Harbor Freight polisher question

**Supergus1** · 12-01-2014, 09:03 AM

I saw this on the website and I recall that people have had good experiences with it:
6 in. 5.7 Amp Heavy Duty Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher

However I thought I remembered something regarding the backing plate and it's compatibility with commonly used pads. Can someone shed some light on this? Thanks.

**SameGuy** · 12-01-2014, 09:28 AM

By the time you add a better backing plate and some pads you may as well go with one of the starter kits offered here for just a few dollars more. Don't get me wrong, for the price it's a decent machine and makes a good backup (or carpet or tire scrubber), but there's just something about it that scares me away from using it on preciously thin clear coats. I realize it's just a stigma. But for like $50 more you'll get a proven workhorse Porter Cable 7424XP, a high quality PU backing plate, three flat pads and a couple of decent microfiber towels.

Porter Cable 7424xp Value Kit

**Desertnate** · 12-01-2014, 10:26 AM

I've had one for a couple years now and really like it. I caught it on sale and used a coupon I found in a car magazine. I think it ended up being around $45 out the door.

The first year I owned it, I used the stock plate with HF's pads. They actually worked well, but the polishing and compounding pads would only last one vehicle before coming apart. After that, I switched up to a 5" LC backing plate and 5.5" LC pads and have never looked back.

I think it was a great value. For the price of the tool and the LC backing plate and pads, I came out well under the price of another brand's machine. It works really well and I've been able to get great results. My only complaint is it's a little loud. However, since I always wear hearing protection when using power tools, it's a moot point for me.

**Kyle_Elantra** · 12-01-2014, 10:42 AM

Use a coupon, grab a 5" LC backing plate, and you're good to go. I also have a 3" LC backing plate that I use with smaller pads. The cycle brushes work great with it too.

I believe this is more on par with the GG 6" - it is more powerful than the PC. The PC is a great tool, and nearly impossible to do any damage with, but the cost

ower ratio on the HF is great. If I did this any more frequently than I do, I'd definitely grab a Flex or a Rupes. But for the hobbiest/no rush part timer - this is a great value.

**Desertnate** · 12-01-2014, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Kyle_Elantra

Use a coupon, grab a 5" LC backing plate, and you're good to go. I also have a 3" LC backing plate that I use with smaller pads. The cycle brushes work great with it too.

I believe this is more on par with the GG 6" - it is more powerful than the PC. The PC is a great tool, and nearly impossible to do any damage with, but the costower ratio on the HF is great. If I did this any more frequently than I do, I'd definitely grab a Flex or a Rupes. But for the hobbiest/no rush part timer - this is a great value.

Totally agree.

Reading through you comment about having a 3" plate for it makes me think I might pick up a second one with a coupon simply for the 3" usage. If I catch the sales and coupons right I'll get both DA's for less than the GG 3" polisher.

**VISITOR** · 12-01-2014, 02:07 PM

this HF DA is a great bargain (especially at this sale price and if you also have a coupon) and it's been proven reliable every bit as much as any other DA out there. throw on a 5" (also 3"-3.5") DA backing plate and you're good to go...

**DRO220** · 12-01-2014, 02:24 PM

I just bought one of these and during the AGO black friday sale picked up an LC 5" bp and 5.5" LC pads. Can you use a 3" bp and pads with this? Do you need to switch out the counterweight when doing so?

I'm new to DA polishers so I'm not real familiar with what is needed.

**actuator_mz3** · 12-01-2014, 02:29 PM

Just to reiterate what everyone has said, buy autogeek worthy pads and plates, 5.5 inch or 3 inch Lake Country with the matching backing plate, and you are good to go. I've had mine for about 6 months and haven't run into any problems. It's good enough for a hobbyist, I can't justify spending the money for a Flex, yet...

**allenk4** · 12-01-2014, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by DRO220

I just bought one of these and during the AGO black friday sale picked up an LC 5" bp and 5.5" LC pads. Can you use a 3" bp and pads with this? Do you need to switch out the counterweight when doing so?

I'm new to DA polishers so I'm not real familiar with what is needed.

I wonder as well

Has anyone altered the counterweight in their PC for using 3" pads?

Did it smooth out the operation if the machine?