Anyone using a Porter Cable 7424

[Tom H]

I've read a few articles now about using the 7424 for waxing and polishing. I wonder naturally if any of you are using it on your XC and what you think of it. I've always tended to shy away from powered buffers and polishers but this polisher seems to be a big hit in the various auto care circles. Anyone have some hands experience to share?

[Raynald]

The other day, I was reading your post (http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4788&highlight=porter+cable) about it. My wife was probably looking over my shoulder... She's not, like I am, a "car care maniac" as she puts it, but nonetheless she likes a clean car.

So, I just received my Chistmas present from my wife (don't laugh, ya Christmas...). Guess what? A Porter-Cable polisher with all the gears: pads, polish and wax kit. Since I don't have a garage, it won't be until next spring that I'll have the chance to use it.

Anyway, the Mrs told me I can pratice by cleaning the house during winter. Do I hear a subliminal message here? :confused: :D

[Tom H]

Way to go Raynald! You picked a smart wife there. I'm very happy with the 7424. After reading the reviews and various articles on it I do agree that it does what they claim. I'm able to lay down a nice smooth coat of wax in record time with better results than I can get by hand. I haven't tried out a slightly coarser pad for removing scratches yet. Luckily I haven't had the need to but I'm sure it will do the job on scratches and swirls if the time comes.

When I first started this thread I was hoping that experienced users would chime in and give me a little confidance before I bought it. With no replies I decided to jump in and give a go. I was soon asking myself why it took me so long to get one of these.

I'm happy to hear of your new gift but ooh..........it's gonna be a long winter.

[Art]

Autopia provides a very informative writeup on the PC 7424. You guys might have already checked it out. :)

How to Use the Porter Cable 7424 (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-pc7424.html)

[Tom H]

That's a well written article and was the one that gave me the incentive to finally go ahead and purchase the 7424. Great tool!

[Raynald]

... it's gonna be a long winter.Bet you! The Mrs. suggested I should try it on the the refrigerator door dull finish... Still trying to figure out if she's laughing at me... :confused:

More seriously, I wonder if it takes more product (polish or wax) than doing it by hand? Do you waste a lot? Does it spllater as much as suggested in the article?

[Tom H]

I wonder if it takes more product (polish or wax) than doing it by hand? Do you waste a lot? Does it spllater as much as suggested in the article?

Initially, until the applicator becomes slightly saturated with polish, it seems to take more. This is true of a standard hand applicator as well but to a smaller degree. I use Zaino and generally apply 2 to 3 coats in one session. This is where the 7424 becomes a real time (labor) saver. I can typically cover my XC70 with 1 once of Zaino. When I use the 7424 the first coat takes about 1 1/2 ounces and the next two coats take the normal 1 ounce. As far as splatter, there is a very small amount that is controllable through developing the correct technique. The splatter is nothing like a standard high speed circular polisher. Those things rotate about 3000 rpm and end up throwing polish across the room. I imagine that with a paste type wax or a thicker, lower viscosity liquid polish the splatter will be even less.

[Art]

Hey Guys,

Just took delivery of my variable speed PC 7336 which also came with a 6" polishing pad. Got it from CarCareSmart (http://www.carcaresmart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc).

Decided to buy the backing plate and accessory pads in addition to a Klasse detailing kit through eShine (http://www.eshine.ca/). Both online companies offered free shipping.

Can’t wait to try’em out. :)

Raynald, how successful was your initiation with the PC?

Nice to know that I can refer back to this thread, just in case I have any questions. Thanks guys.

[Raynald]

(...) Can’t wait to try’em out. :)

Raynald, how successful was your initiation with the PC?
Your won't believe it! First, I've been so busy since Christmas with work and some other stuff... and it seems that spring has been postponed in my neck of the woods. Today, it was 27ºC, but until Tuesday we didn't have very nice weather, mostly rain and almost freezing temperature in April and May. Just last week-end, it was windy with barely 10ºC... So, the Porter-Cable is still in its box, and the poor guy is hoping for some time for himself and his beloved XC... :(

Before you ask... No I didn't try it on the refregirator door... :D

I have all the stuff I need, except time and some nice weather! This week-end I hope.

And BTW, I bought mine (I should say the Mrs, since it was my Christmas present...) at CarCareSmart too! Shipping was free and It was $20 less than at Canadian Tire! :)

[GoMocs]

I Love mine. I worry I might over wax when using it. Something so soothing watching those little circles. Also great for cleaning counter tops, carpet stains, wood flooring, the dog, ect.......

[Tom H]

The 7424 is so good that I put it just behind my cordless drill as one of the most useful tools ever invented. I've already clayed and waxed three cars this season. The porter cable and Zaino make it so easy.

[Raynald]

Done! http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Amazing, simply amazing! For a "maniac" like me (says then Mrs...), it's simply the best invention since.. the wheel! :D

Frankly, I was a little worried... But, it's so easy to use! And the result is beyond my dreams. :) And its fast!!! It took me more time to wash the car than to polish, prepare and wax it! I used Mother's Clay Bar System, Meguiars ScratchX (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meg-g-10307.html)http://us.st1.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/Img/trans_1x1.gif for basic polish (I had plenty of swirl marks), P21S Gloss-enhancing Paintwork (http://www.carcaresmart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PS0400300&Category_Code=_MEC&Product_Count=43) and P21S Carnauba Wax (http://www.carcaresmart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=WX0400200&Category_Code=_MEC&Product_Count=41). The result is simply stunning.

I guess I'll try it on the refrigerator door after all! :D

[Tom H]

Done! http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Amazing, simply amazing! For a "maniac" like me (says then Mrs...), it's simply the best invention since.. the wheel! :D

Frankly, I was a little worried... But, it's so easy to use! And the result is beyond my dreams. :) And its fast!!! It took me more time to wash the car than to polish, prepare and wax it! I used Mother's Clay Bar System, Meguiars ScratchX (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meg-g-10307.html)http://us.st1.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/Img/trans_1x1.gif for basic polish (I had plenty of swirl marks), P21S Gloss-enhancing Paintwork (http://www.carcaresmart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PS0400300&Category_Code=_MEC&Product_Count=43) and P21S Carnauba Wax (http://www.carcaresmart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=WX0400200&Category_Code=_MEC&Product_Count=41). The result is simply stunning.

I guess I'll try it on the refrigerator door after all! :D


Couldn't agree more Raynald. It's an amazing tool. Effortless and safe. I did Zaino the fridge and stove but I did it by hand. Highly recommended. And yes, the John Deere gets polished and waxed a couple of times a season.

[DonWillson]

This weekend, June 10-11, 2005, their was a special at Ace hardware for a 6" Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher. It looks like the one handed orbital sander and has several different buffing pads and cloths. It is not variable speed though.

It is in a TurtleWax bucket and has the TurtleWax name on it. I have not tried it yet but at $19.95 and a $10.00 rebate its not too much of a risk.

Don Willson

[jkochis]

after all I read had to pick one up.

Good articles on how to apply/use on this site as well. I am a Klasse fan so here's an article on how to apply with 7424 (http://www.properautocare.com/apklasbymac.html). I do a top coat of P21s. Also use Autoglym with P21s as top coat.

Pads/info for 7424: http://www.properautocare.com/porcabpolac.html