Going nuts with PC choices of pads

[brian45acp]

I am new to this and just ordered your "how to" video for the PC along with this kit and upgraded to the HD version which I have no reason for doing but it sounded better :) Porter Cable 7424 & Foam Pad Kit - Car Buffer (http://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html)

It comes with 6.5 pads and a 5 inch plate but much of what I am reading on here has forum members advising for a 5.5 foam on that plate. I called tech support to double check and they say that either choice is fine but the larger pad is more forgiving of potential mistakes.

I ordered the Orange pads for swirl remover products, White for the AIO type products, and Red for the polish which has no abrasives in it.

Am I on the right path?

[RhetoricMixes]

It looks like you ordered the correct type pads in your order but I would have suggested you order this kit If you’re in the market for a dual action polisher, look no further than the Porter Cable 7424! (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-pad-kit.html) instead since it has the 5.5 inch pads with it. I havent personally used any 6.5 inch pads but ive heard that they do not spin well or handle well with the porter cable. The kit i mentioned above is the one i own and i bought a while back.

[embolism]

unless you have outlets in a few places in your garage, you will likely need an extension cord so paying $30 extra for the HD version is not really helping you. Better to spend that money on 5.5 inch thin pads that will rotate better with the PC.

The CCS pads in that kit are big and thick and won't correct as efficiently as thinner 5.5 inch pads.

If you really want to make life simple for yourself, cancel that order and get just a regular PCXP or Griots or Meg's unit and the Megs 5.5 inch MF correction kit with maybe a few 5.5 inch flat LC black or crimson hydrotechs for finishing/waxing/sealants

[LuxuryMobile]

Tim advice above is great.

I would pick up the Griots paired with the Meg MF system in 5.5 inch and there isnt much that you cant fix.

[panthercz]

Use 5.5" pads. Avoid the CCS pads. If getting, LC pads get the thinner ones. If getting LC Hydro pads, keep in mind they finish down great but their durability isn't the best so it's a trade off imo between those and the LC flat pads. Better finish and potentially less steps vs. longer durability.
For smaller/tighter areas a 4" pad comes in very handy. That will require another backing plate though.

If dealing with harder clear coats, the Micro Fiber pads are great, especially if you have an air compressor on hand to blow them out real quick after each panel. If not, that's fine just make sure you work clean.

If you are new to machine polishing, I recommend avoiding M105 compound (for a little while). Yes it works great, but it is not user friendly and I think it causes a lot of angst and frustration among those who are not use to the in's and out's of polishing. Instead try Megs D300 or something from Optimum, Menzerna, Blackfire, Wolfgang, etc.
Also do some research learn about the Kevin Brown method of priming pads. It'll make life easier in my opinion.

[Mike Phillips]

I called tech support to double check and they say that either choice is fine but the larger pad is more forgiving of potential mistakes.


Customer Support is correct, a larger pad is more forgiving for potential mistakes, it's larger and it will be more difficult to make a mistake as the larger diameter gives the pad more leverage over the tool and this means it will be easier to stop the pad from rotating thus no mistakes can be made.

We have a lot of customers brand new to machine polishing that never get on the forum to get all the information you've attained and for most people, keeping things safe is a good approach.

5.5" pads, especially thin pads, will rotate better than 6.5" thick pads or 7" pads like Meguiar's sells because it's easier for these types of tools to maintain pad rotation.

Here's the deal... the only time you're effectively removing swirls is when the pad is rotating. If the pad is just vibrating or jiggling against the paint it isn't doing anything to remove swirls.

Thick foam absorbs and dissipates the energy coming out of PC type tools, including the PC, the Griot's Garage, Meguiar's and even the Shurhold and DAS type DA Polishers.

With thin foam pads there's less material to absorb and dissipate the energy. Not how the Meguiar's Microfiber Pads take advantage of this characteristic in that they are thin, not thick.

Also, as you work around a car your pads become wet or saturated with product and wet foam absorbs and dissipates energy from the tool more than dry foam. In other words, as you work around the car and your pads become wet they will rotate less, not more. A clean, dry pad will always rotate better then a wet pad.

So Customer Care is correct that larger pads are safer for people new to machine polishing. After you get some experience and are accustomed to the characteristics and capabilities of the tool then smaller, thin pads are more effective.

All of this by the way is in my how-to book on page 60 and 61

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1313/Page60and61.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1313/Page60and61a.jpg


I'm not sure which video you purchased as I have 6 videos out currently. The Principals of Machine Polishing, I use 6.5" CCS pads and if you watch closely the pads are always rotating.

So a PC, a Meguiar's G110v2 and a Griot's Garage 6" ROP can all rotate 6.5" foam pads, it's just they can maintain pad rotation better with smaller, thinner pads especially as you work your way around a car.

And of course, this is the benefit to the Flex 3401, it's a forced rotation dual action polisher. With the Flex 3401 you don't have to worry about what size or thickness of pad you attach as it's going to work excellent with any pad. It's only the tools with the free floating spindle bearing assembly drive mechanism that pad rotation is an issue.

Keep in mind, it's this NON-forced rotation aspect of the PC style tools that make them so POPULAR with people new to machine polishing because they are so much safer. Now we've come back full circle to how this thread started and that's Customer Care told you




I called tech support to double check and they say that either choice is fine but the larger pad is more forgiving of potential mistakes.


And they are correct.

If you feel comfortable using power tools and have been reading and educating yourself on this topic then you could probably start out using the smaller diameter, thinner pads without any problems.






I ordered the Orange pads for swirl remover products, White for the AIO type products, and Red for the polish which has no abrasives in it.

Am I on the right path?




That's pretty close.

Cutting pads can be used with compounds and polishes. If you use a compound with a cutting pad then you normally would follow this with a medium cut or fine cut polish with a polishing pad to make sure there's no haze or micro-marring left in the paint from the very aggressive compound and cutting pad.

Remember, polishing paint is an art form, not a grinding process.


AS for AIO's or Cleaner/Waxes. Normally you would use a polishing pad with a cleaner/wax. You can use more aggressive pads with cleaner/waxes but you'll tend to leave hazing or micro-marring and now you're back to removing this which means a two step process and the whole idea of using a cleaner/wax is to do a one-step process.

If you're going to do a two-step process might as well compound, polish and then wax.


Hope all that makes sense...


:)

[Mike Phillips]

If getting LC Hydro pads, keep in mind they finish down great but their durability isn't the best so it's a trade off imo between those and the LC flat pads. Better finish and potentially less steps vs. longer durability.


This is correct and I also included the above and explained why in my how-to book on page 55 and 56.




Also do some research learn about the Kevin Brown method of priming pads. It'll make life easier in my opinion.



I included priming pads in all my videos and also in my book on pages 61 -63 as well as in this article here,


How to prime a foam pad when using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/35292-how-prime-foam-pad-when-using-da-polisher.html)


Here are 3 ways to apply product to your pad.

1. Priming the pad then adding product to work with

Priming a clean, dry pad is considered the best approach for using a DA Polisher because it ensures that 100% of the working surface of the pad is wet with product and working at maximum efficiency when you turn the polisher on. I originally learned of this technique from my friend Kevin Brown.

Priming the pad also ensures that you don't have any dry portion of the pad working over the paint un-lubricated. This really isn't a risk because since you're just starting out you're going to be removing defects a lot more serious than would be caused by any portion of the pad that is dry and spinning against the paint.

Plus, after just a few passes, the product you apply to specific areas of the face of the pad will migrate over the entire face of the pad and it will do this rather quickly when you're on the higher speed settings.



Priming the Pad - For clean, dry pads
Start with a clean, dry pad and add some fresh product to be spread out to the face of the pad. Using your finger, spread the product out over the pad and then using your finger work it into the pores of the pad. Don't saturate the pad, just use enough product to make sure that 100% of the working face of the pad has product coverage.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad01.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad02.jpg


Work the product around the face of the pad and into the pores
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad03.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad04.jpg


Any extra, take and apply to the outer edge until 100% of the working face of the pad is primed with product.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad05.jpg



As an option you can also prime the outer edge. This helps if you're buffing around convex curves or around panels that the edge of your buffing pad may come into contact with, like spoilers, side mirror housings, curved panels etc.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad06.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad07.jpg


Primed and ready to add "Working Product" to.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad09.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad08.jpg




Adding "Working Product" to the primed pad
Some people will recommend 3 to 4 pea size drops of product as the proper amount of product to use and this can be correct for concentrated products or working small sections and if you follow this advice make sure you are not under-lubricating the surface being worked.

Pea size drops of product
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad10.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad11.jpg



For some products and paint conditions, you may want more product on the surface working for you. Here's an example of dime size drops of product.

Dime size drops of product
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad12.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1110/PrimingPad13.jpg



How much product to use after priming

Ample
You want an AMPLE amount of product when first starting out because you pad is dry and some of the product is going to seep into the pad leaving less on the surface to LUBRICATE and ABRADE the paint

Cut down on the amount of product AFTER pad is broken-in...
After your pad is broken in with product, clean your pad after each section pass and when you apply fresh product you can cut down on the amount of product you actually apply to the face of your pad.


Too Little Product
Under-using product reduces lubricity and will make it more difficult for your pad to rotate efficiently.

Too Much Product
Using too much product will hyper-lubricate or over-lubricate the pad and will interfere with the abrasives ability to abrade the paint.


Keep in mind that you want enough product on the surface so you have,


Abrasives working for you.


A lubricating film between the paint and the pad.
Often times if you don't have enough product to work with you'll end up buffing to a dry buff. When you lose lubrication, friction increase and this can lead to micro-marring or hazing.



2. Applying a Circle Pattern of Product


Benefits to a Circle Pattern
As you work around the car you'll find that your product will migrate to the center on it's own. This can lead to pad saturation starting at the center of the pad where most of the heat is generated.

This can cause problems because wet foam will hold in heat better than dry foam and over time this can accelerate de-lamination between the hook & loop material and either the foam of the pad or the backing material on the backing plate.

Knowing this... I don't help the problem by using an X pattern as using an X-pattern means putting product onto the middle of the face of the pad.

If you're placing pea or dime sized amounts of product to the face of your pad then it's also a good idea to avoid placing the product directly in the center of the pad.

Circle Pattern on a clean dry pad and then worked for a Section Pass
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct01.jpg http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct02.jpg


After working the circle of product over a section, you can see it spread the product out over the entire face of the pad without having to spread it with your finger. The pad is now equally primed with residual product.


Cut down on product after your first section pass
At this point you could clean your pad or add fresh product and when you add fresh product you can adjust how much product you apply.

In this example I used half a circle of product since 100% of the face of the pad is now primed from the previously applied and worked product.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct03.jpg http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct04.jpg




3. Applying an X-Pattern of Product
Applying your product to the face of your buffing pad using an X-pattern is a fast and simple way way to get product out of the bottle and onto the pad in a measured way that's easy to teach others and a method that's easy to duplicate over and over again.

X-Pattern on a clean dry pad and then worked for a Section Pass
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct05.jpg http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct02.jpg


Cut down on product after your first section pass
After making a thorough Section Pass. The pad is now equally primed with residual product. At this point you could clean your pad or add fresh product and when you add fresh product you can adjust how much product you apply. In this example I used half an X-Pattern, or a single strip of product since the pad is already primed.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct08.jpg http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct09.jpg




Wet Buffing Technique

Maintain a wet film on the surface
The key is to have enough product on the surface as you're working a section to have a wet film of product that you can see on the surface behind the polisher as you move the polisher over the paint.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/AmpleProduct10.jpg



:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

Priming, using and cleaning microfiber pads and Surbuf pads are on pages 73-77

And just about anything else a person needs to know can be found below...




Dual Action Polishers

Video: How-To do a "Section Pass" when Machine Polishing with a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/24074-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-buffing.html)

The short how-to guide for using a DA Polisher
How to maximize the ability of the 1st Generation Porter Cable Dual Action Polishers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-ability-1st-gen-porter-cable-dual-action-polishers.html)

The long and in-depth guide for using a DA Polisher
The Definitive How-To Article for Removing Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots Using a Porter Cable 7424XP, G110v2 or Griot's Garage Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html) - Includes Videos

How to prime a foam pad when using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/35292-how-prime-foam-pad-when-using-da-polisher.html)

DA Polisher Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)

Wet Buffing Technique (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/36237-wet-buffing-technique.html)

How-to Machine Apply Wax using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)

How to Apply Dodo Pastes Waxes by Machine (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/25737-how-apply-dodo-pastes-waxes-machine.html)

How To Apply Mothers California Gold Carnauba Paste Wax by Machine (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/25725-how-apply-mothers-california-gold-pure-carnauba-paste-machine.html)

How much product do I use with my DA Polisher? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/26962-how-much-product-do-i-use-my-da-polisher.html)

The Free Floating Spindle Assembly - The Story Behind The Story... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23995-free-rotating-spindle-assembly-story-behind-story.html)

Handle? Or No Handle? - Using DA Polishers Without the Handle (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/30822-handle-no-handle-using-da-polishers-without-handle.html)

New! Cyclo Model 5 Pro Series - Variable Speed (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/cyclo-polisher-accessories/30559-new-cyclo-model-5-pro-series-variable-speed.html)

How to use a microfiber bonnet to remove dried wax by machine (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/29369-how-use-microfiber-bonnet-remove-dried-wax-machine.html)

DA Polishers - Stick Handle - Hoop Handle - Or no handle at all? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/porter-cable-7424xp-updates/20291-stick-handle-hoop-handle-no-handle-all.html)

Griot's Random Orbital Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/20437-griot-s-random-orbital-polisher.html)

Meguiar's G110v2 - 2nd Generation G110 Dual Action Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/22103-meguiar-s-g110v2-2nd-generation-g110-dual-action-polisher.html)

Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher - Extreme Demo - Warning! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/22065-griot-s-garage-3-mini-polisher-extreme-demo-warning.html)

3" Mini Polisher- 2nd Generation Griot's Garage Mini Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/21846-3-mini-polisher-gen-ii-griot-s-garage-mini-polisher.html)

Show Car Garage Video: How to use the Cyclo Polisher to remove swirls and scratches (video: How to use the Cyclo Polisher to remove swirls and scratches)

Show Car Garage Video: How To Remove Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots using a PC 7424XP, Meguiar's G110v2 or Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/)

DA Polisher Articles - Help for Newbies to Machine Polishing (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/38399-da-polisher-articles-help-newbies-machine-polishing.html)

NEW - Can an air-powered DA Sander be used to polish paint? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/)

NEW - How to bolt on the Porter Cable Plastic Head Cap (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/rough-draft/39105-how-bolt-porter-cable-plastic-head-cap.html)



Buffing Pads - Wool Pads & Foam Pads PLUS Backing Plates

NEW - Trend: Backing Plate Extensions for Surgical Precision Buffing (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/42949-trend-backing-plate-extensions-surgical-precision-buffing.html)

NEW - 5 inch Backing Plates on Meguiar's, Griot's and Porter Cable DA Polishers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-tools-accessories/48668-5-inch-backing-plates-meguiar-s-griot-s-porter-cable-da-polishers.html)

NEW - Trend: Flexible Backing Plates for Rotary Buffers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/33907-trend-flexible-backing-plates-rotary-buffers.html)

NEW - Trend: Small buffing pads (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/42947-trend-small-buffing-pads.html)

NEW - Trends: Flexible Backing Plates (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/42945-trends-flexible-backing-plates.html)

Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/circular-polishers-rotary-polishers-high-speed-polisher/32995-flex-foam-hd-rotary-backing-plate.html)

Flexible Backing Plates (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/33907-flexible-backing-plates.html)

New: 1-Pad Polishing System from Lake Country (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/29904-new-1-pad-polishing-system-lake-country.html)

The different types of foam formulas in the CCS Smart Foam Pad Line (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/29312-different-types-foam-formulas-ccs-smart-foam-pad-line.html)

Thin is in... New Lake Country Hydro-Tech Low Profile 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/28825-thin-new-lake-country-hydro-tech-low-profile-5-1-2-x-7-8-inch-foam-pads.html)

How to dry a foam pad after hand washing (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/26512-how-dry-foam-pad-after-hand-washing.html)

5 1/2 inch and 6 inch Buffing Pads on Autogeek's Online Store (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/27194-5-1-2-inch-6-inch-buffing-pads-pictures-links.html)

5 Inch Backing Plates for DA Polishers - Pictures and Links (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/27193-5-inch-backing-plates-da-polishers-pictures-links.html)

3.5" Backing Plates and 4" Spot Repair Pads on DA Polishers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/25473-3-5-backing-plates-4-spot-repair-pads-da-polishers.html)

Using a 4" Spot Repair Kit to Remove Paint Defects (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/23727-using-4-spot-repair-kit-remove-paint-defects.html)

Lake Country 7.5 inch Hook & Loop DuroWool 100% Twisted Aggressive Wool Cutting Pad (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/22420-lake-country-7-5-inch-hook-loop-durowool-100-twisted-aggressive-wool-cutting-pad.html)

The Edge 8" Black 100% Domestic Wool Heavy Cut Pad (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/22470-edge-black-100-domestic-wool-heavy-cut-pad.html)

Meguiar's Double Sided 100% Wool Cutting Pad (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/22459-meguiars-double-sided-100-wool-cutting-pad.html)

Small Spot Repair Buffing Pads and Backing Plates (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/23495-spot-repair-backing-plates-buffing-pads.html)

3M Quick Release Adapter vs the Double-Sided Pad Rotary Buffer Adapter - Differences? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/22461-3m-quick-release-adapter-vs-double-sided-pad-rotary-buffer-adapter-differences.html)

5" and 6" Backing Plates on 6.5" pads (Pictures to show safety margin) (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/20620-5-6-backing-plates-6-5-pads-pictures-show-safety-margin.html)




Pad Cleaning

Why it's important to clean your pads often... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/28755-why-s-important-clean-your-pads-often.html)

Cleaning Pads with the Flex 3401 and the Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-tools-accessories/20713-cleaning-pads-flex-3401-grit-guard-universal-pad-washer.html)

How to clean your foam pad on the fly (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20135-how-clean-your-foam-pad-fly.html)

How to adjust the Pad Cleaning Plate in the System 2000 Pad Washer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/22460-how-adjust-pad-cleaning-plate-system-2000-pad-washer.html)

Video: How to use the Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/24325-video-how-use-grit-guard-universal-pad-washer.html)




Tips and Techniques


Kissing the Finish (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/29792-kissing-finish.html)

Knock out painted roofs first, then tackle the rest of the car... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/29746-knock-out-painted-roofs-first-then-tackle-rest-car.html)

Here's a tip... don't lift the pad off the paint till you've turned the polisher off and the spinning pad has slowed down... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/28940-here-s-tip-don-t-lift-pad-off-paint-till-you-ve-turned-polisher-off-spinning-pad-has-slowed-down.html)


:buffing:

[bigez]

How often do you have to keep adding polish? After every section pass? Or can you do several section passes before adding any?
For example, after priming and adding your "3 pea sized drops", how many section passes can you get out that before adding more?

[Mike Phillips]

For example, after priming and adding your "3 pea sized drops", how many section passes can you get out that before adding more?


One section.

With your pad primed and your 3 peas sized or dime sized or whatever sized drops you buff out one section of paint. You might make 6 Section Passes. You might make 12 Section Passes. You have to determine how many times you buff out a single section to remove the swirls by what you're seeing after you buff a section and of course paying attention to what you're doing, i.e. how many section passes you're making.

Back to this old thread linked to above of course...

The Definitive How-To Article for Removing Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots Using a Porter Cable 7424XP, G110v2 or Griot's Garage Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)







The definition of a pass
There are two definitions of the word pass as it relates to machine polishing with any type of machine.


Single Pass
A single pass is just that. It's when you move the polisher from one side of the section you're buffing to the other side of the section you're buffing. That's a single pass.


Section Pass
A section pass is when you move the polisher back and forth, or front to back with enough single overlapping passes to cover the entire section one time. That's a section pass.






After you buff each section, clean off the spent product and removed paint and repeat the procedure to a new section of paint.


:)

[TimmyG]

If you own a PC, the following are must own pads imo.

Surbuf 5.5"
Megs MF Cutting Discs 3" and 5"
LC 5.5" Flat Pads
LC Hydro Tech 3"

This is obviously personal opinion and preference.

[brian45acp]

I thank you guys for the info. I decided to leave my order as it was and go with the 6.5 pads on the 5 inch back plate. I called tech support 3 times and each person I spoke with said it was a good combo.

Mike I ordered this video How to use a Porter Cable 7424XP Polisher, Porter Cable How To DVD, Dual action polisher DVD (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-dvd.html)

I want to thank you Mike for your time and effort you put into this thread and just to let you know I had already read most all that in my research so I must be on the right path. :) It is amazing that you help us that much and do so in such a in depth way.

My truck is a Tundra and its black. It lives in the garage and will be well cared for. I just spent 2 days waxing and layering product only to stills ee some fine lines when viewed with my LED light. I was going to call it good enough but learning about the PC kit and methods got me thinking I can do this and learn like you guys did. Most importantly I realize now that it is quite safe and newbie friendly the way the machines are designed now. I had this fear of stripping all my clear coat and paint off some how but it really looks easy and with your video I am sure I will have enough info to get started next weekend.

I do plan to start on my daily driver Corolla first then the wifes car before my Platinum Black 4x4 Tundra, lol.

[brian45acp]

My thought is that if 5.5 pads might be something to advance up to I will start with the 6.5 to learn and use them a few times then upgrade when they need to be replaced. This brings up another question which is how do I tell when I need to toss out an old pad? What am I looking for in an old worn out pad?

I have been reading some more and it seems somewhere in the instructions with the PC it says not to use larger then a 5 inch pad so why then does the kit come with 6.5 pads?

Also I hope I got the right advice from tech support of pad colors. I am using Zaino products by preference so I sort of have to understand what categories the products fall into vs pad color.

What I was told was that swirl removers take an orange pad, AIO style products that have mild abrasives in them take a white pad, and the Polishes which have no cleaning properties take a Red pad. This info falls right into place with my chosen products and I hope it works out for me. By description it seems I made the right choice but any more input would be appreciated.

In the kit I ordered there is a counter weight included. What do I do with this and should I use it for the larger pads to smooth out the machine?