Purchasing new porter cable + accessories...

**Denali-ws6** · 09-21-2014, 10:43 PM

Hello all. I am in the process of putting together an order for a polisher for my own personal use. I have a white 2007 denali, and 2001 white trans am ws6.

Anyways, this is my first time using a polisher and I need some tips for what to purchase with my polisher. I found a lot of packages here and I want to ask all you veterans which kit would be best for my use.

I like the porter cable 7424xp. My questions are which pads, polish, and other accessories I should purchase at the same time. My trans am is a garage queen and has very little to no marring. But my truck is outside 24/7 and has moderate marring and scratches.

I was thinking a few orange pads, and some white ones. I'm a little confused on which compound and polish I should get. I plan on topping it all off with collinite 476 or 845.

Also, how many pads of each color should I get? It's a big truck so I would like to not have to clean them until I finish the whole job.

Thanks for all the feedback you can throw my way. Im sure I have more questions, but this is all I can think of at this point.

Regards,

Brian

**expdetailing** · 09-21-2014, 11:16 PM

Brian, i would recommend getting at least 1 mf cutting disk to compare how much faster it will cut than foam. if you can afford three colors of each pad, except the sealant or wax pad,that's what i would recommend. The pc needs to cut on speed 6 with about 15 lbs of pressure. get a 5'' backing plate so you can easily use 5 or 5.5 pads.
Why not go for the flex?
I have both. I much prefer using the flex.

**Denali-ws6** · 09-21-2014, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by expdetailing

Brian, i would recommend getting at least 1 mf cutting disk to compare how much faster it will cut than foam. if you can afford three colors of each pad, except the sealant or wax pad,that's what i would recommend. The pc needs to cut on speed 6 with about 15 lbs of pressure. get a 5'' backing plate so you can easily use 5 or 5.5 pads.
Why not go for the flex?
I have both. I much prefer using the flex.

Thanks expdetailing! I haven't looked into the flex. I was under the impression that the PC was the best polisher for the beginner?? Am I mistaken? Thanks for the info and I will look into the flex.

**Madness87** · 09-21-2014, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by Denali-ws6

Thanks expdetailing! I haven't looked into the flex. I was under the impression that the PC was the best polisher for the beginner?? Am I mistaken? Thanks for the info and I will look into the flex.

The Flex 3401 is perhaps the best overall polisher. Nowhere near the danger of using a rotary in untrained hands, but the ability to go beyond what traditional DA polishers can do, due to its forced rotation. It's quite hard to damage the paint with a Flex but still possible. Most people don't recommend to beginners because it requires better technique, there is more of a danger in harming the paint, and is costly compared to other polishers. Does a beginner who perhaps doesn't need showcar finishes for his daily driver really need a Flex to get basic swirls and defects out or apply wax?

The PC is quite capable, and should serve you well. In the future, if you do upgrade to a Flex, a Rupes Bigfoot or a rotary, you can utilize your PC for smaller spaces with a 3" or 4" pads for A-pillars etc. Just get a smaller backing plate. If you plan to do a lot of detailing and polishing, it might be better to spring for the Flex right away, it's a solid tool.

Edit: I'd say spring for quality products now. The Wolfgang four is always a good pick. For pads, LC flat pads 6 pack are great to buy for 5.5" on the PC. Depends on what kind of defects there are, but I remember my first purchase was 2 orange, 2 white and 2 black I think. If you want more defect removal microfiber pads are always good to look into. Additionally, you can also do like 1 yellow, 2 orange, 1 white, 1 black, 1 blue pad. XMT is a nice line for machine users too. Menzerna, Wolfgang, Meguiars professional etc.

**chet31** · 09-21-2014, 11:53 PM

I used a PC for about 3 years, then finally bought a Flex. I knew after about one hour of using the PC that I would eventually buy something more powerful.

If your budget won't allow a Flex, I recommend the 3" backing plate in addition to the 5" backing plate for the PC. The PC will do deeper defect removal much better with the 3" backing plate (3.5-4.5" pads). 3" plate for defect/RIDS removal, 5" plate for light swirl removal/final polishing and you're good to go. The 3" plate also works well for tight spaces.

**Denali-ws6** · 09-21-2014, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by Madness87

The Flex 3401 is perhaps the best overall polisher. Nowhere near the danger of using a rotary in untrained hands, but the ability to go beyond what traditional DA polishers can do, due to its forced rotation. It's quite hard to damage the paint with a Flex but still possible. Most people don't recommend to beginners because it requires better technique, there is more of a danger in harming the paint, and is costly compared to other polishers. Does a beginner who perhaps doesn't need showcar finishes for his daily driver really need a Flex to get basic swirls and defects out or apply wax?

The PC is quite capable, and should serve you well. In the future, if you do upgrade to a Flex, a Rupes Bigfoot or a rotary, you can utilize your PC for smaller spaces with a 3" or 4" pads for A-pillars etc. Just get a smaller backing plate. If you plan to do a lot of detailing and polishing, it might be better to spring for the Flex right away, it's a solid tool.

Thanks madness87! Great advice! Yeah, I don't plan on detailing for money or anything like that for the time being. I plan on just polishing my two vehicles and maybe a few friends/family vehicles.
In the future, once I get a better feel for polishing, I am sure to upgrade to the more powerful tools. But from what I have read, the PC should do what I need and more. Thanks.

**ski2** · 09-22-2014, 04:32 PM

Denali-ws6 Have you considered the Griots Garage DA?? Considerably more powerful than the PC, just as safe and it has a lifetime warranty. With a 5" BP and 5.5" pads there isn't anything it can't handle.

**expdetailing** · 09-22-2014, 04:45 PM

My 2 cents again; the flex learning curve is about one panel. If you can put one foot in front of the other most of the time without falling, you're qualified to buy a flex. Do not be hesitant to buy a flex, if money is no issue, because youu WILL be able to use it just fine. That truck you have (denali?) has a lot of real estate, and that sports car has alot of curves. You need an as$ kicker, you NEED a flex. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. If you buy a pc, it will dawn on you that you will be buying another machine later on. You may as well just cut to the chase. It's cheaper in the long run to buy a flex; you won't NEED to buy a pc, and its backing plate, etc.

**Kamakaz1961** · 09-22-2014, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by expdetailing

My 2 cents again; the flex learning curve is about one panel. If you can put one foot in front of the other most of the time without falling, you're qualified to buy a flex. Do not be hesitant to buy a flex, if money is no issue, because youu WILL be able to use it just fine. That truck you have (denali?) has a lot of real estate, and that sports car has alot of curves. You need an as$ kicker, you NEED a flex. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. If you buy a pc, it will dawn on you that you will be buying another machine later on. You may as well just cut to the chase. It's cheaper in the long run to buy a flex; you won't NEED to buy a pc, and its backing plate, etc.

100% The Flex 3401 VRG is your best bet especially for a big SUV. Once you try and get used to a Flex you will never work on a large car without it. I have a PC7424XP too. I bought the Flex because the PC took a long time to do correcting.