PC xp best option?

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00GREENMACHINE

New member
Guys I have the orginal port cable da polisher. Its just not doing what I think it should, process are taking to long. Is the new xp stronger or something DA that will provide quicker results. Im open to options. Both cars I have are black. Im trying to avoid going to a rotary in fear of burns.
 
00GREENMACHINE said:
Guys I have the orginal port cable da polisher. Its just not doing what I think it should, process are taking to long. Is the new xp stronger or something DA that will provide quicker results. Im open to options. Both cars I have are black. Im trying to avoid going to a rotary in fear of burns.
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Don't avoid the rotary because of burning fears. However, don't buy a rotary because DA doesn't get it done. Neither is a replacement of the other. There are pad options that will increase the capabilities of the DA. If you are looking for a stronger DA the Griot's machine is a good choice.
 
I have the original Porter Cable DA Polisher (Meguiar's G100) and I also have the newer PCXP. The PCXP is definitely stronger than the original PC, but most of the power difference I have noticed is at the lower speeds. It has noticeably more power at the lower speeds (1 thru 4) and closer to the same power at speeds 5 and 6 (maybe slightly more). The PCXP is a great polisher, but in my opinion I don't think it will speed things up a whole lot for you over the original PC. From what I have read from others who have compared all the different polishers, the new Meguiar's G110 v2 and the Griots Garage 6" polisher have more power than the PCXP (how much I do not know) and of course the Flex 3401 will have the most power of all, being a forced rotation DA polisher you can not stop the pad from spinning with it.
 
I also have the original Porter Cable 7424 dual action polisher. While it may not be as powerful as the latest model it still performs remarkable well but with 5 1/2 diameter foam pads.

Because of upgrading to the Flex 3401 most of the paint correction duties are performed with this machine. For the most part I apply all my sealants and waxes with my Porter Cable 7424 dual action polisher and the appropriate foam pad.

In my opinion all Porter Cable 7424 style dual action polisher should come standard with 5 1/2 inch pads and corresponding backing plate.

Pads & Friction

The size or surface area does not directly affect the frictional force between two surfaces until downward force or pressure is applied. Reducing the pad size will only improve the mechanical efficiency of the machine.

The motor of your polisher produces some amount of power. The larger the pad surface area the harder the motor must work. Now, most will say "it's only 1 extra inch", but when it comes to surface area and friction your really talking about an additional 10 square inches. Now take a look at the difference between the 5 1/2", 6 1/2" and 7" pad...........Size does matter!

Surface Area - 5 1/2 pad = 23.75 in²

Surface Area - 6 1/2 pad = 33.18 in²

Surface Area - 7 pad = 38.484 in²

There is a direct relationship between the pad surface area and the polishers ability to transfer adequate power to the pad improving it's overall performance.

Lake Country Pads

Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads

Backing Plate

lake country 5 inch backing plate, 5 inch backin plate, 5 inch hook and loop backing plate
 
Porter Cables 2nd generation dubbed as the Porter Cable 7424xp was designed to be more powerful and much better ergonomics. While it may not be the most powerful dual action polisher on the market it's designed to handle just about any detailing job it comes across.

  • Amps: 4.5
  • No Load Speed: Electronic variable speed 2,500-6,800 opm
  • Spindle Thread: Accepts 5/16 - 24
  • Gear Drive: Spiral Bevel
  • Wheel Diameter: 6 inches
  • Length: 11 1/2 inches
  • Net weight: 5 3/4 lbs.
  • Counterweight pre-installed
Porter Cable has been designing and manufacturing tools for a long, long time. The design intent is present throughout the Porter Cable 7424xp and this polisher outsells all other dual action polishers combined...

My friend, the choice is now yours! :bigups
 
@Bobby, I think that is why I have had so much problems getting correction out of the orginal PC. I have the 6" pads and it does great at putting something like a PWC on but far as compounds, or SSR's it just seems to take 5-6 passes per panel even to make a dent on it.

In your opinion would you get the new Groits or Meg's pc or the Flex. Im looking for paint correction and have even toyed with the fact of getting a cheap chicago rotary but I would probably have to get backing plates and 1 pad of each color.
 
Make sure you are using 5.5 inch thin pads. Also you may want to try different polishes....I never was thrilled with PB polishes. 105/205 and Menz Power/Super Finish come to mind as capable polishes.
 
Having owned both the PC XP and the GG DA, I would highly recommend the Griot's over the PC. The Griot's is more refined, more ergonomic, more powerful, and best of all it offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY! You won't get that with the PC XP.

I loved my original PC, but the current version XP is a disappointment when you put it up against the GG.
 
But isn't the GG the same as the pc? I though it was. I belive i have 6" pads now will they work ok on the GG if I get that one?

Alos is the HD for 35.00 more worth the extra? and what is it ? So i guess it comes down to the GG or the Meg ones..
 
They are both DA's, yes. But that's the only thing they have in common. Any backing plate or pad that works on the PC will work on the GG or vice versa.

GG > PC XP
 
00GREENMACHINE said:
But isn't the GG the same as the pc? I though it was. I belive i have 6" pads now will they work ok on the GG if I get that one?

Alos is the HD for 35.00 more worth the extra? and what is it ? So i guess it comes down to the GG or the Meg ones..
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The GG6 has the most raw power, actually speed 6 is pretty much over kill and will smoke a lot of the foam pads out there. It can be found pretty cheap on Amazon during some of their sales. I picked up two of them and got one for $80. To me the $35 HD option is not needed but opinions will vary. Build quality is rather poor but it does have a lifetime warranty.

I feel the G110v2 is just a hair behind the GG6 in power but has a much better build quality IMO....it will be my next purchase as the quality of the GG6 has not impressed me, regardless of it's power.


Just my $.02
 
I would have to agree with Chad on this one I own the Flex Da and the PC model before the XP at last years Detail Fest I had plenty of time to try out the GG and Megs G110V2 I felt that both performed awesome but IMO I still think I would go with the G110v2 only because of some of the horror stories I've read about and heard about the GG just stop working in the middle of a job . Even if it has a life time warranty I really don't want the hassle of being without a Da for a few weeks waiting on a replacement .
 
well I do this as a hobbie and not a job so I feel the GG will be better ESP if its got the lifetime warranty. It may be a hassle to return it but atleast you can. Will the kit for 199 with the 6.5 inch pads work fine?
 
RaskyR1 said:
I feel the G110v2 is just a hair behind the GG6 in power but has a much better build quality IMO....it will be my next purchase as the quality of the GG6 has not impressed me, regardless of it's power
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Another positive for the G110v2 is that it, unlike the GG6, has a cruise control circuit. I've heard more and more members who have had both machines say that the G110v2 is able to keep a pad rotating under pressure at lower speeds better than the GG6, even though it doesn't have quite as much power to give when running the machine flat out.

As a G110v2 owner myself, I have to say that I've been nothing but impressed by the machine.
 
I guess everyone's experiences vary, because my first G110 died in the middle of a job within a couple of months of getting it. I bought the GG while waiting for Megs to send me a replacement. Since getting the GG, I rarely use the G110 except for spot work with 4" pads and it's already sounding rough. It sounds as if the bearing is going to come apart at any time. I know another detailer who is having to replace the power cord on his 110, too.

If/when my 110 goes for a second time, it will be replaced with another GG. But this is definitely a case of YMMV.
 
I have three machines. The first original PC,a Megs g100v2 and the second generation Griots. I find myself reaching for the Griots more often then not. The megs seems a little smoother then the Griots with the Griots having the edge in raw power. With that said I still enjoy grabbing the old PC and slowing down the process and concentrating on the finish. I do not regret the purchase of any of these machines and find all of these will do the job for anyone that does this for a hobby and also cover most professional applications. On a side note I just purchased another Griots for my son-in-law for his birthday. I think the lifetime warranty will come in handy with the way he treats equipment.LOL.
 
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