Polisher replacement parts?

[CharlesW]

Having recently read of some brush replacement problems with some polishers made me wonder. These were not 20 year old machines which might be a problem to get parts for. They were fairly recent models.

Is there a problem getting replacement parts for some polishers?

Some wear and maintenance is to be expected with any tool, but not being able to get parts for that repair and maintenance is not something I would expect.

[Ron Harris]

Originally Posted by CharlesW

Having recently read of some brush replacement problems with some polishers made me wonder. These were not 20 year old machines which might be a problem to get parts for. They were fairly recent models.

Is there a problem getting replacement parts for some polishers?

Some wear and maintenance is to be expected with any tool, but not being able to get parts for that repair and maintenance is not something I would expect.

I have a Metabo that gave out just after a year sitting up in the loft of our shop. One of the gears went bad. It looks to be pressed in. If you want I will sell you any parts from it you may need.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Ron Harris

I have a Metabo that gave out just after a year sitting up in the loft of our shop. One of the gears went bad. It looks to be pressed in. If you want I will sell you any parts from it you may need.

Ron:
Thanks for the offer and maybe another member will have need of some parts from your Metabo.
Actually, I don't need any parts at this time and I always thought that I would be able to get any parts I needed from Porter-Cable or whatever company they might be at the time.
It might influence any decision to replace my PC with something different.
I would be less than happy to find I had purchased a machine with no parts support.

[Ron Harris]

In all the years I have been detailing cars the only things that have ever needed replacing were cords and switches. For the PC it probably would be better to buy a new one if something internally failed.

I was very disappointed when my Metabo failed. I have a Makita and the thing just wont quit. My first polisher had alot of time on it as well. It was a Black and Decker variable speed. I would still be using it today if it haden't been stolen.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Ron Harris

In all the years I have been detailing cars the only things that have ever needed replacing were cords and switches. For the PC it probably would be better to buy a new one if something internally failed.

I was very disappointed when my Metabo failed. I have a Makita and the thing just wont quit. My first polisher had alot of time on it as well. It was a Black and Decker variable speed. I would still be using it today if it haden't been stolen.

To have to replace a $125 to $150 Meguiar's G110, (the polisher they were referring to), because they can't buy replacement brushes seems a little extreme.
I'm a hobby detailer and at this time have no need of any parts, but it would be somewhat reassuring to know parts are available if needed. I try very hard not to buy throw away stuff.

As far as longevity, a friend of mine that owned a body shop used a couple of Flex rotaries daily for over 20 years. Several sets of brushes until the motor commutators were worn so bad he replaced both machines. (With Makitas)

	Flex Polishers FLEX makes both dual action and circular (rotary) polishers. Their polishers are built to professional standards with features like rugged housing, variable speed triggers, controlled acceleration, overload protection, temperature monitoring, and auto shut-off carbon brushes. Whether you choose a dual action or a circular polisher, you will enjoy years of hassle-free use with your FLEX polisher.

[tuscarora dave]

Being a guy with a mechanical backgroung That is one of the first things I looked for when buying my first polisher. It ended up being a Cyclo simply because of how tough it looked and the very complete parts catalog.

[black bart]

I recently bought a new Makita 9227 and while I don't think I will ever use it enough to need anything it is good to know that new brushes are easy to get and they can be changed without taking the housing apart just remove the plug on the side with a screwdriver.

My PC is only 3 years old and still runs like new.
I have a Makita body grinder and a Makita saws-all they are probably 30 years old can't really remember when I got them but they are still going

[tuscarora dave]

that is good to know about the Makita.

[togwt]

I've had this pinned to my garage wall for a long time (may be outdated, but worth a try)

Maintenance and Storage

The owner's manual recommends that you have your PC inspected and serviced (if needed) after about 100 hours of usage by an authorized service centre. Contact the factory service centre 1-888-848-5174 for the nearest service distributor, their website Delta Machinery|Porter-Cable Porter-Cable 7336 parts or the factory (731) 668-8600.

1. Porter Cable 7424xp manual - http://bit.ly/7klzGU
2. Troubleshooting Porter Cable machines - Porter Cable Support, Manuals & Customer Service by FixYa

[black bart]

Originally Posted by togwt

I've had this pinned to my garage wall for a long time (may be outdated, but worth a try)

Maintenance and Storage

The owner's manual recommends that you have your PC inspected and serviced (if needed) after about 100 hours of usage by an authorized service centre. Contact the factory service centre 1-888-848-5174 for the nearest service distributor, their website Delta Machinery|Porter-Cable Porter-Cable 7336 parts or the factory (731) 668-8600.

1. Porter Cable 7424xp manual - http://bit.ly/7klzGU
2. Troubleshooting Porter Cable machines - Porter Cable Support, Manuals & Customer Service by FixYa

That is just like the oil company's recommending that you change oil every 3000 miles when you send your polisher in they get to charge you a lot of $$$$$$$ for a perfectly running machine.

If you follow the advice from the so called experts you won't have enough money left to eat

My Makita saw and body grinder have both been in service for more than 30 years I have not spent a cent on maintenance. Both still run like new.

I have a different approach if it ain't broke Don't fix it.

[togwt]

Don't shoot the messenger

I was trying to pass on telephone numbers to help find parts for a PC

[Ron Harris]

Charles,
I don't think people really want to purchase throwaway tools. That being said why would some one buy the cheapest tool on the market. I see guys buying Harbor Freight polishers and wonder what were they thinking.

For Brushes it takes a while for them to wear out. If you use products that create a bunch of abrasive dust then I would recommend blowing the tool out occasionally.

This wouldn't of helped with the metabo. The gear that went bad was in the head and completely sealed off from dust and debris.

Your a smart person so I really don't need to tell you this but for others out there who have never thought of this or are new to all this crazy stuff it may help.