Porter-Cable 7424 random orbital polisher
 

Hi Guys and Gals-

I'm considering purchasing the "Porter-Cable 7424 random orbital polisher". Amazon.com has it for 119.95 w/FREE shipping. Is that a good deal? If not, I would like to know where.
Thanks-

Hi,

That is a pretty good deal. But a note of caution, you really need to learn how to properly use one to avoid causing more damage than you're trying to repair. I learned by buying a used Hood (Ford) at a junkyard ($15) and setting it up on a couple sawhorses. Made all my mistakes before turning it on the Good Car...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

I just experimented on my wife's old Honda Accord and told her that I loved her so much more than my Porsche that I decided to buff out her paint job first.

If you think the line will work on your wife too, git 'er done.

if you want a really good deal try printing out the offer and take it to Lowes and see if they will beat it or match it. They sell the PC but for some reason it has a different model number but it's the same as the 7424.
You'll need a flexible backing plate and at least one finishing pad and one polishing pad. Really bad swirls need a cutting pad.
Best to buy a kit from autogeek.net or detailcity.com or danase.com, there are many sites.

As far as screwing up your paint the greatest PERMANENT danger is dropping it on the car and denting. ALWAYS hold the pc with both hands using the handle.
You can swirl up you paint plenty good with the pc if you are using the wrong pad and product and not using proper technique. But the mistakes can be cured without having to repaint the car. The PC is an orbital buffer and not a rotary like the Metabo which can seriously burn a hole in your clear coat and base layer if you don't know what you are doing. The orbital or oscillating action of the PC makes it safe but slow.

an excellent site for a new pc user, has video of proper pc technique
http://www.paintcare-n-detailing.com/

i agree with Perfectlap -- as long as you're sensible and keep a firm grip on the unit, it's not likely you'll do permanent damage.... But as others have said.... practice on the other vehicles first ---- if only to get a feel for it.

i am a total idiot--- and even i have produced some nice results....
I would love to get some formal instruction from an expert.


Perhaps we could put together a "detail day" for those interested....
I know that there are a lot of So Calif P-owners????? any takers?

here's another excellent how to, should be a sticky.

http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/detailing/forum.php?postid=1430487&page=1
work area
http://members.roadfly.org/geekysteve/1.jpg