DA OPM settings

[SubieMonte]

Noob here. I am wondering how to know the OPM settings from machine to machine. Is a 4 = 4800 or does the dial need to be closer to 5? I purchased a used PC7336 from a neighbor and couldn't find any online help. The HarborFrieght DA I purchased didn't have any either but when I used the same dial setting I think I heated up the compound and specks flew everywhere.

[Vegas Transplant]

I tried to no avail. Porter-Cable 7336 free Instruction Manual (Page 8)
If you look on several 7336 threads, maybe you can pm the owners of said unit.
More power on a 7336?

[primo spaghetti]

i dont think your compound sling is from overheating the polish...

put the polish on your pad first and put the pad on the vehicle before startingthe machine..also apply the polish at a low speed to spread it out before your correction passes...this should fix your "specks flew everywhere".

also look up mike phillips DA videos on autogeek...youll get alot of tips..

if you are using the pc, think you are right...setting 4 is 4800 opm.

[SubieMonte]

I apply product to pad, pad to car, turn on machine. Specks meaning dust like. About the size of tip of a pin. Very tiny. Might it have been product left over on the pad? Maybe the Harbor Freight DA is faster at #4 or heated up the compound?

[primo spaghetti]

oh dusting...sorry i didnt get that from your post...

a few things could be happening here. most likely you are using a product prone to dusting, or you have too much product on the pad.

you might find some answers here too

What am I doing wrong?

Tricks, Tips and Techniques - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

[embolism]

another thing you might want to try is to prime the pad with product, then let it sit for 5 minutes. Tried this with M105 and got almost zero dusting.

[Mike.Phillips@Autogeek]

Originally Posted by SubieMonte

Noob here. I am wondering how to know the OPM settings from machine to machine. Is a 4 = 4800 or does the dial need to be closer to 5? I purchased a used PC7336 from a neighbor and couldn't find any online help. The HarborFrieght DA I purchased didn't have any either but when I used the same dial setting I think I heated up the compound and specks flew everywhere.

From a practical point of view, OPM's dont matter because to remove defects or polish paint after any compounding work you're going to be on the 4-5 setting.

Meguiar's is the only company I know of specifically stating to use the 4800 OPM speed setting and that's for their D300 compound.

For just about any other compound or medium cut polish you're going to put any of the various DA Polishers on the 5-6 speed setting and get to buffing.

[SubieMonte]

thank you all for your help! Now I wish winter wasn't coming so I could detail more!

[tuscarora dave]

Originally Posted by SubieMonte

I apply product to pad, pad to car, turn on machine. Specks meaning dust like. About the size of tip of a pin. Very tiny. Might it have been product left over on the pad? Maybe the Harbor Freight DA is faster at #4 or heated up the compound?

Dust unfortunately (with certain compounds) is a part of the deal when compounding. The amount of dust will vary with the amount of product you are using and yes if the pad is getting hot the product will dust more. The HF machine is definitely faster at speed 4 and can cause total pad meltdown quicker at speed 6 if you allow your pad to become saturated with product.