You said it already but....
:worthless:



I couldn't resist. ir_flag:
I don't get to use that emoticon often.

 

Yes. Let's see those pics.

I just ordered my PC 7424 last night, it should be here this week. Definitely excited to not have to borrow my friend's pc anymore.

 

For anyone that hasnt ordered the PC, I would check out the Griot Garage orbital. Around the same price but its a more powerful machine.

 

For anyone that hasnt ordered the PC, I would check out the Griot Garage orbital. Around the same price but its a more powerful machine.

Or a little more money and get the Flex 3401. The extra cost will reward you in quicker working times.

For polish, I'm a big fan of Menzerna (specifically Power Finish) or 3M for compound.

 

I gotta get me one of those things. What polish are you using?

 

I wish I could afford a PC. I'll probably end up getting a harbor freight one. I know, I know....:slap:

 

Yeah I havent stepped up to the flex yet.

The meguiars 105 for the heavy stuff and finish with 205 or menzerna 85rd for black cars.

DO NOT get the HF one. I havent used it myself but using pads that size will not allow the pad to rotate under any pressure. Also, when you use that large of a pad you arent getting enough pressure to the paint. The smaller the pad, the quicker/greater the results. You wont get much of any results. 5.5-6" pads probably work best.

Note: You should use isopropyl alcohol after polishing to make sure that you removed all the imperfections. If you dont, the polish will fill in the swirls/scratches. Youll think you fixed everything until a few weeks later when the residue washes away.

 

The PC is one of those things that once you get/use one you start to wonder why you didn't jump on it sooner!

 

ok, my real question is what's the advantage to the PC over the like $50 walmart brand ones? I mean, polishing is a somewhat rare occurance (1/year or so) so even if i have to buy a new walmart one every year, it'd take a while to make up the difference (i haven't used any, but am thinking about it this year to clean up some swirls).

also, this is the first i've heard of using rubbing alcohol. does everyone else agree w/ this?

 

I'm glad that you asked that question before you bought one. The truth can be found in the details of each machine. The PC-7424XP has a maximum OPM (oscillations per minute) of 6800. That junk that you see for much less has a maximum OPM of 3000. Now watch these videos of me cranking down on my car hood with the PC-7424XP. If I can't tear up my hood with a PC, what good do you think that you are going to do with that door stop you're thinking about buying?

Case closed.

 

WARNING TECHNICAL CONTENT AHEAD!!

So the Griots Polisher IS more powerful 7amp/850watt as opposed to the 4.5amp/500watt Porter Cable 7424xp... but the max opm remains the same - 6800, check the specs... so you have to ask yourself what good is the extra power then? Honestly, not a whole lot. The added power means the machine is less apt to bog down under load, but if you're polishing technique is correct thats a moot point as your not going to be putting TONS of pressure down on the machine while polishing. The 7424xp has no problem maintaining high OPM even under very aggressive pressure at full speed, and down a click at speed 5 (5500opm) you should never be putting down so much pressure that it would be an issue.

So in the end the "more powerful" attributes of the other polisher that are regularly touted in detailing discussions matter very little in the actual operation or function of polishing.

 

So in the end the "more powerful" attributes of the other polisher that are regularly touted in detailing discussions matter very little in the actual operation or function of polishing.

My consensus exactly.

 

Gotcha, thanks for the info. My dad always uses the walmart ones, but i don't know what level of polish he actually does. Just hard to decide between go fast goodies or a polisher =P

 

Using the name polisher and "Walmart ones" in the same sentence should be against the law. Those things don't polish anything. About the only thing that you can do with one is spread wax and wax does not make paint shine. Polishing does.

 

I'm going to 2nd the "This thread is useless without pictures" remark, come on now!

I'm pleased with the results I acquire on my Black GTP with a 7424xp PC and Wolfgang products, I have not seen a better shine yet on it. Well worth the price in the long haul.

 

I have the PC7424XP as well, it is AWESOME!

 

PC 7424 and Flex 3401 user here. I need to detail the GT again soon......as soon as this stinking rain settles down in PA.

 

Question;
When polishing the G8 with the PC, do you need to tape around the headlights, taillights, etc?
How do you get into the tight spots?

Thanks

 

You don't have to, but it does save you from having to get polish and wax residue out of the cracks and crevices later on.

For the tight spots, swap over to the 4" Focus Pad Kit (includes the PC adapter) and hit what you can reach. Anything beyond that you will polish by hand.

Check out this video:
http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Deta....com/t-Detailing_Video_Vol_7_Chapter_16_Porter_Cable_Polishing_4_Inch_Pads.aspx