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PoopMobile
09-04-2011, 07:40 AM
Which would be the safer and easier backing plate to use for someone who has never used a buffer before? Dual Action Flex or Hook & Loop?
BobbyG
09-04-2011, 07:53 AM
Which would be the safer and easier backing plate to use for someone who has never used a buffer before? Dual Action Flex or Hook & Loop?

Hook & Loop backing plates work on the same principle whether the Flex 3401 or Porter Cable 7424. When you say safer and easier what are your concerns?....
PoopMobile
09-04-2011, 07:55 AM
I know they're pretty idiot proof but my concern is damage and best performance for a beginner...porter cable 7424
BobbyG
09-04-2011, 08:04 AM
I know they're pretty idiot proof but my concern is damage and best performance for a beginner...porter cable 7424

Ahhh, OK.

This is what I use on mine and they work really well! :props:

Plate - lake country 5 inch backing plate, 5 inch backin plate, 5 inch hook and loop backing plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)

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 (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)
tuscarora dave
09-04-2011, 08:07 AM
:iagree:
Hook and loop is pretty much the only option. Just make sure the backing plate is not larger than the pads that you are using and all will be OK concerning damage from a backing plate contacting the paint.
PoopMobile
09-04-2011, 08:14 AM
I'm looking at 2 different packages to purchase the porter cable. 1 comes with a 5" dual flex and the other a 5" hook & loop. They both come with 6.5 pads. Just was wondering which would be better for a beginner.
kimtyson
09-04-2011, 08:19 AM
Pretty sure the Flex, which is a machine, uses a special backing plate. So, if you are getting the PC7424, then you should not get a flex plate. It won't work. I have a PC and use the same plate that BobbyG posted. Works perfectly. The smaller 5.5 inch pads are easier to use for us beginners, too.
navseawelder1
09-04-2011, 08:21 AM
6" backing pad and 7.5" Lake Country Pads. Leaves you a safety zone.
I have a PC 7424XP and A 6", 5", and 3.5" backing pads. I also have 7.5", 6.5", and 4" LC pads. All hook & loop.
dad07
09-04-2011, 08:23 AM
I would recommend a pc kit.....but when you order I would call AG and see if they trade out the 6.5 for 5.5 pads.

Or you can put something together yourself.
BobbyG
09-04-2011, 08:23 AM
6" backing pad and 7.5" Lake Country Pads. Leaves you a safety zone.

I don't think this combination would work well on a Porter Cable 7424 polisher, it's much too large for a small machine...
PoopMobile
09-04-2011, 08:28 AM
These are the the exact packages thru auto geek for the wolfgang kit and the pinnacle kit. Why do they offer them with 5" and 6.5 pads?
BobbyG
09-04-2011, 08:35 AM
These are the the exact packages thru auto geek for the wolfgang kit and the pinnacle kit. Why do they offer them with 5" and 6.5 pads?

The 6 1/2" diameter pads a Porter Cable 7424 in my opinion pushes the limit of this style machine.

I have the same machine and found a world of difference when I decided to try Lake Country 5 1/2 diameter pads.

The Porter Cable 7424 style dual action polisher should come standard with 5 1/2 inch pads and corresponding backing plate period.

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 inē

Surface Area - 6 1/2 pad = 33.18 inē

Surface Area - 7 pad = 38.484 inē

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.
PoopMobile
09-04-2011, 08:44 AM
That all makes sense BobbyG. Like I said, I've never used a buffer before and I was relying on auto geeks mix and match. Dewalt (Porter Cable) says to use 5" with 5" and was pushing the Dewalt 7" buffer to cover more area but it's also an extra 75 to 100 bucks.

I would think for a beginner the 5" might take longer but would be easier to control................
navseawelder1
09-04-2011, 08:47 AM
I don't think this combination would work well on a Porter Cable 7424 polisher, it's much too large for a small machine...
That's the way my kit came so I learned to like it and the PC doesn't have any problem with 7.5" pads unless you apply extreme pressure to it