Counter weight/backing plate concern

[uziel5000]

OK so the more I read, the more I want to get on these. One question though...

From what I've read, the PC comes with a counter weight for a 6 inch backing plate. This means I would have to buy a 6 inch backing plate plus 6.5 inch pads to use it out of the box. Right? I keep reading about people recommending 5 inch plates or even smaller but it's not clear or don't mention anything about buying another counter weight? Is this necessary I just want to make sure I get what I need. Thanks in advance.

[PhxDarius]

You would just need to get 6.5" pads to use with the backing plate that it came with. People recommend switching to a 5" backing plate, and 5.5" pads to give you more power and get into tighter spots if i am not mistaken. I am not sure if that is the only reason though.

[The Guz]

Similar topic in this thread.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-polisher.html

[BillyJack]

I have a GG polisher and switch regularly from 3 inch to 4, 5, 6 inch pads and backing plate. I've never noticed a vibration issue caused bu not changing counterweights.

Bill

[ski2]

The PC comes with a backing plate and a permanently mounted pad. So unless you buy a kit you must buy a backing plate to be able to change pads. If you do a search you'll see most recommend a 5" backing plate with 5.5" very thin pads like the Megs thin pads because the PC doesn't have the power/torque to handle 6.5" pads. 5.5" pads are easier to work with, more effective and cost less. No need to change or worry about the counter weight.

You might want to consider the Griots Garage polisher--it has much more power/torque than the PC and a lifetime warranty. Equipped with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads there isn't anything it can't handle.

[Setec Astronomy]

The counterweight is meaningless for how we use the PC. When I started the PC would come with the 5" counterweight, and the places like Autogeek would sell the 6" counterweight so we could all change them. The counterweights are for using the machine as a sander, as has been stated it doesn't really make any difference for how we use the machine.

[lane5515]

If it is useless, can the counter weight be removed when polishing with a 5" backing plate or smaller?

[Setec Astronomy]

If it is useless, can the counter weight be removed when polishing with a 5" backing plate or smaller?

What I meant is the difference between the 5" & 6" counterweight is meaningless to our use. I wouldn't recommend removing it entirely, but go ahead and experiment and let us know.

[dlc95]

I've not once had any difficulties spinning 6.5" pads on a PC. I even spun a 8" Megs W4000 wool pad on it. If you're stopping the pad you're putting too much pressure on it.

[dlc95]

As far as the counter weight goes, I feel like the added weight of the 6" counter weight gives the pad some extra "swing". I tried running the machine without a weight installed at all, and that seemed to negatively impact pad rotation.

On the old school PC 7424 I like the 5" weight. On the XP I like the 6 - regardless of the pad size.