The Dual Action Counterweight 'Controversy'

[Jimmy Buffit]

The Dual Action Counterweight 'Controversy'


I have one DA in our shop that is a few years old. It was supplied with a 6" counterweight to replace the standard 5".

The theory being that the 6" lessens vibration when using 6" pads.

So I just acquired a second, with supplied 5" counter weight.



No perceptible difference. None Zilch, Nada.

End of 'controversy', at least in my shop.

Jim

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Jim,

That is exactly the result I have concluded as well. Then again, I always use Meguiar's pads. I have no idea if other pads may make a difference or not.

Tim

[gb387]

Sure hear lots about it and glad someone was able to use both machines side by side.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Dual Action Counterweight 'Controversy'

Originally posted by Jimmy Buffit
I have one DA in our shop that is a few years old. It was supplied with a 6" counterweight to replace the standard 5".

The theory being that the 6" lessens vibration when using 6" pads.

So I just acquired a second, with supplied 5" counter weight.



No perceptible difference. None Zilch, Nada.

End of 'controversy', at least in my shop.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Wow! thanks for doing this test and posting your results! I've been meaning to order the counterweight for 6" backing plates and doing this same test. I've read for years how some people claim the heavier weight makes a big difference and even recommend it to others, but I had a hunch that any difference would be negligible (or non-existent).

Thanks for taking the time in your shop to do a fair comparison test and sharing your result on Meguiar's Online!




Mike

p.s.

I'm going to make this a sticky.

[Jimmy Buffit]

BTW, yes, it is a Lamborgini Diablo...

Jim

[gbackus]

I don't know if you guys remember Cujo31(something like that), he used to work with Superior Shine. Anyways, to make a long story short, his porter cable had a 5" counterweight, and amine has a 6" counterweight, at speeds of 5 and below, there really wasn't much difference, but at speeds of 5.5-6, using his porter cable made my hands hurt. I don't use the porter cable at speed 6 anymore as I have melted 2 backing plates, and seperated 3 pads before I realized what the problem was, but this heavily increased vibration at speeds higher than 5 may be what some people refer to when they say you should use 6" counterweight with the 6" or larger 6" pads.

[Teak]

Originally posted by gbackus
I don't use the porter cable at speed 6 anymore as I have melted 2 backing plates, and seperated 3 pads before I realized what the problem was, but this heavily increased vibration at speeds higher than 5 may be what some people refer to when they say you should use 6" counterweight with the 6" or larger 6" pads.

You had backing plates melt and had pads seperate at speeds above 5 and here I thought I was all alone.

Jim,
Thanks for the info. Do you use both PC at the same time?

Eric

[Jimmy Buffit]

Do you use both PC at the same time

Well, not me, but we frequently work on more than one car at a time...

Jim

[gbackus]

Originally posted by Teak
You had backing plates melt and had pads seperate at speeds above 5 and here I thought I was all alone.

Jim,
Thanks for the info. Do you use both PC at the same time?

Eric

I found that I get better results at speed 5 if I use a little more pressure(about 5-7 pounds depending), and move the PC slower than if I used to PC at 6. Not to mention I haven't had the need for a new backing plate since I started changing my habbits as with everything, ymmv.

[Blue Thunder]

Counterweights

The counterweights really only matter when you are using the PC as a sander. Then the vibration really shows up especially on low grit 100 or rougher papers.

[RamAirV1]

I have the 5" counterweight and run the PC wide open when using DACP. However I do like the suggestion by gbackus to run it at 5.0 and apply more pressure. There is a considerable amount of vibration at 6.0 but you get used to it. I have not had problems with any pads or backing plates melting but I probably don't use my PC as often as you pro detailers do. I only do my car and those of family members sometimes.

Jimmy Buffit, what did you use on that Diablo? It looks awesome!

RamAirV1

[everglo]

Originally posted by gbackus
I found that I get better results at speed 5 if I use a little more pressure(about 5-7 pounds depending), and move the PC slower than if I used to PC at 6. Not to mention I haven't had the need for a new backing plate since I started changing my habbits as with everything, ymmv.

I've tried that but noticed that rotation is lost at anything below 6 with a little pressure. This may be okay for the application of your final coat but when doing some cleaning/light swirl removal it loses effectiveness.

[Mike Phillips]

bump

[Hammer03]

then why do they market both? just out of curiosity...
it would seem to me, there is a reason they have 2 different weights. why would the company spend the money to tool 2 settings and produce 2 weights when they make little difference?

(i'm not arguing, just wondering, i dont have any first hand experience either way)

[sneek]

well ones supposed to be a sander and the other is actually a polisher but there basicly the same