PC 7424XP or 7346SP?

[Chevota Guy]

I picked up a PC 7346 (non SP). It came with a H&L backing plate for sanding and had the 6" counterweight and was the only thing locally available to me. Since I was going to swap backing plates out for Lake Country pads, I didn't care what came stock on the unit. (I also don't think much of the standard PC foam pad as it is a single assembly and has the backing disk permanently bonded to the foam disk, so the whole thing is really disposable.)

The only differences between all of the PC DAs currently in production are the following:
1) Type of backing plate ( Hook & Loop Disk - or - foam polishing pad)
2) Size of backing plate ( 5" or 6")
3) Size of included counterweight ( 4oz for 5" Backing plate, 5oz for 6" BP)

The 7424 XP has a 5" counterweight and a 6" foam pad. The counterweights for polishing are more forgiveable when used for foam pad polishing than they are when sanding, so either will work. Since I'm going to use some 5.5" and 4" pads, I'm going to go to the smaller counterweight on the 7346.

FWIW, Here are the PC part numbers for the respective weights:

6" CW - PC No. 699938
5" CW - PC No. 874011

They are typically only ~ $3-5, so shipping costs more than the parts!

[BillE]

The only difference I can see is: The 7346SP has a "6 inch proprietary counter balance." Whereas the 7424XP has a "5 Inch proprietary counter balance."

Of course the question now is, "What is a counter balance?" Don't think it is the 'weight piece', only because my XP came with a 6 inch weight (as I think they all do).

Bill

Didn't realize my mistake with typing (on the counter weight) I meant to write; 5 Inch.

Sorry if I mislead anyone...

Bill

[toyotacrawler86]

Hello everyone, new to the forums here... I went out looking for the 7424xp. Used the AG forums to choose the porter cable. I'm very impatient, or wouldve just ordered it through AG. Looked online and it appeared to be in stock at my local Lowes home improvement. i get to Lowes, and the 7346sp is what they had in stock listed at the same price as the 7424xp. The only reason i purchased it, instead of moving on, is because the specs appeared to be exactly the same as what was listed on here for the 7424xp. Only difference i could find was the weight of the product. 4.5 amps, 2k-6800 adjustable rpms, weight was around 7lbs, not 5 3/4lbs. Was kinda irritated that lowes didnt have any accessories for the product they sold me. I really wanted the hook and loop head for easy switch out. I'm pretty sure i saw that attachment on AG's site, so it'll be purchased with new polishing pads in the near future. So I guess what im asking, before i return it to Lowes, is there any other major differences? Is it possible porter cable upgraded the 7346sp to be more similar to the 7424? I did notice the write up on the forums is a couple years old. Since ill be using this on my personal vehicles/toys, the lb or 2 difference doesnt bother me too much. The date stamped on the unit i have is 2015. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[dlc95]

They are the same machine, bundled with different accessories.

I have one of each, and they're identical aside from the label.

[toyotacrawler86]

Thank you dlc95 for the quick response! What i was thinking, but wanted to make sure.

[dlc95]

Thank you dlc95 for the quick response! What i was thinking, but wanted to make sure.

Anytime!

I faced the same thing a couple years ago.

[LOL]

Welcome to AGO.

Porter Cable 7346SP
3.7 amp
2,500-6,000 RPM's


Porter Cable 7424XP
4.5 amp
2,500-6,800 RPM's

Most will go with the XP. I like this polisher alot but would suggest you look into the Groits polisher because if you are only going to have one the GG is a little more powerful. Don't get me wrong the PC can do most anything but like Tim The Tool Man says "Ugh More Power!"

They are all sold here on AG.

I really enjoyed your Tim the tool man quote there! Not to get side tracked here, but I would like to say that was a great show!

As for myself, I just ordered the XP two days ago from Autogeek, can't wait for it to get here.

[BillE]

I really enjoyed your Tim the tool man quote there! Not to get side tracked here, but I would like to say that was a great show!

As for myself, I just ordered the XP two days ago from Autogeek, can't wait for it to get here.

Binford Tools rule!

Bill

[fightnews]

I bought a 7346SP today and the specs are exactly the same as the 7424xp:

4.5 amp
2500-6800 OPM
6" counter balance
6" backing plate
Accepts 5/16" x 24 spindle thread accessories
Left or Right removable side handle
Light weight 6 lbs. (2.7 kg)
100% ball and roller bearing
Includes polishing pad, PSA pad, sanding disc, side handle and wrench
3 yr warranty, 1 yr service, and 90 day money back.

Am I missing something in the specs? I got mine for $119 and I had a $50 gift card from father's day.

so the harbor frieght da has more power? its 5.7 amp

[chet31]

If you can afford it, consider the Flex 3401. It will allow you to correct a car in about half the time as a PC. If you have more time than money (and I've been there), the PC is a good machine.