Porter Cable 7424 Question

[b0b]

I have been looking for a DA to get into the tight areas for quite some time now. Currently I only have a Flex 3401, which I love. Do you think it is worth getting a Porter Cable with the 3 inch backing plate or should I just hold off until something new comes out..

I cant seem to justify buying another DA (or another 6 inch one only to be used as a 3 inch), but someone please try and convince me!

[allenk4]

If you do go with the PC and 3" pads....keep the speed in the 3-4 range.

I blew up three pads in one session by running it too fast and catching an edge.

They flew right off of the velcro

[erichaley]

My first polisher was a PC 7424 XP, which was soon after supplemented by a GG 3" DA for use on smaller or curvy areas. Not long after, I bought a Flex 3401 VRG. Since then, the PC has seen little use, but the GG still sees regular use - almost as much as the Flex. I ordered some 4" pads and a BP, so the PC should start seeing more use. The point of all this is: If you need to use 3" pads, buy a GG (it's only $100 - or $85 with the current sale). While a 3" pad will work on the PC, it's size will likely get in the way. You may be better off with 4" pads on the PC... Just my opinion.

[swanicyouth]

I use a PC (original 7424) and a Griot's with my 2 & 7/8" LC backing plate and 3" pads all the time. It works perfect. I never had any issue with pads flying off or anything else.

The collar on the PC seems a tad smaller, so it just seems to want to work a hair better with 3" pads. But the Griots works great. You will never need to go above speed 5, because the small pads have a small mass and the PC spins them almost effortlessly.

If your only going to use it with 3" pads, why no just get a DA from Harbor Freight for half the price ?

I do not recommend the 3" Hydrotech Pads sold at AG. They are "high profile" and are too tall for their diameter in my opinion. You tend to get the "Pencil Eraser Affect" (PEA).

What is P.E.A.? Well, I just made PEA up. Imagine a pencil with an eraser on the end of it that's 4x longer than a standard pencil eraser. Now, imagine trying to erase something with it. The eraser would have too much flex and be too tall to transmit the power from the pencil and it would just be awkward. That's how I can describe the "high profile" 3" LC Hydrotechs.

I highly recommend these pads from CG. They are 4" and fit the 3" plate perfect. They just work well.



CG pads in action. The plate sinks into the pad for perfect centering:



Fits well into small areas (PC):



Griots:



For 3" pads I would get the low profile or Griots 3" pads. Buff and Shine makes 3" pads as well I believe.

[b0b]

I intended to use the PC with 4 inch pads on the 3 inch back plate, I was unaware the GG back plate would work...

So, that leaves me with the choice of the GG 3 inch DA or the PC with the 3 inch backing plate and the GG plate.

If it requires anything above a 5 inch pad, I'm using the Flex.

What would you do? The price isn't an issue as they are like 20$ apart from each other.

[rmagnus]

2 & 7/8" LC backing plate

You tend to get the "Pencil Eraser Affect" (PEA).

I highly recommend these pads from CG. They are 4" and fit the 3" plate perfect. They just work.

Great post. LOL .PE.A. This place has more ackronyms than the Marine Corps!

Seriously LC 2 7/8 pad for the PC makes a lot of sense. Think I'm going to pull the trigger on it. Love the CG pads also. Keep jamn with the humor.

[FrankS]

...I highly recommend these pads from CG. They are 4" and fit the 3" plate perfect. They just work well.



CG pads in action. The plate sinks into the pad for perfect centering:



Fits well into small areas (PC):



Griots:



For 3" pads I would get the low profile or Griots 3" pads. Buff and Shine makes 3" pads as well I believe.

Thanks for the info, I was looking for some small pads for my PC and I like the 4" pads from CG, I'm going to give these pads a try.