Action of the Dual Action: Slip Clutch?

[Monk]

Seems as though I can completely stop the rotation of the PC 7424 (brand new) with very slight pressure. For example, I can barely remove a paste wax (Meg's #16) without lots and lots of passes. I can just grab the pad with my hand and stop it dead--no friction burn/blister, etc. Does this sound right?
Is there some kind of clutch mechanism that slips, as a precaution against doing damage? I have read on the forum how they are "safe", but I have not yet run into a thread that discusses this clutch action. Is there an adjustment (other than the 1-6 settings)?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Action of the Dual Action: Slip Clutch?

Originally posted by Monk
Seems as though I can completely stop the rotation of the PC 7424 (brand new) with very slight pressure.

You've nailed it! This is why this tools is so popular among serious enthusiasts versus the rotary buffer.


It's safe.


If you push too hard, (and that's not very hard at all), the rotating action stops.

With a rotary buffer, you can't stop it! If you start pushing hard with a rotary buffer you'll start burning and removing paint.

For example, I can barely remove a paste wax (Meg's #16) without lots and lots of passes. I can just grab the pad with my hand and stop it dead--no friction burn/blister, etc. Does this sound right?

Yes.
As for removing M16... M16 can be hard to remove by hand! Your hand with the right technique is more powerful for removing most products over the dual action polisher.

Is there some kind of clutch mechanism that slips, as a precaution against doing damage? I have read on the forum how they are "safe", but I have not yet run into a thread that discusses this clutch action. Is there an adjustment (other than the 1-6 settings)?

Maybe an engineer that has disassembled one would like to comment?

[romulus]

The PC does not have a clutch. What it has is an eccentric shaft instead of an straight shaft. This eccestric shaft along with the counter weight create the oscilation or "gigle" motion. At the end of the shaft is has a bearing that attaches the hex were you screw in your velcro pad. That is why you need the provided wrench to hold the hex while trying to screw in the velcro pad. Otherwise it would be difficult (will keep spining) to attach the velcro pad.
When you stop the pad with your hand, what you are stoping the rotating motion of that particular bearing but you are not stoping the oscilation motion.
I hope that I was able to clarify things.
Cheers!