Porter Cable Polisher Vibrates Uncontrollably

A

about2bite

New member
It really makes polishing my car a pita, it's really bad and I've tried different weights but none make a big difference. I am using a LC 5.5 inch pad with a 5 inch back plate and a 5 inch counter weight. I've spoken with PC and they say that I need to use a 5 inch pad wih their 5 inch weight but everyone I talk to says that that won't make a difference. I can't find a 5 inch pad either, the pad that comes with the pc works great but nothing else I buy does, any ideas?



Where can I find a 5 inch pad?



Or is there a place I can buy a similar pad to what comes with the PC?



Thanks,



Josh
 
Bah............

4in, 5 in., 5.5 in., 6 in., 6.5 in., They all work fine on a PC.

Im assuming you have never used a PC before?

Keep your speeds low until you get comfortable with the machine. You have to use enough pressure (Down force) to manipulate the movement.
 
Yeah, the PC has a certain, uhm..feel to it and some people never do like the thing.



The counterweights are based on a backing plate (of either 5" or 6" size) spinning a single sheet of sandpaper. Using *any* foam pad, wet with product, is a whole different ballgame and a 1/2" difference is not significant in this regard. I'm currently using the 6" weight with all sizes of pads from 3.5" to 6.5". NO, it doesn't make much of a difference.
 
To lower the feel of vibrations and noise, put some bolts into the housing. Like where the handle is supposed to go. Once its tightened down securely, the vibrations should be lessened and be easier on your hands. For further precaution, look into some padded gloves to use ;)
 
I feel like I have nerve damage after using the PC for a long time, a perfect reason for you to get a rotary. I hardly ever use the PC since I got the Metabo rotary.
 
take your PC with you to the local hardware store and find some bolts to screw into the side (it prevents the annoying rattling sound of the black plastic housing) where the side handle would go in...
 
I found that while using the side handle the vibration was unbearable. I quit using the side handle and put my hand right above the pad and it was 100x better
 
I use the side handle, I have it screwed into the right side of the pc, so I would only put one bolt on the left side and that should help?



I usually just put my hand on the top of the pc as well since it doesn't virate as badly. I also wrap a towel around the handle to dampen the vibrating.



I've used it quite a bit but have never heard anyone complain about the vibrating, I just thought it was something I've been doing wrong and wanted some feedback.



I'll look into a bolt for the left side to see what that'll do, but otherwise it sounds like I'll just have to put up with it. I find it strange that the pad the pc comes with works great with almost no vibrations where as all my LC pads cause such an issue.



Thanks for the info,



Josh
 
I recently used my PC to clean all my pads with both the 5" & 6" counterweights and used on Uber 4", Uber 5" & LC 6.5" Pads. I found the 4" & 5" pads to be decent with the 5" CW. When cleaning the 6.5" LC Pads with the 6" CW, the vibration was very bad...after a few minutes of cleaning 6.5" pads, my hands were very itchy from the severe vibration it had.



Tried both with and w/out the handle. Using the handle offered SLIGHT improvement but found that the closer my hands were to the head, the better. Also, using mech. gloves or a towel as posted above did help. I'll be sticking with 5" pads...I'll leave the 6.5 for a rotary ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top