pads. They sell their own polisher as well. If you search MOL (Meguiarsonline.com) you will find a comparison from Joe at Superior Shine between the Griots and the PC polishers and after extensive tests, he concludes that the PC is still more effective though he initially like the Griots better. He's one of the most well known and respected mobile detailers in the business, and happens to be a friend of me and Mike as well.

Happy New Year!!!!

Richard

 

Greetings Octane Guy:

Which type of backing plate do you prefer, rigid or flexible?

Thanks for your input!

 

Its an interesting question. For the past two years I've always recommended the flexible backing plate. I bought mine from Sonus. Actually my first Sonus/Lake Country I believe, plate, was given to me by my partner. Then I tried the Meguiars rigid plate and realized I didn't have to press as hard on the PC. It still has a foam rubber cushion so it still gives, but just not as much. Today I have two PCs and each PC has either the Sonus or the Meguiars plate, and I use both. =)

But the main difference and reason I use the Sonus one more is that after all these years and the fact when I got mine it wasn't new, that the velcro still holds very strong. I've been through 2 or 3 Meguiars plate in that time due to either the velcro coming undone or the glue holding the velcro onto the plate wearing prematurely.

So there you have it. I like both for different reasons. =)

Richard

 

I plan on getting a porter cable soon but just wanted to find out about some generic ones. What are the differences (other than quality) between something like this...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92623

And a the porter cable that everyone uses?

k

 

Well first off they aren't even the same type of machine. You are comparing a rotary to an orbital.

Let me put it simply, other than Griots, nobody sells a comparable ro polisher to the PC at this time.

Its not about brand, its about effectiveness.

When you graduate from the PC and ready to play with the rotary, then consider those HF options.

Richard

 

Thanks for the input, OG. I'll experiment with the flexible plate first.

 

Try the Edge 2000 pad system with a Porter Cable. I use the 6" waffles for polishing and the flat for applying wax. I also use it on my Makita rotary.

If you dont ahve a Porter Cable yet, check Lowes. I have read about people getting them there with coupons for as low as $60.00. I paid $80 for mine there.

 

Bamatt, months later after reading this thread I finally got around to ordering a pc. I think we need a procrastinators button in our signature. I found the G100 on Meguiars site and purchased one of their packages. It should arrive 1 week before I head out on the dragon. That should give me enough time to watch Octanes video and give it a shot.

 

If you ever get around to it that is.