PC Question/Help...

[Budha]

Ok fellas, I have a 6" PC 7336, which from what I understand was the previous model of the current 7424 series/packages. Being a woodworker, I have used this unit as a sander (even though the dust collector collar is still on it, I don't use it) for quite some time and it's still going strong. I recently replaced my 5" PC with a PC low profile 5" var speed random orbital unit, so I rarely break out the old 6".  The 7336 currently has the 6" 6-Hole Standard backing pad #18001 (hook & loop) w/ the 6" Random Orbit Sander Counter-Weight.

My question is - could I use this setup with the various pads or should I put on a flexible backing plate? Like the PC 6" 6-Hole Contour (used w/ 6" polishing pads) #18002 or one of the other brands. I don't plan on getting ridiculously into the detail world, but I figured since I already have this PC unit, I could use it.

*Before anyone questions the dust from being used as a sander contaminating the liquids and doing further paint damage, I take good care of my tools and keep them, along with my shop, as clean as you can for the type of environment. I'm constantly blowing it out w/ an air gun and will break it down and clean it thoroughly before using it to detail. It's been sitting for a while so the pics show a tad bit of dust but nothing major.



Dust collector piece loosened up for the pics...

[Too Stroked]

From what I can see in the pics, you certainly have what appears to be a very similar machine to the beloved 7424. Based on that, I would guess you could use it for detaiing work. The big question will be around if it's powerful enough. I say that because as good as the 7424 is, it's still on the low end for power. In fact Porter-Cable just introduced a new, more powerful model - the 7424 XP to replace it.

Assuming you can use it though, I would recommend dropping down to a smaller pad. I started with 6" pads on my 7424 and it just didn't have the guts to do much with them. I think you'll find that most of us use either 5.5" or 4" pads on our PC's.

Welcome to the site!

Tom

That said, you'll have to get a smaller backing plate to run them safely.

[sscully]

I first liberated my 7424 from the shop to replace the Cyclo mod 5 I was using back in '01 / '02.  I did the same thing, cleaned it out it was fine.  Not a single issue with residual dust.  If one had let dust build up and cake in there with a few high humidity seasons, that might do it.

I did not try to use the same back plate on it, I got a 6" thin yellow flex one.

As Tom said, when I found out this is only good for applying LSP, then I got a 5" and 4" backing plate. 
Now you can go to a 2-3/4" plate if you get the rotary to DA adapter for it ( ~9.00 for this )
Now the backing plate options are great, and from many places, so they are cheap and I find, on sale quite often. 

I used that same PC up until 2011.  I tried to replace it before, with a G110 ( not the V2 ) and it still did better.  It is back in the shop for sanding duty ( the selectable Makita I replaced it with is a beast for all day use but it will scribe a counter like nobody's business ), I have a new 7424XP for the garage.

I like the Optimum backing plates, but read some threads and ask the guys here for another opinion. 
I do not care for Megs, so I am not one to ask about that plate.  Megs releases stuff on what I have always called 'double secrete probation' and hype fabrication. 
Look at the "special" backing plate for the 3 years of development work MF kit.
Looks and feels oddly like the PC brand backing plate for sanding.  Even has the holes for the dust collection err, I mean cooling

One thing I did not do, once I liberated the PC from the shop, I did not go back and forth with it.  You might find this is not an issue or do the same as me, get a higher end sander for the shop ( which I did use that on the vehicles for a bit prior to the flex ).

[Budha]

Ok, I'll start looking into the smaller backing plates/pads and go from there. Thanks for the replies.


When it comes to sanders, I guess I tend to stick w/ the PC brand.... 

[gipraw]

Replace the backing plate, and it is a good starting machine to use, for sure.

Nice collection of sanders.

[sscully]

Might want to be a bit nicer to your cords



Sorry Dad is an electrician and I would get beat like a rented ox if I did that to a cord, even to this day 

[Too Stroked]

Might want to be a bit nicer to your cords



Sorry Dad is an electrician and I would get beat like a rented ox if I did that to a cord, even to this day 

So this would be your first experience with the good natured ribbing we all give each other. But for the OCD among us, there's just a whole new level of stuff we can pick on! 

[Budha]

LoL

I don't usually wrap it that tight - was just for the pic to show the var. speed dial. The other sanders show how loose I usually wrap them. 

[gipraw]

nice.  I didn't notice the tightly wrapped cord, but I did notice it lying on the side on the backing plate, which can flat spot the plate.