[Bavfan]

I'm going to buy a PC 7424xp and wondered what size of pad is a good general use size? Is it more dependent on size of panels you'll be working with or is one size for a specific use? I'll be using this on a 07 E90 titanium silver.

Also if you were to buy 3 pads, which ones would you get? eg. Lake Country orange, white, black? Or some other combo?

Thanks.

[3_runner]

Not sure if size matters. Bigger the pad, the more area it covers I think. As far as the color of the pads, orange is good for a moderate cut and pretty good after winter as long as there aren't deep scratches. White is fine for a less abrasive polish like m205 or such. Black is fine for sealants, so..... Yes good choices..... Pros want to chime in here.

[Bavfan]

Looking for opinions for pads for first purchase as good general purpose use for weekend use. My paint is in pretty good shape. I can only see swirls in bright sunlight so was thinking about mild polish like Menzerna Super Finish PO106FA and then applying a Menzerna Power Lock sealant and maybe wax on top of that.

[mikenap]

Go with 5.5" pads. Personally, I feel they are the most versatile...they cover a decent area, and also are small enough to fit where 6.5" pads won't. Also, that Porter Cable XP is easily the weakest of the new generation of DA machines and it won't have enough muscle to move the bigger pads as well as a Griot's machine or the Meguiar's G110. Stick with the 5.5" and you'll be set!

Also, LC orange, white and black are all you'll likely need for now, although substituting the orange pads for Meguiar's MF pads is a good idea too.

[Detailed Image]

No one right answer but I would suggest the 5.5" pads personally. They will give you slightly more polishing power and can help in tight spaces. We offer a pad kit (http://www.detailedimage.com/Lake-Co...-7x-Pads-P436/) where you can pick any seven pads of your choice. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

[lopealle]

Originally Posted by mikenap

Go with 5.5" pads. Personally, I feel they are the most versatile...they cover a decent area, and also are small enough to fit where 6.5" pads won't. Also, that Porter Cable XP is easily the weakest of the new generation of DA machines and it won't have enough muscle to move the bigger pads as well as a Griot's machine or the Meguiar's G110. Stick with the 5.5" and you'll be set!

Also, LC orange, white and black are all you'll likely need for now, although substituting the orange pads for Meguiar's MF pads is a good idea too.

Damn i have a weak polisher

[Envious Eric]

yeah, the pcxp is noticeably a lesser machine these days! I just ordered two more Griots garage machines...even though they fail on me more often than other people. The change from the griots to a PCXP mid detail is a HUGE letdown!

get the 5.5" pads. Please tell me you are not just getting one pad of each color...you are going to need about 4-5 orange, 3 white, 2 black, one blue
orange for cutting, white for polishing, black for final polishing, blue for sealant

[MrQuickR1]

I just used the 6.5" pads this weekend, maybe the xp doesn't have the power as some suggest but I used setting 5. I tried 6 and it was a screaming demon. Had plenty of power for what I needed it for.
I used M105 with orange (light cut)
Than the black for M205
then used the blue to apply wax/sealant.
Yes the entire job took ~11 hours, I washed the car twice, did the rims, etc... so it was a long day. I believe the 5.5 will be perfect. I happen to like the 6.5 but have the adapter to go 5.5 if need be.

[Detailers Domain]

For more control and power on an orbital polisher like the Griots or the PC our shop prefers 5.5 inch pads.

Uber 5.5 inch pads

We also like the Griots Orbital Polisher much better than the PC.

More Power and a Lifetime Warranty against defects.

[Envious Eric]

the smaller the pad on the PC, the more aggressive it gets. Opposite on the rotary!

[bretster]

+1 ^^^

Smaller the pad the better the PC performs. More pad (6.5) the less the PC spins and the more you'll find the pad vibrating on the surface as opposed to spinning.

Therefore, I prefer 1.5" pads.

















Lol jk 5.5" pads are my favorite. I just sold my PC but I only used it for 4" pads fitting in tight spaces and 5.5" applying LSP. No need for anything else larger than 5.5

[raceyBMW]

Great thread guys! Can I use the 5.5" pads with the Griots Orbital as it comes from Griots, or will I need a different backing plate?

[Detailers Domain]

yes you can use the 5.5 inch Uber Foam Buffing pads on the Griots, just make sure you pick up an Uber 5 inch backing plate.

Phil

[Envious Eric]

need a 5" plate

[TOGWT]

"Foam Pads I" - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...am-pads-i.html


"Foam Pads II" - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1451155

[HK8888]

5.5" is pretty sweet IMO.

[RevC]

5.5 def. no doubt, hate the bigger pads, don't fit nicely on backing pad so that translate to uneven pressure.

[Bavfan]

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't realize I needed more than 1 pad per product, but it makes sense. Sounds like once the pad is saturated and has been used for a couple of panels it should be swapped out..about right?