Porter Cable Vibration
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 97
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From: Amarillo-ish TX
Porter Cable Vibration
Tried out the Porter Cable 7424XP for the first time tonight, using my old pickup as a guinea pig. I think I am going to love this machine, especially with the right products, but man, I can't hardly hold on to the damn thing!
I started out without the little side handle, and at first it was ok, but I guess as my hands got tired, it started to feel a lot worse. The vibration is so bad that I could barely hold on to it by the last pass on my hood, even with the handle attached.
I am starting to second guess myself as far as counterweight, etc. goes. I ordered from Autogeek, and it came with the 5" flexible backing plate, and some Lake Country 6.5" pads. The counterweight says something about using a 5" plate on it, so I think I am ok there. All I did was attach the backing plate, slap on a pad, and get started. Is there something I can do to minimize the vibration, besides pumping iron?
I started out without the little side handle, and at first it was ok, but I guess as my hands got tired, it started to feel a lot worse. The vibration is so bad that I could barely hold on to it by the last pass on my hood, even with the handle attached.
I am starting to second guess myself as far as counterweight, etc. goes. I ordered from Autogeek, and it came with the 5" flexible backing plate, and some Lake Country 6.5" pads. The counterweight says something about using a 5" plate on it, so I think I am ok there. All I did was attach the backing plate, slap on a pad, and get started. Is there something I can do to minimize the vibration, besides pumping iron?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I would suggest you are gripping the machine too tightly. I don't know anyone who uses the side handle or for that matter anyone who even installed it. I would encourage you to view a DVD or maybe a youtube video (I think AutoGeek has something to watch) as I lay my hand on top of the machine's power head somewhat close to the front of the machine and let it float over the area I'm working (with the power cord draped over a shoulder and around the back of my neck. I apply just enough downward pressure to stop the "rattle" that the machine makes when on the surface unloaded. It's something of a "procedure" to learn, but once found, you're good to go with little or no physical effort at all. It's a Godsend of a friend to me (I'm OLD!) 
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 316
Likes: 7
From: North Stonington Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '11-'12, '14
You may want to start at a slower speed and dial up from there to find comfort level yey maintaining a speed that will do the job. I would recommend you start at about 4.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
I'm just getting mine next week so I know I will go through this learning experience soon. I watched the video on Autogeek.com and I know it 's going to be a lot easier than doing it by hand would be. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I'm sure a auto detail guy will post in here, but I myself never use WAX as I think it just smears and looks bad. I use a GLAZE rather than a wax. A good POLISH then GLAZE = no build up and a brilliant shine. But to answer your question on removal of wax with the PC, I'm assuming you are referring to the haze that auto paint products leave on the paint surface when drying. I myself do this by hand (and I'm old!) but I have used the PC by just laying a microfiber towel on the surface to be buffed, and just use the PC with whatever pad I was using at the time. The results will buff the waxed haze off, but I think I do a better job by hand. I would think a circular buffer would do a better job here than the orbital.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,098
Likes: 1,605
From: Edmond Oklahoma
One of the secrets to using the PC is the speed and the pad choice. the autogeek site (forum Vendor) has some terrific videos and product recommendations that you will find very helpful. There is allot posted on the Care Care Section of the Forum. 
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