How to tell if the pressure applied is correct using the G-100?

[wjfm1]

How do I tell if I am applying too much pressure? How to tell three pounds of pressure?

[Mike Phillips]

This is kind of archaic, but if you have a bathroom scale, you can simply place your hand on it and push down and practice getting a feel for a range of motions.

I suppose you could also place some plastic wrap over your foam pad, (to prevent it from becoming contaminated with any dirt particles), and then push this down on the scale to simulate what you're trying to do on your car finish.

Does that help?

Mike

[Slats]

I read in the Porter Cable instruction booklet not to apply any pressure -- just to let the weight of the polisher do the job, is that true or is it ok to use some muscle?

Slats

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Slats
I read in the Porter Cable instruction booklet not to apply any pressure -- just to let the weight of the polisher do the job, is that true or is it ok to use some muscle?

Slats

The weight of the machine is fine for applying a polish or a wax for beauty or protection results, but to remove paint in an effort to level or flatten out the surface you must apply some pressure.

Mike

[Chris Nemlich]

I find the amount of pressure I use depends a lot on the hardness of the paint. This isn't a real technical measurement, I just sort of get a feel for each car as I'm doing it as to how much pressure is needed to achieve the desired results.

Chris

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Generally, push down on the buffer's head until the motor slightly bogs (then back-off a little) and the pad flattens out a little. Then move the buffer REALLY slow over the area, allowing the buffer to do the work!!

Tim

[Marc08EX]

I had a lot of trouble with this topic ever since I got my G-100 and I've been asking around ever since.. The instructions of Mike is what I follow and I think they're the best thing to do to guage the amount of pressure you're applying.. Try it! I know it would help a lot!

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

In time, you will develop the "right" feel for using the buffer. I have been using the PC since the first day it came onto the market, several years ago. Up to that point, I had always used the rotary. But the ease, and the added refinement from the PC made using the product that much more worth while!!

Tim

[Marc08EX]

Originally posted by 2hotford
Hey,

In time, you will develop the "right" feel for using the buffer. I have been using the PC since the first day it came onto the market, several years ago. Up to that point, I had always used the rotary. But the ease, and the added refinement from the PC made using the product that much more worth while!!

Tim

Tim,

That's really nice to hear.. So, how long have you had the G-100? Are there any troubles showing up or anything? Do you have your G-100 lubricated at least a year? Tom MacDonald said to have it lubricated or it will void the warranty, is this true? Thanks all.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

As you probably are aware, I have been away the last month as my wife and I were moving into our new house. As such, the time I have been able to spend on MOL (during September) as the Super Moderator has been limited. But now, I am back and happy about it! One goes through withdrawl from the website!

Anyway, I bought my first PC about 7- 8 years ago or so. I also have a back-up PC and 3 rotaries. I have been detailing close to 20 years now! Man, that made me feel old just saying that!

The good new is that my PC's both the 7424 and the 7336 have never given me any trouble. I have a bit of a bearing noise in the oldest PC, but it still works just fine (it has MANY hours on it!) I would suggest that you follow the maintenance instructions to avoid voiding the waranty. Moreover, you can expect YEARS of excellent service from the G-100 (PC) !

Tim