How many here are still using the Porter Cable DA?

[Paul A.]

Also, reading back through this thread i agree with Mike's unused corporate feedback about a market for smaller and more powerful 8mm (or even smaller) throw DA's. I say "unused feedback" because at the time they seemed uninterested.

However...look at the market now for small DA units for sale!

I now use my rotary with 2 and 3" pads for tight areas because i wasn't really happy with my PC and 3" pads. I don't like the pad "shadow" as Mike calls it on the throw and a rotary gives me more precision.

I know, I know...i need a Nano!

[jem7sk]

So what pad did you find that works optimally?

I haven't tried that many but found good success with Maquiar's 5" pads though I didn't think they lasted very long before they wore out. Right now I have some LC HydroTech 5.5" that I just tried on some test spots and like them a lot. I hope to try their flat and thin pro pads next. I also like the GG 5" micro fiber pad I have.. I think the key is a thin reputable pad so it can spin easily.

[UncleDavy]

My Porter Cable was my first machine since I got serious about paint correction and I still use it. I have moved on to a Griots GG6 and then a Griots G9 but I still use the PC. I have a 3 inch backing plate on it and it is used for paint correction in small places and applying sealant.

[garfy]

My Porter Cable was my first machine since I got serious about paint correction and I still use it. I have moved on to a Griots GG6 and then a Griots G9 but I still use the PC. I have a 3 inch backing plate on it and it is used for paint correction in small places and applying sealant.

The 7424XP was my first machine I ever bought years ago and I've never gone back to "hand waxing". It cut my time easily in half and now using Wolfgang's DGS 3.0 it takes less than 2 hours to complete my job as I apply the sealant to the entire car and by the time I'm finished applying, I can begin wiping off the first sections. Believe it or not, I used to take about 4+ hours to clean and wax my car.

On another note, how long do the brushes on the 7424XP last? I'm wondering when I should check them to be sure they don't wear to the metal and start damaging the commutator on the armature.

[bsmith0404]

My PC 7424XP bearing froze up on me, cost to repair was more than a new machine. Plus I was in the middle of a detail and needed a replacement quickly (I only use it for small areas, my Flex gets the big work) I went to Harbor Freight and bought their polisher and actually like it better than the PC.

[Oilcounter]

My PC is going strong going on 8 years. I love it! I dont see a reason to get another at this time. Maybe if this conks out I’ll venture out and test the Rupes waters.

[Game]

Wanted to bump this up!

I plan on receiving my new car shortly and plan on using my 7424xp! Would I be better off borrowing a buddy's Rupes or will this do the job just fine?

[Eldorado2k]

Wanted to bump this up!

I plan on receiving my new car shortly and plan on using my 7424xp! Would I be better off borrowing a buddy's Rupes or will this do the job just fine?

It’ll do the job just fine.

[Vg247]

Total amateur/novice user here and still use mine for occasional paint correction.

[dlc95]

I still use it as often as I can. I'll always love my pc!