Can the PC be modified tormove safety?

[carsfeverguy]

I understand that when pressing too hard the PC stops turning to prevent damage...

I would like to know if there would be a way to make it keep on spinning even when increasing pressure.

Basically removing the idiot proof feature the PC is so famous for.

[blkSRT]

It is not a safety it's the way it's built. If you're looking for something more powerful and/or aggressive take a look at the flex 3401 or a traditional rotary buffer.

[ski2]

It's a lack of power issue not a safety issue. My GG DA with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads is almost impossible to stop with any amount of pressure at speed 5. If you used a 5" backing plate with THIN pads it might help-- like the new Megs 5" thin pads.

[dcjredline]

Yeah, you should be buying a rotary or FLEX then not trying to use a machine for something it is not.

[carsfeverguy]

Thank you for your opinion.

Plenty of tools are modified to suit ones needs.

The PC stopps spinning when it considers too much pressure is applied. Where in the system does this variable come from. And where can it be adjusted from?

If you don't know that is ok, but no need to advise buying x y product.

[Smitty4x4]

What they are saying is that there is no "safety" that can be turned off or adjusted. If you disassemble the unit you will observe that there is no clutch or gears driving the pad rotation that can be modified. If you Google dual action polisher modifications, you will get an idea of what can be done. What is it that you are attempting to achieve?

[FUNX650]

I would like to know if there would be a way to make it keep on spinning even when increasing pressure.



You'll need to find a way to overcome
Porter Cable's (the PC's):

"Free Floating Spindle Bearing Assembly"

TO WIT:

[Quote]:
Originally Posted by MisterShark View Post
I recently fielded our collective question about what the industry term might be for the 'mechanism':

My question to Porter-Cable
"What is the mechanism called that causes the polisher to stop rotation when excessive pressure is exerted upon it?

Some of us are having a discussion on an online auto detailing forum and I incorrectly referred to the mechanism as a 'clutch' (such as my drill has). I'd like to clarify this for the sake of accuracy.

Thanks."

[Porter-Cable's reply]:
Dear James, we believe the following information addresses your inquiry. The pad itself may stop rotating temporarily with excessive pressure, because it is mounted into a free-floating Spindle Bearing Assembly. However the overall mechanism is fixed & therefore never stops orbiting when the machine is running, unless something is damaged or worn.[End reply]

"So there you have it. I guess our 'mechanism' is called a "free-floating Spindle Bearing Assembly"[unquote]

Source:
Taken from this Mike Phillips article:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23995-free-floating-spindle-assembly-story-behind-story.html
__________________________________________


Bob

[carsfeverguy]

I had read that before, but thank you for posting it here.
I found the schematics of the porter cable...

I guess one would have to take it apart to find out.
It's not magical...

[carsfeverguy]

Here is the Exploded view.

http://servicenet.portercable.com/Products/GetDocument?docName=EA023890.tif&docPath=http%3A%2F%2Fdocuments.dewalt.com%2Fdocume nts%2FEnglish%2FExploded%2520Art%2FEA023890.png&productId=80816&productType=19165&documentId=38014

[builthatch]

the answer has already been provided.

the essence of the machine's effectiveness necessitates the free spinning aspect. it's not a safety feature, it's a part of the function. it just so happens that it's safe because of this function...and lack of power.

considering that, and what was said about the GG6, which is true, then you have your answer - do not try to remove the free spinning part, but simply increase the power of the motor in a major way so it mirrors the output of the GG6. however, doing so might compromise the rest of the system as it was likely not designed to handle power that it otherwise would never, ever see. this includes gearing, fasteners, cooling/breathing, power wire gauge, terminal/contact size, etc.

[FUNX650]

I found the schematics of the porter cable...

I've seen those many times before.
Glad you found them



I guess one would have to take it apart to find out.

Good guess.

I'm interested in what you plan on replacing the aforementioned "Free Floating Spindle Bearing Assembly" with...another spindle assembly?...perhaps one that is directly gear driven?



It's not magical...
Maybe not magical, per se...But: POOF!!
The set of parts used for the successful Quality Control testing of the PC, is the last time that said set of parts will ever be known to exist in one place at the same time.


•I also keep in mind that a piece of equipment (such as the PC) was made by the lowest bidder. As such:

-I prefer to not see it be further "cheapened".



Bob

[Jaretr1]

The problem with the PC not spinning is not its lack of power but improper technique when using it.

It gets back to the question of what are you trying to do with it that you need it not to stop spinning?

[trekkeruss]

I had read that before, but thank you for posting it here.
I found the schematics of the porter cable...

I guess one would have to take it apart to find out.
It's not magical...

The modification would be simple: replace the motor with a more powerful motor. :D

[Mantilgh]

Question. What would happen if this free floating bearing was "locked". Would it not spin at all and just orbit without rotation, or would it make it forced rotation?

[Mike Phillips]

The problem with the PC not spinning is not its lack of power but improper technique when using it.

It gets back to the question of what are you trying to do with it that you need it not to stop spinning?


This is what I've always thought and stated and asked....

People, (not saying the OP of this thread but "guys" in general), will tend to push tools or anything (cars), to their limit. I know I do.

In the case of the PC they try to do work that is better suited for either a Flex 3401 or a Rotary Buffer.

It's called using the right tool for the job. This is why when people ask me,

"Mike, if you could only have one tool... which tool would you choose?"

My answer is always the same,

"I don't live in that fantasy world".


But if I had to choose only 2 tools I would choose,

Flex PE14 and Porter Cable 7424XP

With these two tools I can do everything. More tools are great but I can machine sand, remove swirls, machine wax, scrub tires and non-skid, polish diamond plate, etc. Flat out everything can be tackled with just these two tools.


:)