Smaller pads, ditch the counterweight?

**05RLS2** · 07-26-2011, 12:47 AM

On my first generation 7424, it has stamped on the counterweight to use only 6" pads. I have used 5.5" pads before and didn't notice any kind of wobbling or vibrations with the weight on and these pads. I did not see a weight that was designed for use with smaller pads, so should I go ahead and take the counterwight off? What if I tried using 4" flat pads, does the weight need to be removed for sure with a pad of this size?

**Mobile detail** · 07-26-2011, 01:13 AM

I believe they sell different size counter weights for different size pads. There is a reason they sell them. I have no experience with pc but I know when an engineer designs a part, its a good idea to use the part. You might not get wobble but it might cause stress on the machine leading to premature failure. Like I said, I don't know for a fact, just had been my experience. Others will chime in I'm sure.

**Twister** · 07-26-2011, 09:23 AM

I've never swapped out the weight when using my smaller backplate. I just use the one for the 5"

**C. Charles Hahn** · 07-26-2011, 10:38 AM

If you remove the counterweight and turn the machine on, it's going to fly apart on you. That counterweight holds the spindle/bearing assembly in place.

**Rsurfer** · 07-26-2011, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mobile detail

I believe they sell different size counter weights for different size pads. There is a reason they sell them. I have no experience with pc but I know when an engineer designs a part, its a good idea to use the part. You might not get wobble but it might cause stress on the machine leading to premature failure. Like I said, I don't know for a fact, just had been my experience. Others will chime in I'm sure.

I agree with your statement, but I was told by a PC rep that the counter weights would make a difference on sanding disks and won't make a difference on buffer pads.

**VIP Reflections** · 07-26-2011, 01:15 PM

i ruined the megs 3'' backing plate somehow and i suspected the same thing at first, the counterweight. what actually happened was the thread kinda striped from it wobbling so much. i didnt realize it was wobbling till the damage was done. it was either the wrong attachment or the counter weight being to big idk

**Twister** · 07-26-2011, 04:56 PM

I think the counterweight would only cause vibration and not the stripped threads

**05RLS2** · 07-26-2011, 11:29 PM

It seems like there should be different sized counter weights available, but the only thing I can find is the stock replacement weights for the PC. No different sized ones seem to exist. I could see using the stock sized weight for 6.5" pads and even 5.5" pads, but using a 4" kind of worries me when the weight has Use 6 inch pad only stamped on it.

So other than using a 3.5" backing plate, is there anything else I should do before using a 4" pad on the PC?