Porter Cable 7346SP – What backing plate gives best performance?

[TOFAST4U2C]

Everything I have been reading about the popular set up on the 7424XP is using a 5” backing plate. The counter weight on mine says 6” on it. I could only find a 6” backing plate locally and used a 6 ½” Maguire’s pads to get some work done on my 2005 White Toyota. It seemed to work fine but the pad would stop rotating very easy under the 5 speed setting. Didn’t go much higher than 5 and a half on the speed and got the job done. Should I be using a smaller back plate and pad for better results? Less wear and tear on the PC? I want to order some more pads with the Labor Day sale. Thanks Jack

[DaveT435]

I would use the 5 inch. Less vibration and your pad won't stop as easy...

[BillE]

Do not worry about the counter weight. Just leave it 'stock.'

The reason for the different weights goes to the 7424 started its' life as a sander. For 'our' purposes, just leaving the weight as is has shown no difference using different sized pads.

As to pad size, the 5 1/5" does seem to work better than the 6 1/2". Meaning it is easier for the machine to maintain pad rotation with smaller size (5 1/2).

Bill

[Eandras]

Buy the 5.0" backing plate with the 5.5" pads. The backing plates and pads are available on autogeek.

I would also suggest the the flat pads with any porter cable da.