- Random-orbit, swirl-free sanding/polishing action
- Electronic variable-speed dial from 2,500-6,800 OPM
- Features a proprietary counter balance for use with 6-inch sanding/polishing pad
- Accepts 5/16 - 24 spindle thread accessories
- Features a 2-position (left or right) removable side handle for greater comfort and control
Ideal for polishing and sanding automotive and marine projects, the Porter-Cable 7424XP 6-inch polisher features a 4.5 amp motor for high overload protection and random orbit. It comes with a 6-inch polishing pad.
Nicely compact at just 5-1/2 pounds, the 7424XP offers swirl-free sanding/polishing action with an electronic variable-speed dial that operates at 2,500-6,800 orbits per minute (OPM). The 7424XP accepts 5/16 to 24 spindle thread accessories, and it offers a full ball and roller bearing construction for durability under industrial workloads. It features a proprietary counter balance for use with a 6-inch sanding/polishing pad, and it features a two-position (left or right) removable side handle for greater comfort and control. The polisher measures 11.5 x 10.5 x 6 inches (LxWxH).
Warranty
This Porter-Cable tool is backed by three-year limited warranty covering any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship (from the date of purchase). It's also covered by Porter-Cable's one-year free service contract, where Porter-Cable will maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use--for free.
What's in the Box Porter-Cable 7424XP random orbit polisher; polishing pad; side handle; wrench; operating instructions |
By D. BAKER
I am not mechanically inclined nor am I an auto hobbyist or detailer. I'm just a guy who likes to take care of his vehicles and maintain that new car appearance. Until now, I have been waxing our family cars the old fashioned way: with a lot of elbow grease and the sacrifice of valuable time. I tend to research the items in which I invest and my intended purchase of a random-orbital polisher was no different.
Meguiar's and Griot's Garage are on-line sites that cater to auto hobbyists and detailers. A cursory check of their web pages reveals that they market the Porter Cable Random-Orbital Polisher as their preferred product. I concluded, therefore, that it must be a quality product, a prudent choice and purchased the polisher from Amazon. Having never used one, I paid close attention to the reviews of those who shared their knowledge and experience through comments here.
Based solely on the comments submitted in previous reviews, I purchased the optional 6-Hole, Hook and Loop Standard Pad but didn't really know why it was necessary at the time of purchase. I also visited the Griot's Garage website and, as recommended, purchased the orange foam polishing pad and a wax removal bonnet.
Upon receipt of all the items purchased, it became obvious why the aforementioned accessories are preferable. The polishing pad that comes standard with the Porter Cable is fixed to the polisher disk - requiring the entire unit to be removed from the polisher for cleaning. While it is certainly serviceable and can be fitted with a wax removal bonnet, cleaning of the polishing pad is far easier if it can be removed from the disk. You'll want to ensure that the polishing pad used to apply auto polish is cleaned after each use to remove fine particles of dried polish that can scratch a car's finish. For those as unfamiliar with the terminology as I was, "hook and loop" is the generic description of the fastener we commonly refer to by the brand name "Velcro". The optional Hook and Loop Standard pad has a surface with microscopic "hooks" to which a polishing pad that has one surface containing the microscopic "loops" can be affixed and subsequently removed with ease. The wax removal bonnet, like a fitted sheet, is attached over the polishing pad when the user is ready to remove the applied polish.
Attachment of the handle is self-evident. The optional 6-Hole, Hook and Loop Standard Pad is attached by securing the slip nut on the polisher using the wrench that comes with the machine and inserting and rotating the threaded male-end of the disk into the female end on the polisher. The orange polishing pad that I obtained from Griot's Garage is then attached to the disk via their respective "Velcro" surfaces. The power switch is located on top of the polisher and the speed control is located at the rear.
The machine applies a thin, evenly distributed layer of polish to the surface. I then fitted the polishing bonnet over the polishing pad to remove the dried polish. The job took about one-forth the time of doing so manually and with so much less exertion. The result was a deep, brilliant, showroom finish and an operator that wasn't "pooped out" to get that finish. Subsequently, I removed the bonnet and the applicator pad from the polishing disk and washed them thoroughly with cold water to remove any embedded polish and dried particles. They are both ready to be re-used. I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase and the results that I achieved.
I hope this helps answer most questions.
Meguiar's and Griot's Garage are on-line sites that cater to auto hobbyists and detailers. A cursory check of their web pages reveals that they market the Porter Cable Random-Orbital Polisher as their preferred product. I concluded, therefore, that it must be a quality product, a prudent choice and purchased the polisher from Amazon. Having never used one, I paid close attention to the reviews of those who shared their knowledge and experience through comments here.
Based solely on the comments submitted in previous reviews, I purchased the optional 6-Hole, Hook and Loop Standard Pad but didn't really know why it was necessary at the time of purchase. I also visited the Griot's Garage website and, as recommended, purchased the orange foam polishing pad and a wax removal bonnet.
Upon receipt of all the items purchased, it became obvious why the aforementioned accessories are preferable. The polishing pad that comes standard with the Porter Cable is fixed to the polisher disk - requiring the entire unit to be removed from the polisher for cleaning. While it is certainly serviceable and can be fitted with a wax removal bonnet, cleaning of the polishing pad is far easier if it can be removed from the disk. You'll want to ensure that the polishing pad used to apply auto polish is cleaned after each use to remove fine particles of dried polish that can scratch a car's finish. For those as unfamiliar with the terminology as I was, "hook and loop" is the generic description of the fastener we commonly refer to by the brand name "Velcro". The optional Hook and Loop Standard pad has a surface with microscopic "hooks" to which a polishing pad that has one surface containing the microscopic "loops" can be affixed and subsequently removed with ease. The wax removal bonnet, like a fitted sheet, is attached over the polishing pad when the user is ready to remove the applied polish.
Attachment of the handle is self-evident. The optional 6-Hole, Hook and Loop Standard Pad is attached by securing the slip nut on the polisher using the wrench that comes with the machine and inserting and rotating the threaded male-end of the disk into the female end on the polisher. The orange polishing pad that I obtained from Griot's Garage is then attached to the disk via their respective "Velcro" surfaces. The power switch is located on top of the polisher and the speed control is located at the rear.
The machine applies a thin, evenly distributed layer of polish to the surface. I then fitted the polishing bonnet over the polishing pad to remove the dried polish. The job took about one-forth the time of doing so manually and with so much less exertion. The result was a deep, brilliant, showroom finish and an operator that wasn't "pooped out" to get that finish. Subsequently, I removed the bonnet and the applicator pad from the polishing disk and washed them thoroughly with cold water to remove any embedded polish and dried particles. They are both ready to be re-used. I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase and the results that I achieved.
I hope this helps answer most questions.
By Chris in St. Pete
This is the tool of choice for many professional and most DIY detailers.
As many reviewers have stated the hook and loop (velcro) pad makes using this tool MUCH easier. To do a proper job on you car, plane or boat you will need to use at least two different types of pads. Thus the ability to simply rip off a pad and stick on a the next one is a HUGE time saver.
As mentioned it is a bit louder than you would expect so you may want to consider hearing protection if you are going to be using it for long periods of time.
Pad selection will depend on the job you need to do. Choosing the right pads for the job can be determined by visiting [...] they will teach you how to use the polisher and the correct pads as well as the correct wax/polishing products for you needs.
Establishing and understanding your needs and then buying the correct pads and polish/wax is required to deliver the best results.
Your end result is completly dependent on how well you do the basics. The Porter Cable is just a tool that makes the job MUCH easier...and in a lot of cases does things that you could never accomplish by hand...however it's not a miracle worker on its own.
This is a solidly built tool for professionals and I recommend it highly. Don't waste your time with those cheapie versions...buy this and you will never regret it.
As many reviewers have stated the hook and loop (velcro) pad makes using this tool MUCH easier. To do a proper job on you car, plane or boat you will need to use at least two different types of pads. Thus the ability to simply rip off a pad and stick on a the next one is a HUGE time saver.
As mentioned it is a bit louder than you would expect so you may want to consider hearing protection if you are going to be using it for long periods of time.
Pad selection will depend on the job you need to do. Choosing the right pads for the job can be determined by visiting [...] they will teach you how to use the polisher and the correct pads as well as the correct wax/polishing products for you needs.
Establishing and understanding your needs and then buying the correct pads and polish/wax is required to deliver the best results.
Your end result is completly dependent on how well you do the basics. The Porter Cable is just a tool that makes the job MUCH easier...and in a lot of cases does things that you could never accomplish by hand...however it's not a miracle worker on its own.
This is a solidly built tool for professionals and I recommend it highly. Don't waste your time with those cheapie versions...buy this and you will never regret it.
By adammb
This what I am going to call an orbital buffer is fantastic. I can't believe I detailed without this thing before. I got this for detail in my body shop for exterior details and am very happy with the performance. Gone are the swirl marks from inexperience using buffers. Normally when setting up an entry detailer I could not trust them with a buffer for some time in fears of swirl marks and burn through on the customers paint but not with this thing. It does vibrate something ferociously when at high speeds but its an orbital and is to be expected.
It will never replace an actual buffer for the purpose of getting rid of serious scratches but light scratches are nothing for this tool. In fact if you listen closely you can hear it laughing at them. LOL Just kidding.
+
Very very easy to use
Variable speed
Easy to hold on to
Eliminates swirls
-
Kind of loud
Doesnt come with adapter plate
Using it for a long time will numb your arms and hands
I was going to buy a lower priced unit but I am glad I went with the Porter Cable
It will never replace an actual buffer for the purpose of getting rid of serious scratches but light scratches are nothing for this tool. In fact if you listen closely you can hear it laughing at them. LOL Just kidding.
+
Very very easy to use
Variable speed
Easy to hold on to
Eliminates swirls
-
Kind of loud
Doesnt come with adapter plate
Using it for a long time will numb your arms and hands
I was going to buy a lower priced unit but I am glad I went with the Porter Cable
By Richard L. Steiner
The Porter Cable 7424 orbital polisher is all it is advertised to be. The PC 7424 started out over ten years ago as a random orbit sander, but is now used extensively as an automobile polisher. I have taken my PC 7424 on a first use shakedown cruise and it has done a fantastic job with bringing the black paint on my ten year old car back to showroom condition. I had used one of those cheap plastic two-fisted machines I bought in an auto supply store with little success.
The Porter Cable polisher is an affordable device that gives professional detailing results. It won't burn paint and accommodates a variety of cleaning, polishing and waxing pads. The PC 7424 makes detailing a car fun to do. I wish I would have had this little giant years ago when I was cleaning up my cars with a rag.
I am not a professional detailer and I started using the polisher with little knowledge of how it should be operated. The Porter Cable 7424 comes with a foam applicator pad, a wrench and a very minimal instruction manual. I had to rely on my basic understanding of caring for automobile finishes and the directions on a bottle of Meguiar's car polish to get me started. Since the PC 7424's random orbit action just about eliminates damaging a painted surface it is very forgiving of trial and error use. This machine has a speed control in the form of a thumbwheel on the rear end so it is possible to go from 2,500 to 6,000 oscilations per minute (OPM). It seems to operate best somewhere between those two speeds.
After my first experimental experience with the Porter Cable 7424 I found an excellent article on the Internet that provided me with an extensive explanation of how the polisher works, how to use it and lots of understandable advice. It would have been nice to have this information before I plugged in the 7424 for the first time. The article has polishing hints, pad cleaning instructions and many interesting photographs.
The twenty-five page article by David Bynon (How to use the Porter Cable 7424 6" Orbital Polisher) can be found among others by going to this web site: [...] You can find the Bynon article(s) by clicking on Detailing Enthusiast from the list on the left side of the Web page.
After buying the Porter Cable 7424 based on my own research, I discovered this machine was widely recommended by makers of car polishes and professional detailers. It is always good to know that a machine like this has a positive track record.
The Porter Cable polisher is an affordable device that gives professional detailing results. It won't burn paint and accommodates a variety of cleaning, polishing and waxing pads. The PC 7424 makes detailing a car fun to do. I wish I would have had this little giant years ago when I was cleaning up my cars with a rag.
I am not a professional detailer and I started using the polisher with little knowledge of how it should be operated. The Porter Cable 7424 comes with a foam applicator pad, a wrench and a very minimal instruction manual. I had to rely on my basic understanding of caring for automobile finishes and the directions on a bottle of Meguiar's car polish to get me started. Since the PC 7424's random orbit action just about eliminates damaging a painted surface it is very forgiving of trial and error use. This machine has a speed control in the form of a thumbwheel on the rear end so it is possible to go from 2,500 to 6,000 oscilations per minute (OPM). It seems to operate best somewhere between those two speeds.
After my first experimental experience with the Porter Cable 7424 I found an excellent article on the Internet that provided me with an extensive explanation of how the polisher works, how to use it and lots of understandable advice. It would have been nice to have this information before I plugged in the 7424 for the first time. The article has polishing hints, pad cleaning instructions and many interesting photographs.
The twenty-five page article by David Bynon (How to use the Porter Cable 7424 6" Orbital Polisher) can be found among others by going to this web site: [...] You can find the Bynon article(s) by clicking on Detailing Enthusiast from the list on the left side of the Web page.
After buying the Porter Cable 7424 based on my own research, I discovered this machine was widely recommended by makers of car polishes and professional detailers. It is always good to know that a machine like this has a positive track record.
By A customer
This polisher is GREAT! If you buy it to polish your car, make sure you buy the 6" hook & loop pad. As one of the other reviewers wrote, get the Orange and Red pads from Griots Garage. You can also use the 6" Yellow pads from Meguiar's. You will also need wax/polish bonnets which will fit over a clean, Orange or Yellow pad. Note, watch your speed, too fast (higher than 5) and it builds up heat in the pads and bonnets, not a good thing.
By Tim and Tamie
Excellent product and tremendous value. The PC7424 is legendary in the world of paint correction for entry to moderate enthusiasts. It's durability and easy of use are well known. It's not a forced rotation unit but it's also not $400+ however it does a great job at correcting even heavy swirls and paint damage such as the one show in the photos of our van. The results can be outstanding as show in he reflection on the hood of my S4 too. Heavy corrections just mean you move a little slower but again, if your just an enthusiast doing your own vehicles, what's a little time relaxing as you work.
You will need to buy a velcro backing plate of your choice in sizes. Toss the white pad that comes with it out when you get it or use it for around the house, but not on your vehicle.
You will need to buy a velcro backing plate of your choice in sizes. Toss the white pad that comes with it out when you get it or use it for around the house, but not on your vehicle.
By P. Sorornejad
I love taking care of my car and the other cars in my household. I have always been a "do it by hand" type of detailer, really devoting hours upon hours a day to cleaning and detailing my cars. Two Christmas's ago, my GF surprised me with the PC7424XP along with some fresh new pads, and some hook and loop backings. Needless to say, I was very excited, but also somewhat scared. I have heard the horror stories of machine detailing, and issues with burning paint and such, so I knew I needed to get to studying and picking up some good books and watching some good instructional videos.
I have been doing machine detailing now for almost two years, and I must say I can't detail without it anymore. First off, it cuts the detailing time in half or even more. You get a nice even distribution, and also fantastic quality work. As mentioned in other reviews, you want to make sure to get a hook and loop kit for this, since many many pads use the velcro backing, not only that, but it also provides better distribution than the screw on pads. The kit comes with a polishing pad as shown in the image, but it isn't that good so I would refrain from using it (also, white colored pads are better used for light cutting compounds vs a polish).
Also, there is minimal risk of damaging your paint with this polisher. The device has a series of clutches that will stop the pad from spinning if you put too much pressure on the pad. This will prevent you from "burning a hole" in your paint or totally damaging the clear coat. One of the best things you can actually do to improve your detailing skills is to use a permanent marker to make a mark on the back side of the hook and loop plate, this way you can visually see if your pad is spinning or not... if it isn't then you know you are pressing too hard, or unevenly for the speed that you are using the product at. This is very helpful, and will really help you get in the habit of making sure your pad is flat on the paint.
Pros:
+ Easily Accessible Power Switch (This is one of the most important things in a polisher)
+ Durable, strong design
+ Variable speeds for waxing, polishing, cutting
+ Handle can be installed on either side of the device
+ Does not get hot
If I had to give any con's with this, it would be:
- The product is a bit small. If you look at some of the higher end polishers, like the Flex, you will see that the butt of the polisher is nice and long to give you a good grip angle between the butt and the handle. Again, not a big deal, but should be noted.
- Doesn't come pre-packaged with a hook and loop plate.
- Loud
I have been doing machine detailing now for almost two years, and I must say I can't detail without it anymore. First off, it cuts the detailing time in half or even more. You get a nice even distribution, and also fantastic quality work. As mentioned in other reviews, you want to make sure to get a hook and loop kit for this, since many many pads use the velcro backing, not only that, but it also provides better distribution than the screw on pads. The kit comes with a polishing pad as shown in the image, but it isn't that good so I would refrain from using it (also, white colored pads are better used for light cutting compounds vs a polish).
Also, there is minimal risk of damaging your paint with this polisher. The device has a series of clutches that will stop the pad from spinning if you put too much pressure on the pad. This will prevent you from "burning a hole" in your paint or totally damaging the clear coat. One of the best things you can actually do to improve your detailing skills is to use a permanent marker to make a mark on the back side of the hook and loop plate, this way you can visually see if your pad is spinning or not... if it isn't then you know you are pressing too hard, or unevenly for the speed that you are using the product at. This is very helpful, and will really help you get in the habit of making sure your pad is flat on the paint.
Pros:
+ Easily Accessible Power Switch (This is one of the most important things in a polisher)
+ Durable, strong design
+ Variable speeds for waxing, polishing, cutting
+ Handle can be installed on either side of the device
+ Does not get hot
If I had to give any con's with this, it would be:
- The product is a bit small. If you look at some of the higher end polishers, like the Flex, you will see that the butt of the polisher is nice and long to give you a good grip angle between the butt and the handle. Again, not a big deal, but should be noted.
- Doesn't come pre-packaged with a hook and loop plate.
- Loud
By Cobra
I just received mine today but previously used a friends same polisher on a custom painted fiberglass body that seemed to be losing it's luster. I have to say I was impressed with how easy and quick it went... no problem controlling the unit and for a quick job the car looked much better.
But I really wanted to mention the counter-weight which several others commented about. Yes, it comes with a counter-weight that's stamped "Use 5" Pad Only", however if you check the DeltaPorterCable website (Porter-Cable is a division of Delta) you'll see it says the 5" Counter Weight is for 5" Sanding Pads AND 6" Polishing Pads. The 6" Counter Weight is for 6" Sanding Pads ONLY. So the 5" Counter Weight installed in the unit is the correct one. Yes it's misleading, but it's only a "guide" as the correct Counter Weight is based on the weight of the pads, not the size. The box says "use with weight between 95-105 grams". Hope this helps.
But I really wanted to mention the counter-weight which several others commented about. Yes, it comes with a counter-weight that's stamped "Use 5" Pad Only", however if you check the DeltaPorterCable website (Porter-Cable is a division of Delta) you'll see it says the 5" Counter Weight is for 5" Sanding Pads AND 6" Polishing Pads. The 6" Counter Weight is for 6" Sanding Pads ONLY. So the 5" Counter Weight installed in the unit is the correct one. Yes it's misleading, but it's only a "guide" as the correct Counter Weight is based on the weight of the pads, not the size. The box says "use with weight between 95-105 grams". Hope this helps.
By J. E. Kang
This machine is absolutely brilliant. I have used the older 7424 and I thought THAT was great. However, the new machine with its larger switch and more power make a great machine even better.
I used this to bring 4 cars headlights back to optical clarity. You know what I am talking about: the yellow oxidization and weird film that doesn't seem to come off your headlights no matter how many times you scrub and wash. After a good wetsanding, this polisher brought back the clarity and smoothness of the headlights.
I highly recommend this machine for anyone who needs to repair their oxidized paint or headlights. It's actually known for it's swirl and paint correction abilities, so you should definitely invest in this thing.
I used this to bring 4 cars headlights back to optical clarity. You know what I am talking about: the yellow oxidization and weird film that doesn't seem to come off your headlights no matter how many times you scrub and wash. After a good wetsanding, this polisher brought back the clarity and smoothness of the headlights.
I highly recommend this machine for anyone who needs to repair their oxidized paint or headlights. It's actually known for it's swirl and paint correction abilities, so you should definitely invest in this thing.
By F. Butler
I use this polisher on my trucks and my boat and find it to be an excellent tool for compounding and waxing. Its use probably cuts in half the amount of time necessary to wax a vehicle - perhaps more. On vehicles I use it only to apply the polish removing the glaze by hand. However on the boat I use it for application and polishing. Several reviewers have noted that it is light weight so perhaps it is my age (60+) showing but I find it the polisher gets fairly heavy after a few hours of compounding a boat. I would also recommend wearing a decent pair of leather gloves when operating the polisher otherwise you can probably expect a large blister on the hand hold the side handle. For what its worth I use the orange hook and loop pads from Griot's Garage. I find the quality of the tool itself to be excellent and fully expect it to last for many, many years.
Updated review:
If you own the Porter Cable 7424 Polisher the addition of the PC 18001 6-inch 6-hole hook and loop standard pad allows you to have the equivalent PC 7336 Sander giving you in effect two separate machines. It should also be noted that the Porter-Cable 73333 Dust Collection System works with the 7424 Polisher if the 18001 standard pad in attached for sanding.
Updated review:
If you own the Porter Cable 7424 Polisher the addition of the PC 18001 6-inch 6-hole hook and loop standard pad allows you to have the equivalent PC 7336 Sander giving you in effect two separate machines. It should also be noted that the Porter-Cable 73333 Dust Collection System works with the 7424 Polisher if the 18001 standard pad in attached for sanding.
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