Porter Cable Polisher

[kneisska]

Just wanted to check with you guys to get your opinion if this tool.

I've been waiting for a good deal on a high-quality car buffer for a few weeks now. In particular, I've had my eyes set on a Porter-Cable 6-in Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad 7346SPR. I've also been looking for a (same brand) 7424XP.

Anyone have any luck with different buffers that are a few dollars less? I'm trying to find one with the clutch built in as it seems those are best for getting rid of clear coat swirl scratches.

I'll take any suggestions seriously. Thanks in advance!

 

[cptzippy]

The PC is a good tool but for about the same money I'd recommend the Griot's Garage 6 inch DA. I would't get any cheaper and both of them are well proven in the detailing world.

 

[alvoski]

I've heard the griots and the meguirs 6in da are just rebranded PC's

 

[cptzippy]

I've heard the griots and the meguirs 6in day are just rebranded PC's

Nope, the Griot's has a little bit more power. Meguiar's I think you may be right.

 

[54FordPanel]

I have a Porter Cable polisher, but I don't know if it's the model you are asking about. Maybe you could post a picture of the one you are talking about?

 

[cptzippy]

The PC
http://www.detailersdomain.com/Porter-Cable-7424XP_p_253.html

The Griots I Mentioned
http://www.detailersdomain.com/Griots-Garage-6-inch-Random-Orbital-Polisher_p_682.html

 

[Oldtymeflyr]

I have had the sander version of this tool for maybe 15 years and use it as a polisher as well.

I have used it a lot and its still going strong. I would buy another one. Its easier to get a PC tool repaired if necessary. I have not had to get this tool repaired.

Its a very good tool.

Good Luck.

 

[pipsters]

I have the 7424xp only issue is you have to use the smaller pads, as the 6" ones tend to slow it down too much. But the 5" ones are fine.

 

[kneisska]

Sounds like a toss-up between PC & Griot's.

I was using a B&D 6" sander/polisher for a long time but I cannot find appropriate pads to use with it anymore. Plus, it makes terrible swirl marks. I could be using the wrong pad too...so than I just retired it to sanding-use only and have been polishing the cars by hand. Honestly, I'd rather spend 3 hours on each vehicle instead of 6 hours it takes by hand.

If anyone else reads this, feel free to suggest your personal favorite buffing tool.

Later!

 

[cptzippy]

Take a look at the new MF pads, they work well for cutting/compounding.

 

[Monte]

Flex XC 3401 VRG

http://flexnorthamerica.com/products/XC3401VRG.php

Flex vs. PC

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Yht1uHJLNlQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[cptzippy]

Flex is a nice piece of equipment but at almost $300 it's more than twice the other too. It also runs a higher risking of burning paint due to the forced rotation.

FWIW, I have an old PC 7336 and it works fine. If I were buying one today I'd forgo another PC and get the Griot's.

 

[Daedalus]

I have the 7424XP and it works fine. I use Lake Country pads with Zaino waxes.

 

[MrMark]

Flex XC 3401 VRG

http://flexnorthamerica.com/products/XC3401VRG.php

Flex vs. PC

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Yht1uHJLNlQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'm sure the flex is a way better machine and I will get one myself to replace my PC (more than 15 years old) BUT that guy on the video has no clue. He is going at least 3 times too fast with the PC to get good results. You have to apply a bit of downward pressure (say 20 pounds) and go very slow, maybe an 1inch per second to work on heavily distressed panels like that.

Unfair comparison.

 

[Monte]

but it seems the Flex works better and faster, like twice as good/fast ...so twice the price
The lifetime of the Flex tool will be most likely also higher...like twice as high

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ir8mA4vbgoI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[cbracer]

The Griots and Meguires are now the same thing. PC's older model was the same as the Griots and Meguires didn't have one back then. But now PC has updated their model, and Griots and Meguires have their units made by the same place. Not sure but it's likely PC. I use my older PC for everything from buffing the car to sanding to grinding.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

Flex is a nice piece of equipment but at almost $300 it's more than twice the other too. It also runs a higher risking of burning paint due to the forced rotation.

FWIW, I have an old PC 7336 and it works fine. If I were buying one today I'd forgo another PC and get the Griot's.

I have the Flex, and it's not that bad. You won't burn the paint on any modern car's paint job. I real issue I have with the Flex is that your pad choices have been limited. 6.5" pads don't get into tight spots. They have an adapter kit these days that lets you move into smaller pads but I've yet to try it. It's also a big polisher so it's heavier than you might want to use as a beginner.

I would recommend the 7242XP. It's a great starter unit. You can usually find them for a good price on the used market through message boards. Some places you buy will give you a 10% discount for being a certain forum member, i.e. autopia, corvetteforum, etc.