Please Help!! (Porter Cable XP)

DARK HORSE

DARK HORSE

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I just orederd a Porter Cable XP kit last week. It hasn't even been delievered yet. However I am now very concerned; I have recently read that many people don't seem to be as happy with the PC as they are with the Flex. A recent example is in the current thread "No Surprise, New Flex outperforms old PC" I definitely want to be able to remove swirls and light micro marring. If the PC will not do this please let me know now!! So I can return it before I open the box!!
 
PC can remove swirls it just takes a bit more time than with the Flex.... What pad size did you get? I always recomend nothing smaller than 5.5" pads with a PC
 
MotorCity Honda said:
PC can remove swirls it just takes a bit more time than with the Flex.... What pad size did you get? I always recomend nothing smaller than 5.5" pads with a PC
Click to expand...

In the kit I ordered it comes with:

Dual Action 5 Inch Flexible Hook & Loop Backing Plate
2 CCS White 6.5 inch Polishing Foam Pads
1 CCS Gray 6.5 Inch Finishing Foam Pad
1 CCS Blue 6.5 Inch Finessing Foam Pad
3.5 inch Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate
4 Lake Country 4 inch Orange Light Cutting Pads

I want to be able to use it on my 2009 Mustang (black Paint) in good condition but it has swirls and some light micro scratches.

I also want to use it on my 2004 Dodge Ram (Dark blue paint) never been properly polished or waxed. Moderate swirls and light scratches.

I also want to use it on my 1998 Ford F-150 (Dark blue paint) never been properly polished or waxed. Heavy swirls and scratches.


Feed back please


 
trichard said:
I just orederd a Porter Cable XP kit last week. It hasn't even been delievered yet. However I am now very concerned; I have recently read that many people don't seem to be as happy with the PC as they are with the Flex. A recent example is in the current thread "No Surprise, New Flex outperforms old PC" I definitely want to be able to remove swirls and light micro marring. If the PC will not do this please let me know now!! So I can return it before I open the box!!
Click to expand...

I am going to assume ( I know, I know) by the "old PC" that he is not using the XP. The XP in your new kit has a lot more power then the old one. As the other reply says, you should be able to remove the same type is swirls, it just may take longer.

I struggled with the same things, but I only detail my own cars. With the price difference between the PC and Flex, you could afford to buy multiple pads in multiple sizes as well as all of the polishing products you will need. And still be ahead!

There's always something newer, nicer and more pwerful out there. But do you need it for the extra $$$$$$$?

So my two cents is keep the PC unless you are doing more then just your own cars.
 
mchess1 said:
with the price difference between the pc and flex, you could afford to buy multiple pads in multiple sizes as well as all of the polishing products you will need. And still be ahead!

There's always something newer, nicer and more pwerful out there. But do you need it for the extra $$$$$$$?

So my two cents is keep the pc unless you are doing more then just your own cars.
Click to expand...


ftw!
 
trichard said:
In the kit I ordered it comes with:

Dual Action 5 Inch Flexible Hook & Loop Backing Plate
2 CCS White 6.5 inch Polishing Foam Pads
1 CCS Gray 6.5 Inch Finishing Foam Pad
1 CCS Blue 6.5 Inch Finessing Foam Pad
3.5 inch Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate
4 Lake Country 4 inch Orange Light Cutting Pads

I want to be able to use it on my 2009 Mustang (black Paint) in good condition but it has swirls and some light micro scratches.

I also want to use it on my 2004 Dodge Ram (Dark blue paint) never been properly polished or waxed. Moderate swirls and light scratches.

I also want to use it on my 1998 Ford F-150 (Dark blue paint) never been properly polished or waxed. Heavy swirls and scratches.


Feed back please
Click to expand...

I started on the regular PC (not the XP) and I also started with 6.5" pads... After trying several times to remove swirls I wanted to slice my wrists with a dull, rusty spoon. I then was advised to try the 5.5" pads and from there also tried the 4" pads for severe spot correction. Changing from the 6.5" pads to the smaller pads was a night and day difference.

I know it is just a matter of time until someone says that they get great correction with the PC and 6.5" pads but, that was NOT my experience!
 
Trichard you will be fine with your purchase of the PC, plus you are buying very good tool. The only thing I would change is going to the 5.5 inch pads like Jason(Deep Gloss) has suggested. You do this and you will be just fine. The only way to remove the defects any faster would be to step up to a rotary.
 
Thank you guys!! You are always so much help!! Also can I use the 5" backing plate with the 5.5" pads or is there another backing plate that you recommend??
 
trichard said:
Thank you guys!! You are always so much help!! Also can I use the 5" backing plate with the 5.5" pads or is there another backing plate that you recommend??
Click to expand...

You should be fine with that backing plate. I hope you are calmed down now-lol. Everything will be fine.:dblthumb2:
 
Thanks man!!! ASPHALT ROCKET, you and Jason(Deep Gloss) rock!!! Is there any uses for the 6.5" pads?

:urtheman::urtheman:
 
trichard said:
Thanks man!!! ASPHALT ROCKET, you and Jason(Deep Gloss) rock!!! Is there any uses for the 6.5" pads?

:urtheman::urtheman:
Click to expand...

Sure, if you want to do some light polishing, apply paint cleaner, why not. For you real correction work and proper polishing the 5.5 is the way to go. I am glad Jason and myself could relieve you of your worries.:dblthumb2:
 
hey trichard if you haven't already done so check that other thread again I gave an example of what was done with the original pc so your pcxp should do great
 
You should be great doing those with your own cars. Get some yellow pads maybe for the F150..... I have the XP and I love using it. I also have my Dewalt that I love.... but only for correction.
 
Thanks guys!! Just a few more questions;

1) Why is it necessay to cover certain things prior to polishing and what are they?(ie windows, lights, chrome, plastic,etc.)? Can't I just wash the polish residue off when I'm done?

2) What should I use to cover things with?

3) Is the blue tape you are using just painters tape or is it some kind of special tape. Where do you get it and will the tape damage anything(trim,paint,etc.)?
 
trichard said:
Thanks guys!! Just a few more questions;

1) Why is it necessay to cover certain things prior to polishing and what are they?(ie windows, lights, chrome, plastic,etc.)? Can't I just wash the polish residue off when I'm done?

2) What should I use to cover things with?

3) Is the blue tape you are using just painters tape or is it some kind of special tape. Where do you get it and will the tape damage anything(trim,paint,etc.)?
Click to expand...

1. When polishing you can go over the trim and the polish is very difficult and you can actually burn the trim or scuff it and that will not come out. Also side mirrors should be taped, the sides of the pads are very course and can/will cause damage.

2. Just pick up some green 3M tape from Autozone. This should also answer question three. The tape will not damage anything. I wouldn't leave it on there and let the car sit in the sun for a couple of days though.
 
trichard said:
Thanks guys!! Just a few more questions;

1) Why is it necessay to cover certain things prior to polishing and what are they?(ie windows, lights, chrome, plastic,etc.)? Can't I just wash the polish residue off when I'm done?

2) What should I use to cover things with?

3) Is the blue tape you are using just painters tape or is it some kind of special tape. Where do you get it and will the tape damage anything(trim,paint,etc.)?
Click to expand...


1. this protects the trim from any polish or wax particularly textured black trim. Can be difficult to remove wax from this and also some polishes and waxes could stain the plastic trim.also if using a rotary it guards against burning the trim

2. 3m painters tape for delicate surfaces low-med adhesion
AG also sells the green automotive tape also by 3m

3. no damage
 
I was reading this and now I have to join the conversation. I just bought a 7424XP and have used it for the very first time on my old Honda and it works great. I have a black camaro I'll probably want to use it on in the future and I figured I'd better start on the Honda first since I've never used a DAP before. Anyhow, I'm getting the impression from reading this post that I shouldn't use a 3.5" backing plate with 4" pads. Is that correct or can I safely use pads that small on the 7424XP?
 
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