How "loose" is the clutch on your PorterCable?

[brookspw]

I just received my Porter Cable 7424. I detailed my BLACK 190 and it did a much better job than my old sears type random orbital, including removing sanding marks.

HOWEVER, the clutch on the thing is so weak that ANY pressure at all it stops spinning, and I mean you almost have to take some of the unit's weight off of it (hold it up a little). It is even worse when you are holding it vertical (on the side of the car).

1. Do I have a defective clutch?

2. Anyone successfully "modify" theirs to resolve this?

I KNOW it is to have some sort of a clutch, it is not a direct drive machine, but it makes it almost useless for what you really want it to do.

brookspw

[JCE]

Sounds like something is wrong. Mine doesn't start to spin until moderate downward pressure is applied. Works fine under it's own weight (most of the time it is used this way on my cars). You can get a better feel for it using the 'pad cleaning' technique. Mequiars says to remove the old dried product from their pads by running the PC at normal speed aimed away from you, and running your finger tips over the padd (Eye protection, no loose sleeves). Light finger tip pressure doesn't interfere with the motion on mine, moderate seems to slow the pad. Maybe call the factory? 1-800-4US TOOL (487-8665)

Good luck

[Bob I]

I have used my model 7424 for about two years and never noticed the clutch slipping. Although the directions indicate that applying pressure isn't needed, I have applied fairly heavy pressure on some problem scratches. I am using foam pads and it still doesn't slip. It sounds like something is wrong with your machine.

[suginami]

Brookspw,

I posted my experience with the Porter Cable a while ago, and my experience was the same as yours.

The damn thing wouldn't spin at all if any pressure was applied - even light pressure.

And I couldn't agree more when you say, "but it makes it almost useless for what you really want it to do.".

I know the members here are very fond of this machine, but I still believe it's just an 'idiot-proof' machine to prevent the average user from screwing up and buring through their paint.

I returned mine and got a DeWalt variable speed electronic polisher. Cost me $289 at Sherwin Williamns Automotive Finishes Paint Supply Store. They carry paint / sanding / detailing supplies on a commercial basis to shops, etc. It is the only buffer they carry.
You will very rarely see a professional detailer use the Porter Cable-type polisher. They all use the direct drive type unit like the DeWalt or Milwaukee.

Besides, the Porter Cable unit is really a detail sander with the collet modifed.

[brookspw]

Suginami -- but how could you even sand with it? In sanding, you'd have to have some pressure on it.

Anyone have this experience, get a new one and it works ok (no slipping)?

brookspw