Porter-Cable Question

There are different size backing plates available.

From memory, I believe you can get 4", 5", and 6" backing plates.
You will need the proper counter-weight to suit the backing plate.

You will also need three basic types of pads:
Cutting Pad
Polishing Pad
Finishing Pad

Just different grades of foam abrasiveness. There are more different grades available, but these three are the main ones you will use.

Look on www.premiumautocare.com, they have a good range of pads.
 
Well, I bought the 7424 and it's getting to my house today, if the UPS website is correct (which it usually is. Wow -- 1 day service!). I have to learn how to use it, as I'm a guy who for years was just an occasional hand wash and wax it kinda guy in 1 hour or less.

I just bought the thing as linked to me, didn't buy any extra pads or counterweights. Sure hope it has a detailed instruction manuwal with "Do's and Don'ts" -- if anybody has any of the "Don'ts" to make sure I don't do something irreversible, please post it here.
 
HondaMan,

No problem! :bigups If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.
 
Boss, what do you think of the SONUS line of pads? I now know I need the 3 types of pads, but I'm a bit confused on (1) which size to get in terms of backing plate (I presume that's what the pad attaches to) and (2) counterweights.

All I have is the 7424, still in the box with whatever they gave me.
 
:wait :wait :wait
Hey HondaMan,
While I have the velcro backing plate and several velcro pads, I think if I were doing it again, I would sure take a look at the quick connect system of The Edge.
It really sounds like they might have something going.
You might want to take a look and see if it might be something you would like.
This link should get you started.
http://www.premiumautocare.com/edgebuffingpad.html

There are several recent posts about some major improvements to the system that you might want to look for.

Charles
 
Boss, what do you think of the SONUS line of pads? I now know I need the 3 types of pads, but I'm a bit confused on (1) which size to get in terms of backing plate (I presume that's what the pad attaches to) and (2) counterweights.

All I have is the 7424, still in the box with whatever they gave me.
 
And thanks to you too, Charles...checked out the site and bookmarked those items.

BTW, any danger to the pad or the machine if you go over -- what's the term I need here -- "rips" in the paint finish? I'm talking really damaged lines a few inches long (3-6") -- maybe the word I'm looking for is GASHES. My mom's 1994 car has them in a few spots and since it really needs touchup paint more than anything, I guess it doesn't pay to go over it with the polisher and/or compounds.

My dad's car (2001 Mitsubishi) and mine (2004 Honda) don't have these serious defects.
 
rycen said:
What is the advantage of the 2000 pads over the regular DA pads?
Click to expand...
The Edge2000 connector system replaces the velcro backing plate. This eliminates the danger of the backing plate coming into contact with the paint. The E2K pad design is also double sided and gives you two polishing surfaces. You can choose to have pads with the same texture on both sides or create a combo pad with two different textures.

On a rotary, the E2K system also guarantees that the pads are perfectly centered on the spindle.
 
How likely is it that non-pad would come into contact with paint if you didn't have the E2K system? The pads cover the backing plate's edges, right? I've seen some that fully encase it.
 
HondaMan said:
How likely is it that non-pad would come into contact with paint if you didn't have the E2K system? The pads cover the backing plate's edges, right? I've seen some that fully encase it.
Click to expand...
If you have a 6" plate and a 6" pad, it is very likely that the plate will at some point come into contact with the paint. This usually happens on bumpy sections (like around the external mirrors) where it's difficult to keep a PC pad flat. Using a 5" plate with 6" pads or a 6" plate with 7.5" pads will lessen the danger. Pads with recessed pockets for the plate are the safest velcro designs.
 
HondaMan,

I haven't used the SONUS line of pads........... only Meguiar's and Edge (old Edge). So, I can't give you any feedback on them. Personally, I like the Meguiar's pads. However, I've also heard good things about the the new Edge pads/system. I've also heard good things about the Lake Country pads. I doubt you will go wrong with any of them.

As for the backing plate, I would go with Marj's suggestion............ up to 6 1/2" pads, I would use the 5" backing plate. For pads over that size, I would go with the 6" backing plate. I use the 6" counter weight with the 5" backing plate, and 6 1/2" pads............. some people like the 5" counter weight?
 
The SONUS line has the 5" backing plate and 7" pads that fully encase the plate. I presume that the standard 7424 counterweight is compatible with these sizes -- am I correct?
 
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