Problem with Porter Cable 7424XP

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darkonion

New member
Hi all.



I've been lurking on these forums for awhile now, and absolutely amazed by everyone's various projects.



Anyways, I am having some trouble with my PC. I've noticed that my backing plate is wobbling. It is kind of hard to describe, but... I took the backing plate off, and the spindle on the Porter Cabie is not tight.



Has anyone experienced this problem? And how could or should I fix this?



Thanks.
 
darkonion- Welcome to Autopia!



I don't really have a good response for you, but that sounds suspiciously reminiscent of the breakage that Barry Theal experienced, when the shaft actually fractured. I'd send it in for service before you use it again. If that shaft breaks you could do some serious damage.
 
Accumulator,



Thanks. Yeah, I think that may be it. How much do you think that would run me to get it fixed? Detailed Image has a brand new PC7424XP special now for $114.xx? In the grand scheme of things, might be better to get a new one than to pay to have it repaired?



Yeah. I don't plan on using it anytime soon until I get it fixed.
 
darkonion, have you considered a Griot's Garage DA? From what I've been hearing lately, it sounds like Porter Cable's build quality has greatly decreased from what it used to be -- at least with Griot's, you get a lifetime warranty.
 
I am actually looking at that in the event that the Porter Cable were to be super expensive to fix. If it is only a few bucks, then I would rather go that route. I even considered biting the bullet and getting the Flex 3401, though, I find it kind of hard to justify the cost of the Flex, though.



What are people's feelings on the Flex for a weekend warrior?



Edit: I just called the nearby service center, and they were saying it'll run me $75 to fix. That's kind of a bummer. I guess I'll have to get a new buffer. What a bummer. I guess worse case scenario is I buy parts and try to fix it myself. Doesn't hurt to try.
 
Back before there were Surbuf pads and the Meg's MF system I would've said you should jump on a Flex 3401 in a minute. Now? If you're open to using the newer pad technologies and polishing techniques, I would spend your money there instead of spending it on the tool itself. Especially for a weekend warrior you'll probably be happier going that route IMHO.
 
Hmmm. I already have Surbuf 6.5" pads. Still trying to figure out how to use those. I tried the m105/Surbuf combo with my Porter Cable, but didn't really get the results I was expecting. I think it was due to the spindle problem and the backing/plate wobbling around. Looks like I have options. I am thinking about picking up the Meguiar's Microfiber Correction system at some point... I'll have to think about it.
 
darkonion said:
I am actually looking at that in the event that the Porter Cable were to be super expensive to fix. If it is only a few bucks, then I would rather go that route. I even considered biting the bullet and getting the Flex 3401, though, I find it kind of hard to justify the cost of the Flex, though.



What are people's feelings on the Flex for a weekend warrior?



Edit: I just called the nearby service center, and they were saying it'll run me $75 to fix. That's kind of a bummer. I guess I'll have to get a new buffer. What a bummer. I guess worse case scenario is I buy parts and try to fix it myself. Doesn't hurt to try.
Click to expand...



I just had the same thing happen to my pc got it fixed for free through the guy I bought it from and he gave me a loaner. You may just have to know somebody.
 
Buff Guys Auto said:
I just had the same thing happen to my pc got it fixed for free through the guy I bought it from and he gave me a loaner. You may just have to know somebody.
Click to expand...



I bought mine through the web, from Tools Inc. Something like that. Hmmm.... Don't know anyone that has in's to getting my PC fixed...
 
darkonion- IME PCs are cheap to rebuild. I had one of mine redone by the local PC repair place and it was so cheap I can't remember how much it was.



I do like my Flex, and yeah...great unit. Fine for a non-pro IMO, I really like mine for significant correction.



I never got the same results with SurBuf pads that others did, but that might've just been user-error. I'm confident that the Meguiar's MF system will work great with something like the Griot's, but I dunno about that PC.... :nixweiss
 
I ordered a new Porter Cable today. Kind of need it for this weekend, and I can next day it from Amazon for $4... so... Yeah...



I am going to see if I can get my other PC fixed. Doesn't hurt to have a back-up, right?
 
I ended up going with a Griot's Garage polisher. I had Amazon replace my PC, and am selling the new one to another enthusiast. I'm hoping the additional power will help me get the results I'm looking for.
 
I would have went with the Griots Garage, but... I needed a polisher by this weekend, so I had Amazon overnight me it for a total shipping cost of $4. (I have an Amazon Prime account.)
 
is the PC within a year old? I would think its under warranty from anyone you bought it from. I have two that need to go in for warranty work.



I bought a griots and probably wont be buying another PC, even though a family member works for them and I get them cheap! (thats saying something)
 
darkonion said:
I would have went with the Griots Garage, but... I needed a polisher by this weekend, so I had Amazon overnight me it for a total shipping cost of $4. (I have an Amazon Prime account.)
Click to expand...



Yeah, my wife gets a lot of mileage out of the Amazon Prime and its shipping deal.



Next time you're feeling extravagant, you could get the Griot's and keep your (working) PC as the backup :D
 
Year and a half to two years. Definitely not under warranty. I'll eventually get it fixed and use it as a back-up, or give to a friend or something.



toyotaguy said:
is the PC within a year old? I would think its under warranty from anyone you bought it from. I have two that need to go in for warranty work.



I bought a griots and probably wont be buying another PC, even though a family member works for them and I get them cheap! (thats saying something)
Click to expand...
 
Accumulator said:
Yeah, my wife gets a lot of mileage out of the Amazon Prime and its shipping deal.



Next time you're feeling extravagant, you could get the Griot's and keep your (working) PC as the backup :D
Click to expand...



Absolutely. We'll see what happens. I definitely take advantage of Amazon Prime. The free two-day shipping is awesome.
 
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