Polisher Pad Size for Porter Cable 7424XP

[jeepinerdeep]

I just ordered a Porter Cable Polisher, the 7424XP, that states it is "6 inch".

Do I want to be ordering a 5" backing plate and pads or a 6". Seems like 5" is the correct size as far as popularity and availability goes for basic automotive use.

Just double checking.......

 

[Jswain]

Get a 5" backing plate if you plan on running 5.5" pads. Or 6" if you want to run 6.5" pads

I personally went with 5" backing plate & 5.5" chemical guys pads based on research I did at the time and haven't been disappointed yet!

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Get a 5" backing plate if you plan on running 5.5" pads. Or 6" if you want to run 6.5" pads

I personally went with 5" backing plate & 5.5" chemical guys pads based on research I did at the time and haven't been disappointed yet!

Yeah, the 5 incher seemed like it was more prolific, I'll probably get chemical guys also, their stuff has treated me well.

 

[metlmunchr]

Same here. 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads. I've tried the 6/6.5 combo, but as a now and then user I find I have better control of the 5/5.5 If using it to make a living, then no question the 6/6.5 will cover more area faster, but I ain't a pro polisher and have no ambition to become one

 

[ZRX61]

I've ran mine with 5in & 3in, but I recently picked up the Griots G8/G9 kit so it's likely retired now.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Thanks. I ordered a Lake Country 5" backing pad and a few 5.5" foam pads.

 

[dnschmidt]

THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you have the six inch and want to run 5" pads on it you NEED to change the counterweight in the sander. This is trivial to do (just two screws after you remove the pad) but you need to order the counterweight part. This is because a 5" random orbit pad weighs 100 grams and a 6" random orbit pad weighs 130 grams. Using the wrong pad with the wrong counterweight GREATLY increases vibration.

 

[Jswain]

Well **** I never did that with mine, I'll have to look into it. Maybe drill out 30g of weight.

With all the different combinations of pads and backing plates you'd think there would be a lot of variance tho

I just checked mine and stock 6" pad/backing plate that comes with it 4.1oz
Chemical guys 5" backing plate & 5.5" pad 4.6-4.7oz depending on which color pad
.5oz heavier but .5" smaller OD. You think that would balance out

Maybe chemical guys already engineered that into the equation? Seems like it's more only a problem when you're using it as a sander

Also some counterweights list as good for 5&6 inch pads such as the one linked. I think a guy would have to do a lot of trial and error for his setup. Think of 1 guy running a 6" backing plate with a strip of 220grit sandpaper vs a 6.5" pad wet with wax... I've used mine with both the stock pad & the 5.5" and never noticed a difference but maybe the chemical guys setup is weighted correctly?

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.autogeek.net/pccw.html&ved=2ahUKEwjRgd_k8cf4AhUqK0QIHYSOAJ4QFnoECAkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw31Oaov53ATR3Ro2IoaCymS

 

[dnschmidt]

If you simply remove the pad from the Porter-Cable sander (which is what this tool was originally made for) the size of the counterweight is clearly stamped into the counterweight. Obviously 5 for five inch and 6 for six inch. I have both counterweights and changing from one to the other takes less than a minute.

 

[Jswain]

I seen that too but how can it "balance" a 6 inch pad, when it could be anything from a 6" sheet of 220 to a 6" damp microfiber?

Do any other polishers require a different counterweight to change pad size? That will give you your answer

Counter weight/backing plate concern

OK so the more I read, the more I want to get on these. One question though... From what I've read, the PC comes with a counter weight for a 6 inch ba

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