Porter Cable vs The Cyclo (random orbital polisher)

[LJSB]

I just bought a PC 7336. IMO it is not very good. It is uncomfortable to use and transmits shock and vibrations to your hands, wrists etc.. Ergonomically I can't see how a professional could use this on a daily basis and not succumb to joint/muscle injury and fatigue.
The buffers I use have a trigger and stop when released, this does not. If you got tangled in the cord or on your apron you would be in some mess because how you switch it off. The variable speed wheel again is in a bad position and make it IMO risky to change speeds while the buffer is operating.
For me the price is right because if I never use it again I haven't lost much.

 

[Zennsx]

I just bought a PC 7336. IMO it is not very good. It is uncomfortable to use and transmits shock and vibrations to your hands, wrists etc.. Ergonomically I can't see how a professional could use this on a daily basis and not succumb to joint/muscle injury and fatigue.
The buffers I use have a trigger and stop when released, this does not. If you got tangled in the cord or on your apron you would be in some mess because how you switch it off. The variable speed wheel again is in a bad position and make it IMO risky to change speeds while the buffer is operating.
For me the price is right because if I never use it again I haven't lost much.

If your thinking of selling it drop me a line.

 

[Jay444]

with resect to the PC 'bogging' down...wouldn't this be 'safer' for your paint preventing you from applying too much pressure?

 

[1TITENSX]

Anyone know what kind of local stores sell the Porter Cable buffer?

 

[pt91]

Lowes I think.

I bought mine as a package from Nick at detailer's paradise if I remember correctly.
Here are lots of other opinions on the subject. Online kits can save you tax, usually have extra discounts and give you the pads and backing plate you need.

The fixed pad that comes with the PC is useless. I used mine to clean my shower. You will need pads and a plate, polishes, MF, etc if you don't already have them.

PC is a good, safe tool.
I am stepping up to a cyclo next week!

 

[1TITENSX]

Get the PC. Home depot is best. I've been through about 4-5 of them and can say they are built like tanks; also the variable speed feature is great. Absolutely do not make your NSX the first car you learn to play detailer on with it.

Oops..guess I didn't read the whole thread :redface:

pt91, thanks for the Lowes recommendation.

 

[fkong777]

I have a PC, I use it couple time a year.

At the meguiars clinic, the instructor do note that the PC "Dual Action Polisher" is safe to use for any skill level. However if you are a pro, with advance detailing skill, he would prefer a high speed polisher.

Both machine will be fine. I thought about a cyclo but I think it will be harder and more expensive to get pads. I can run to a body shop paint place and pickup 6" 7" pad easy.

 

[zahntech]

I used the PC on my car with the Griots 3 step process and man it's alot of work, and it didn't cut the car deep enough, if you apply too much pressure the head basicly stops moving....I went back to my direct drive, it takes more practice and care to use but I really don't wanna spend several hours on my car and it still not be buffed/polished smooth......JMO