Counter Weight Selection - Which Do You Need?

[floraneg]

I received my 4" spot pads last week, but couldn't find my wrench. I ordered one off the Internet last Thursday and it finally arrived. After removing the velcro backing pad, I see that there is some sort of counter weight on the machine that reads "Use 5 inch pad only" Do I remove this to use the 4" spot pads or do I leave it on?

 

I plan on going crazy this weekend!

 

 

Edited February 26, 2010 by floraneg

[Junkman2008]

Just to clear up any confusion, everyone should understand the purpose of the counter weights. Their purpose is exactly why they are named as such. The technical definition is, "a force or influence equally counteracting another."

 

The force that the counterweight is counter-reacting is the combined weight of the backing plate and pad. That weight is also influenced by the speed of oscillation and the weight of the moisture on the pad. If you where to weigh the Adam's backing plate and pad, you will find out that both are similar in total weight to the 5" counterweight. Even as your pad begins to fill up with product, the combination is still compatible as long as you work the polisher at the correct speed and do not saturate the pad with product. It is when you get the combination of incorrect oscillations (as in too fast in the operation), combined with too much product on the pad (as in saturated), that you throw the "balance of nature" out of whack when it comes to the PC and the Adam's equipment in question here.

 

If you operate the polisher at the correct speeds using Adam's pads and backing plate, coupled with the correct amount of product, you will see no difference between the 5" or 6" counterweights. It is when you drastically alter this combination that the vibration truly becomes evident. There are however, various backing plates for the PC-7424 that will require specific counterweights as they are heavier. Here are two such backing plates that I have that call for the 6" counterweight.

 

 

 

At the same time, I also have one that is similar to the Adam's backing plate that calls for the 5" counterweight. The difference here is, this backing plate is made for using the PC as a sander, not a polishing tool. This combination of course is a much lighter setup that a polishing setup would be.

 

 

For those who have watch my videos, you know that I do not like to work faster than a speed of 5, with 9-14 pounds of pressure. You can work at a higher speed as Adam does, however, Adam has been doing this for quite a few years and has that technique down to an art form. It takes practice, just as it takes practice to masterfully drive a car in a sport such as drifting. Cars are not meant to be driven to that extreme but in the right hands, it is an art of feel and technique.

 

All of this is to say that with a proper technique, do not get caught up in the counterweight that you use unless you are working with different accessories that are available for the PC. The 4" focal pads on a speed of 5 with either the 5" or 6" counterweight shouldn't present you with any issues. However, if you crank the PC up to 6 with those pads, the PC can become another animal. You will sacrifice control and probably not achieve the desired results that you are looking for. The key again is technique. Take your time and work methodically. If you begin to tire, stop and take a break or call it the day. I often take multiple days to work on an issue. The results will come and like fine wine, you don't want to rush it.

[70'sChevyGirl]

AJ,

 

You are just full of all types of information, aren't you??

 

You are a walking instruction manual!!!

[Junkman2008]

AJ' date='

 

You are just full of all types of information, aren't you??

 

You are a walking instruction manual!!! [/quote']

 

More like walking learning manual. Guys like Dylan who are out there doing this everyday know way more about the technicalities than I do.

[Carnut1]

I've called Porter Cable in the past on this issue, and they told me the 5" weight is just fine and not to worry use what it has.

[Chris@Adams]

Thanks AJ!

[whiterp199]

Thanks for more info Jesse.

[Moz]

 

I have a 7424XP.I purchased the B2003 kit from AdamsPolishes and the kit came with this backing pad.Should I have a 6" counter weight,because my Porter Cable came with the 5" counter weight?

 

Moz

[Junkman2008]

I have a 7424XP.I purchased the B2003 kit from AdamsPolishes and the kit came with this backing pad.Should I have a 6" counter weight,because my Porter Cable came with the 5" counter weight?

 

Moz

 

When you use your PC, what speed are you using it at? How does it feel?

[Moz]

When you use your PC, what speed are you using it at? How does it feel?

 

I run the SHR & FMP at 4500-5000OBM

I run the MSW at 3000OBM

IT VIBRATES CRAZY ABOVE 3000OBM's , I thought this was normal?

 

Moz

Edited August 14, 2010 by Moz
spelling

[Junkman2008]

I run the SHR & FMP at 4500-5000OBM

I run the MSW at 3000OBM

IT VIBRATES CRAZY ABOVE 3000OBM's , I thought this was normal?

 

Moz

 

If you think it vibrates a lot at 3000 OPM's, then you have sensitive hands! The only time the counter=weight is going to come into play is when you use the machine at 6800 OPM's and with a heavy back plate. With the combination that you are running at those speeds, the counter-weight is a total none issue. You are not working the polisher fast enough to be concerned. The vibration you feel is normal.

 

Don't over-think this, just continue with your paint correction. Also, never work below 5000 OPM's when removing scratches unless you are using a thick, paste type swirl removing compound and are doing the slow cut process with the PC. Other than that, stay at 5000 OPM's (if you are using my technique), with 9-14 pounds of pressure including the weight of the polisher. Only when applying wax will you drop down to 3000 OPM's.

[Moz]

If you think it vibrates a lot at 3000 OPM's, then you have sensitive hands! The only time the counter=weight is going to come into play is when you use the machine at 6800 OPM's and with a heavy back plate. With the combination that you are running at those speeds, the counter-weight is a total none issue. You are not working the polisher fast enough to be concerned. The vibration you feel is normal.

 

Don't over-think this, just continue with your paint correction. Also, never work below 5000 OPM's when removing scratches unless you are using a thick, paste type swirl removing compound and are doing the slow cut process with the PC. Other than that, stay at 5000 OPM's (if you are using my technique), with 9-14 pounds of pressure including the weight of the polisher. Only when applying wax will you drop down to 3000 OPM's.

 

What I was meaning to say is,I don't have vibration issue's 3000OBM or under.It's when I turn up the PC to 4000/5000OBM's it vibrates pretty good.

[Junkman2008]

What I was meaning to say is,I don't have vibration issue's 3000OBM or under.It's when I turn up the PC to 4000/5000OBM's it vibrates pretty good.

 

That's pretty much the way it works.

[XQIZT]

Got my 4" pads today and this answered all my questions. Thanks guys!

[Kingsford]

I CAN ANSWER THIS!!!!! Leave the 5" weight on.....

 

I asked Ashley the same thing when I got my PC. She said since the PC does not go above 5000 OPM for their products, the 5" counter weight is ideal for all.

[Chobbs]

I bought the focus pad kit from Adams. It came with a backing plate adaptor for the pc along with an adapter for a drill. My question is... Wouldn't I have to change the counter weight if I wanted to be safe and use the 4" focus pads with the pc??? Anyone have used the 4" pads with the pc???

[Kingsford]

Nope. It will work fine with the counter weight in it! Everyone here uses the same thing!

[Chobbs]

Okie dokie! Thanks!

[Kingsford]

Amazingly I was searching through threads and found one I started myself about the same thing

 

http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8054&highlight=counter+weight

[Chobbs]

good info. thanks again

[Chris@Adams]

I always use my drill!

[the1inblue]

I like the drill on some apps but I prefer the PC for paint corrections

 

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[Chobbs]

Any other bit of advice for the focus pads??

[the1inblue]

Be careful using them on paint lol.

 

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[Kingsford]

Any other bit of advice for the focus pads??

 

If you use a drill be sure to keep it moving in different directions since it's a rotary and not dual action like that PC. I've seen pictures on here of someone that fixed messed up paint from when someone else tried to buff the entire car with a rotary and didnt know what they were doing.

[Junkman2008]

If you use a drill be sure to keep it moving in different directions since it's a rotary and not dual action like that PC.