I just bought the porter cable fellas and now I need to know what else to buy. I am new to using one of these machines but i heard they are very forgiving. Basically i need to know any opinions on what to start off with and what products you guys recommend. I dont even know what pads are which. Please help. Thanks
porter cable ?
- Thread starter nofd1977
- Start date
imported_User Name
New member
I'd get a bunch of 6.5" pads (8006 & 9006) from Meguiars and some 4" CCS LC pads (Orange, White, Blue, Black).
In terms of product, hard to beat the 1-2 punch of M105 and M205. Your PC is never going to be a rotary but M105 gives you a lot greater ability at correction.
In terms of product, hard to beat the 1-2 punch of M105 and M205. Your PC is never going to be a rotary but M105 gives you a lot greater ability at correction.
imported_User Name
New member
Here is a great little kit to start with. CCS Spot Buffs 4 Inch Foam Pad Kit Free Bonus!
I recommended the 6.5" pads, because they work great on my G110, which has a bit more power than the PC. I'm not sure if 6.5" pads are too big for the PC because I don't own one, but they are certainly not too big for the G110.
I recommended the 6.5" pads, because they work great on my G110, which has a bit more power than the PC. I'm not sure if 6.5" pads are too big for the PC because I don't own one, but they are certainly not too big for the G110.
Accumulator
Well-known member
nofd1977- I think you oughta do a little research so you understand about the backing plates/pads/etc. A general understanding *before* you spend your money would be a very good idea.
I hate to say "go search" but almost anything that could possibly be discussed about the PC has been, and many times
Short version: The PC is designed as a finish sander; it's made to spin a single sheet of sandpaper *NOT* a big foam pad that's wet/heavy with product. Yeah, it'll do it, but it's just not optimal.
IME the larger pads are too big and heavy and result in too much friction. Once you apply a little pressure (in the inevitable attempt to make the machine behave more aggressively) the PC will bog down and just "jiggle", doing little of value.
With smaller pads you can apply more pressure before this happens and the PC just generally works better with smaller pads.
I only use 4" pads for serious correction via PC, well, I *might* use a larger pad for VERY gentle work but I hardly ever do that.
Note that almost *all* correction ends up being "serious correction" as removing marring via PC is invariably much tougher than people expect it to be.
I'd steer away from "kits" that include pads/etc. Learn about the thing, decide what you (most likely) *really* need, and just buy that. Get at least two of each pad because [stuff] happens. Very short version:
Get a small backing plate for 4" pads. Get some 4" orange light cutting pads and some 4" white/green polishing pads. Maybe get some larger polishing pads. If you have especially hard/soft paint the preceding recommendation should be changed to fit your situation, which is why it's hard to tell other people what they oughta buy.
I hate to say "go search" but almost anything that could possibly be discussed about the PC has been, and many times
Short version: The PC is designed as a finish sander; it's made to spin a single sheet of sandpaper *NOT* a big foam pad that's wet/heavy with product. Yeah, it'll do it, but it's just not optimal.
IME the larger pads are too big and heavy and result in too much friction. Once you apply a little pressure (in the inevitable attempt to make the machine behave more aggressively) the PC will bog down and just "jiggle", doing little of value.
With smaller pads you can apply more pressure before this happens and the PC just generally works better with smaller pads.
I only use 4" pads for serious correction via PC, well, I *might* use a larger pad for VERY gentle work but I hardly ever do that.
Note that almost *all* correction ends up being "serious correction" as removing marring via PC is invariably much tougher than people expect it to be.
I'd steer away from "kits" that include pads/etc. Learn about the thing, decide what you (most likely) *really* need, and just buy that. Get at least two of each pad because [stuff] happens. Very short version:
Get a small backing plate for 4" pads. Get some 4" orange light cutting pads and some 4" white/green polishing pads. Maybe get some larger polishing pads. If you have especially hard/soft paint the preceding recommendation should be changed to fit your situation, which is why it's hard to tell other people what they oughta buy.
It depends which brand you go with and for which machine its for ie:cyclo. Some websites sell their own pads. They will tell you which color is for which action....
but in general, for Lake Country pads:
Yellow: Heavy Cut
Orange: Light Cut
Green: Heavy Polishing***
White
olishingGreen: Light Polishing***
Black: Final Polish
Red/Blue/Gold: No Cut, wax, glazes, sealants
***Be careful with green pads because depending on who you get them from, the cut will be different. Detailers domain sells the heavy polishing ones, I think AG carrys both now.
Junebug
JAFO
My 2 cents, get a small backing plate for the 4" pads, get LC Orange and White, the standard backing plate - came with mine, forget the actual size, but 5.5 inch pads work great with it. Get white for light polishing, maybe a green for AIO's and definitely a couple red pads to apply sealers and waxes.
After trying a bunch of polishes - I find I use Menzerna SIP and FFII the most, a little bit goes a long way.
After trying a bunch of polishes - I find I use Menzerna SIP and FFII the most, a little bit goes a long way.
imported_RZJZA80
New member
I've all but eliminated every size on my PC except 4". The only reason I can imagine using 5.5" is to apply liquid wax or sealant quickly.
Accumulator
Well-known member
RZJZA80 said:
Same here.
Junebug
JAFO
Agree also, and my pick is the 5.5" red for sealers. But the green ain't bad for ZAIO.
dropscience
New member
would the 3.5" lake country backing plate be ideal for the 4" Lake Country Orange and White pads?
eShine Canada: Lake Country 3.5" Flexible Backing Plate (DA)
eShine Canada: Lake Country 3.5" Flexible Backing Plate (DA)
imported_Luster1
New member
Legacy99 said:
I agree... that's all I use are the 5.5". LC yellow, orange and white.... The black 3M "waffle" pads are great for sealant application and they are SUPER CHEAP!:2thumbs:
DetailnByDustn
New member
I use a 5 inch Velcro backing with a 5" microfiber pad, work pretty good, Anyone know how to clean microfiber pads without destroying your washing machine?
9935annivgt
New member
I like the edge system and the 4 inch pads, does take a while but you can make a big diference in the paint this way. I would rec. at least 4 orange pads, 4 green pads and 2 or 3 white pads and that should work for the weekend guy detailing his own cars
Accumulator
Well-known member
DetailnByDustn said:
Besides having a dedicated washer in the shop
I'd just clean the washing machine out now and then. Wipe out the basket and clean the agitator (if it's that style of washer) and run it with just hot water and bleach (no clothes/etc.) now and then.I used the same washer for garage stuff and household textiles for years, no problems as long as I cleaned it out as needed.