Porter-Cable 7424 Polisher

[donv]

My long desired/anticipated polisher arrived, just 1 day after ordering from Coastal Tool. Highly recommend them if you're interested... fast service, good confirmation immediately on ordering and shipment tracking.

Here's a picture of what came in the order, the standard polisher and pad plus the "free bonus" 6-inch velcro backing pad and associated counterweight. Can't wait to put this to use, but I have a question for those that have walked this path already...

What do you recommend for pads to use with the 6" velcro backing pad? I've taken a peek at those offered by Autopia and Griot's. I've also seen some from Lake County that seem to be at several sites. Looking for an experienced perspective...

Also, I just have light swirl marks on the car at this time (can only see them in the right light conditions). I'd like to get rid of those and then reapply the Zaino. I've had good luck with the 3M "Body Repair Finish Restorer" when using by hand. Anyone have any experience using the same with a DA polisher?

I'm going to use the Subaru daily driver as my guinea pig...

[PSP]

How much? Link?

[donv]

I got the tip on this offer from the recent "clay bar" thread elsewhere on this site. $126.50 delivered, UPS Ground.

[limoncello]

I ordered one same source same price from the clay link - should be in next week. Also looking for any added tips. Noted the comment on 2 handed operation.

[Lux]

Donv,

There are plenty to choose from and each has advantages/disadvantages. Some last longer, some are cheaper, etc. I think if you stick to the brands you mentioned you'll be ok.

Personally, I use Edge2000 pads. They eliminate the velcro backing plate altogether. One issue with the velcro backing plates is that you have to "center" the pad or it'll spin out-of-whack. It's a non-issue with the Edge system. Plus, you get to use both sides of the pad vs. just one side (as well as use the edge of the pad, for mirrors, etc). They cost a little more than the other pads, but since you can use both sides instead of just one, it's actually a little cheaper in usage. That, plus the centering quick-change system makes it a no-brainer to go with Edge. Not a lot use this pad on autopia, but that's because they've already invested in plenty of backing plates.

Swirl marks are hard to diagnose thru words. Take your digital camera and take a picture of the car in direct sunlight (with the sun directly reflecting back in the pic) and one in the garage using the flash (again, with the flash reflecting directly back). This will expose how bad the swirls really are. Post the pics so we get an idea what you're dealing with. This in turn will determine the polish and, more importantly, the type of pad that you're going to need.

One important thing to remember is how fast you move the PC. Around 3" per second is about as fast as you want to go. It'll seem really slow in usage. This isn't the type of polisher that you move quickly back and forth. Technique is everything with the PC.

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[donv]

Thanks for the info and the offer to customize the solution suggestions to my car. As soon as the d*#n pine pollen snowstorm ends I will take some pix to post. (Seriously, it looked like a bright yellow fog here the other day, the yellow powder is coating everything in my neighborhood!).

[donv]

Originally Posted by Lux

Swirl marks are hard to diagnose thru words. Take your digital camera and take a picture of the car in direct sunlight (with the sun directly reflecting back in the pic) and one in the garage using the flash (again, with the flash reflecting directly back). This will expose how bad the swirls really are. Post the pics so we get an idea what you're dealing with. This in turn will determine the polish and, more importantly, the type of pad that you're going to need.

OK, had some time to clean and photograph the car today...

This was taken outdoors in sun - today was overcast.