PC counterweight question.

[Wharf Rat]

I just ordered 3.5" Backer and 4" LC pads for my PC. Do you guys run the "stock" counterweight with this set up? I have a heavier weight for the 6" pads but never saw a weight for the four inch set up.

[blk45]

Just stick with the one that you have.

[Wharf Rat]

Gotcha....Thanks.

[RyansAutoDetail]

i didnt think a counter weight was needed in a 4 inch pad application ? i thought u had to remove it when using the 4 inch "oem" pad ?

[Wharf Rat]

Originally Posted by RyansAutoDetail

i didnt think a counter weight was needed in a 4 inch pad application ? i thought u had to remove it when using the 4 inch "oem" pad ?

So....The plot thickens!

[blk45]

Originally Posted by RyansAutoDetail

i didnt think a counter weight was needed in a 4 inch pad application ? i thought u had to remove it when using the 4 inch "oem" pad ?

I'm not sure what OEM pads you are referring to, but I have used 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6.5 & 7.5" pads with mine using the stock CW. I tried the different CW and didn't notice a difference. You have to remember, the PC was designed as a sander and the CWs were designed for light pieces of sandpaper, not foam pads.

[ArmstrongDetailing]

Originally Posted by RyansAutoDetail

i didnt think a counter weight was needed in a 4 inch pad application ? i thought u had to remove it when using the 4 inch "oem" pad ?

You have to have a counter weight for the machine to run properly. I have the same experience as Eric. I use all size pads and stick with the OEM counter weight.

[Wharf Rat]

Coastal Tool is about 15 minutes from my house. When I bought the PC they threw in the weight for the bigger 6" pads. I'll put the 5" pad weight back on when I get my 3.5" backer. Thanks guys.

[RyansAutoDetail]

ok nevrmind i was just under a wrong impression ...

the counter weight on my machine says use for 5 inch pad only ... so should i really go get 5.5 inch pads if i can find them out there ?

[ArmstrongDetailing]

Originally Posted by RyansAutoDetail

ok nevrmind i was just under a wrong impression ...

the counter weight on my machine says use for 5 inch pad only ... so should i really go get 5.5 inch pads if i can find them out there ?

The machine wasn't originally designed for people to use smaller or larger pads. It's a modification that makes the buffer more versatile. We aren't talking about much weight difference with foam pads so using larger pads or smaller pads is not going to hurt the machine.

Some people say it reduces vibration but that has not been my experience.

[CharlesW]

IMO, Having the pad more closely centered will do more to reduce vibration than a different counterweight.

[RyansAutoDetail]

ok so using the 5 inch pad counterweight wont cause any problems when i will switch to a 3.5 in back plate and 4 in pads ?

[ArmstrongDetailing]

Originally Posted by RyansAutoDetail

ok so using the 5 inch pad counterweight wont cause any problems when i will switch to a 3.5 in back plate and 4 in pads ?

Nope.

[RyansAutoDetail]

Originally Posted by Troy@DetailCity

Nope.

ok good luck to me when i get the smaller pads, i ordered them tonight !!

hopefully it will cut my process time in a paint buff/wax down an hour ...

and got megs 105 to try out and PFW pads too

to do my whole van was like 4 hours incl wash/hand waxing. ..