Pc 7424
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Migue
New member
I have one, bought mine back in 2009 and it still works like a charm. I purchased a Flex3401 and assigned my PC for 3" pads , it`s faster to put one machine down and pick the other one up rather than switching backing plates . There are other machines out there that I believe might be stronger (Griots DA) , and I`ve seen plenty of folks have good success with the Harbor Freight DA.
Civicclutch
New member
I have this and the gg6" and the gg6" is far supieor with life time warrenty and corrective power. My pc is getting destined to be either sold, used as loaner, or as carpet/upholstery tool. Although my go to polishers are my rupes now.
The Guz
Mike
The PC 7424XP was the first tool I purchased and learned on. It`s a good polisher to get started. It can correct well especially with a 5" backing plate and thin pads. Mine is still going strong after a few years. I used it very rarely now that I have my Rupes polishers. The only downside I had with the PC is that it would numb my hands and leave me with a tingling sensation after hours of work from the vibration of the machine. Essentially hand fatigue.
But it`s a good polisher to start with and get the hang of using a DA polisher.
But it`s a good polisher to start with and get the hang of using a DA polisher.
trashmanssd
New member
I have the Groit`s GG6 (same style machine just considered slightly better by many people, little smoother and little more power) great machines to learn on and perfectly fine machine for someone who`s only doing their own 1-2 cars once a year or so. Like others have said just save your self some money and time by getting 5" backing plate and using 5-5.5" thin style pads (thin pads are 9/16" - 7/8" thick pads), I bought one of the package deals with (6) 6.5" pads (1 1/4" thick CCS pads) and those pads worked but not have as well and easy as the 5" this pads do.
danlc95
Member
I`ve had the 3401, I have some Rupes polishers, I have the 7424xp, but the 1st Gen 7424 is the machine I use most.
The last vehicle I corrected had a ton of branch marring from a hunter driving through the woods. I used my typical green hexadecimal, and ultimate compound on speed 4.5-5 with the 1st Gen, with light pressure.
I`ve had tougher paints that I need to use a microfiber pad with the Ultimate compound.
To get the most out of this polisher, I`d stay away from hard, stiff euro foam cutting pads. I like green Hex Logic/Buff and Shine pads for defect removal. For stubborn paints I`ll use Rupes blue microfiber pads with UC, or M100. I also use thin, dense vinyl backing plates on it, like the 3M 202026 (?), or the newer Meguiar`s plate.
The large open cell pads are more active in helping the abrasives cut into the paint. Because of the softer nature, they`re also able to navigate irregularities in the surface, and still rotate. The stiffer pads rely more on the abrasive only to get the job done. They generally need more pressure to accomplish this, which reduces rotation. Rotation is also reduced when a slight curve or contour is encountered with a stiff pad. The American foams also significantly reduce vibration. I only use the orange foams for one step polishing these days. Something like M205, or SwirlX because they`re smooth on the surface, and finish very well.
The last vehicle I corrected had a ton of branch marring from a hunter driving through the woods. I used my typical green hexadecimal, and ultimate compound on speed 4.5-5 with the 1st Gen, with light pressure.
I`ve had tougher paints that I need to use a microfiber pad with the Ultimate compound.
To get the most out of this polisher, I`d stay away from hard, stiff euro foam cutting pads. I like green Hex Logic/Buff and Shine pads for defect removal. For stubborn paints I`ll use Rupes blue microfiber pads with UC, or M100. I also use thin, dense vinyl backing plates on it, like the 3M 202026 (?), or the newer Meguiar`s plate.
The large open cell pads are more active in helping the abrasives cut into the paint. Because of the softer nature, they`re also able to navigate irregularities in the surface, and still rotate. The stiffer pads rely more on the abrasive only to get the job done. They generally need more pressure to accomplish this, which reduces rotation. Rotation is also reduced when a slight curve or contour is encountered with a stiff pad. The American foams also significantly reduce vibration. I only use the orange foams for one step polishing these days. Something like M205, or SwirlX because they`re smooth on the surface, and finish very well.
Accumulator
Well-known member
I have a pair, though technically the one is a 7336 (same internally). Both have been rebuilt at least once; they`ve seen a lot of use.
IME, this tool is far better suited to its original purpose of finish-sanding wood. To correct autopaint I have to use a 4" pad for anything to happen in a remotely timely manner. The vibration when its operating is far worse than any of my other polishers and could pose a genuine risk of injury for somebody prone to White Finger-type issues.
Thank goodness there are far more capable machines available these days. I don`t even use my PCs to apply wax any more, they might never leave the shelf again unless I donate them to charity.
IME, this tool is far better suited to its original purpose of finish-sanding wood. To correct autopaint I have to use a 4" pad for anything to happen in a remotely timely manner. The vibration when its operating is far worse than any of my other polishers and could pose a genuine risk of injury for somebody prone to White Finger-type issues.
Thank goodness there are far more capable machines available these days. I don`t even use my PCs to apply wax any more, they might never leave the shelf again unless I donate them to charity.
jatleson
New member
It was the machine I started with. Does the job just fine, just takes a little longer than the long throw options. Today I use it for applying waxes/sealant. I have a GG Boss 15 to handle polishing and correcting and a GG 3" for the smaller areas.
JustJesus
New member
I too started with the 7424XP. I followed up with the GG6, and yes, it is a slightly stronger machine. I then used the PC with 3" pads, while using the GG6 with 5" pads.
Until I got another machine. At that point, the GG6 was used with 3" pads, and the PC now serves duty as my wet sanding machine (but I don`t sand too much).
The PC can still perform, especially with the newer stuff out there, like the thin pads people have mentioned.
Until I got another machine. At that point, the GG6 was used with 3" pads, and the PC now serves duty as my wet sanding machine (but I don`t sand too much).
The PC can still perform, especially with the newer stuff out there, like the thin pads people have mentioned.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Ya know...while I say the PC (well, at least the old pre-XP model) is ineffective, the *only* time I`ve damaged clear by being too aggressive was with the PC/Cyclo green/3M PI-III Machine Glaze 05937 (not really a glaze, rather a mild Finishing Polish). Had to have a repair spotted in on the MPV after I damaged it by overdoing it with this fairly gentle combo. Never did that with anything else, not even seemingly aggressive rotary work. Just goes to show that Abrasion is Abrasion, even if it happens slowly.
jtford95
New member
I have the older 7424 and I like it. Nice for light correction and light polish and waxing. Also, I will put a brush on it for scrubbing seats, carpet. I am used to issuing a rotary for heavy correcting/ polishing. Not a bad machine all tho
danlc95
Member
I had a pic posted to the Meguiar`s FB page, of a 50/50 where I removed 1500 grit with the old 7424, green pads, and M100. I was doing a light clean up for a friend, and he decided to level the orange peel in his single stage respray...
I was in a fairly remote location, and didn`t have anything else to use. I gave the 7424 a shot, and it worked. It too a few hours to complete the process, but I did it. I figure that if I can keep abrasives rolling around on the paint, while a pad is rotating, eventually something is going to give.
People kill their process by putting too much pressure on the pad, killing rotation. I know the experts recommend it, but it`s never been proven to me in practice to be an effective technique. It was the rotary that taught me the technique that I transferred to the random orbit machine.
Actually, the first time I ever used the 7424xp, I struck through paint. Blew my mind. I had been using a rotary since 1998 - no issues. 12 years later I use a pc - struck through some paint.
I`ll try and post that 50/50 shot to my photo album. I`m horrible loading pics to these things...
I was in a fairly remote location, and didn`t have anything else to use. I gave the 7424 a shot, and it worked. It too a few hours to complete the process, but I did it. I figure that if I can keep abrasives rolling around on the paint, while a pad is rotating, eventually something is going to give.
People kill their process by putting too much pressure on the pad, killing rotation. I know the experts recommend it, but it`s never been proven to me in practice to be an effective technique. It was the rotary that taught me the technique that I transferred to the random orbit machine.
Actually, the first time I ever used the 7424xp, I struck through paint. Blew my mind. I had been using a rotary since 1998 - no issues. 12 years later I use a pc - struck through some paint.
I`ll try and post that 50/50 shot to my photo album. I`m horrible loading pics to these things...
Thanks for the posts fellas-- I have one of the "older" 7424 (no XP) machines/tools. It came in a kit I purchased many years ago and never even used it one time, got scared I would screw the paint up so I just stashed it- re-located it the other day and am thinking about using it.
It has a thin backing plate that is 5 and 3/4" wide. i don`t have a wrench to remove it-- those wrenches must be wafer thin cause I aen`t got nothin` even remotely close to fitting into that gap to hold the spindle.
Please keep the recommendations coming as I think I will get the courage to use this
All I will be doing is light work- ( wax removal / polishing) for the time being
You guys are the best!!
It has a thin backing plate that is 5 and 3/4" wide. i don`t have a wrench to remove it-- those wrenches must be wafer thin cause I aen`t got nothin` even remotely close to fitting into that gap to hold the spindle.
Please keep the recommendations coming as I think I will get the courage to use this
All I will be doing is light work- ( wax removal / polishing) for the time being
You guys are the best!!
House of Wax
Active member
Mine is still going strong.......doing carpet duty lol. It`s gotten it`s share of use over many years, but I`ve since moved on to a Rupes
Swanicyouth
New member
Another example of "outdated technology" Lolz that still works great.
I use mine (non XP ~ 2005 version) all the time with 3" pads after years of using the GG6 for that purpose.
It works better for smaller pads than the GG6 because the spindle housing is smaller and it`s not so top heavy feeling with a 3" plate...
Quite frankly, people were using these machines with older polishes & older abrasive technology 10 years ago and getting pretty much the same results we are getting today with the latest and greatest....
So the machine still works well, it just may take a bit longer to get the job done.
If you don`t have the BP wrench, PBMG sells them, or can can simply jamb a long skinny screw driver against the spindle and twist the BP til it comes loose... Ask me how I know that... Lost a few of those wrenches til I finally bought 3 and put them in various spots.
I use mine (non XP ~ 2005 version) all the time with 3" pads after years of using the GG6 for that purpose.
It works better for smaller pads than the GG6 because the spindle housing is smaller and it`s not so top heavy feeling with a 3" plate...
Quite frankly, people were using these machines with older polishes & older abrasive technology 10 years ago and getting pretty much the same results we are getting today with the latest and greatest....
So the machine still works well, it just may take a bit longer to get the job done.
If you don`t have the BP wrench, PBMG sells them, or can can simply jamb a long skinny screw driver against the spindle and twist the BP til it comes loose... Ask me how I know that... Lost a few of those wrenches til I finally bought 3 and put them in various spots.
rlmccarty2000
Active member
I`ve got one but it`s been replaced by Rupes machines. It`s a good machine especially with the new microfiber pads and thinpro pads. With those two types of pads you can correct and polish anything. Don`t be afraid of trying it out. You will surprise yourself.
Wing Commander
New member
Where in Florida are you? maybe someone may have a wrench for you and able to show you how to get started, I am in Broward county.
I am up here in west central florida ,Crystal River in Citrus County-- about an hour and a half north of the tampa/st,pete area right on US 19- about 45 minutes southwest of Ocala
So I would need a different backing plate?--And foam or micro fiber pads for the applying and removing waxes?
I got wrench now
Migue
New member
The stock backing plate works well with the 5.5" pads which is as big as you want to go really. Get the 3" backing plate and pads for small/tight areas and spot correcting. I started out with like 4" pads and 5.5" , and the 3" pad is a much better choice than a 4" in my experience.
You don`t need the machine to wax, but if you want to do that, just get a waxing pad for whatever size backing plate you decide and go for it.
This was done with the pre-xp PC years ago, not great quality pictures but you get the idea :
You don`t need the machine to wax, but if you want to do that, just get a waxing pad for whatever size backing plate you decide and go for it.
This was done with the pre-xp PC years ago, not great quality pictures but you get the idea :
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As a bonafide Newb, I too bought this machine. I can assure you this machine will work just fine. I bought this to learn to detail my own vehicles. While I have not totally mastered the machine, my technique is getting much better, and i am very happy with the results. Read as many threads on this forum as possible, look on youtube, and I believe the machine may make you happy. I feel it is a good machine to start with.