usace

I've been researching this a lot lately and came across the 7336 at lowes for $99. I haven't heard a lot of people talk about the counterweight, but from what I can tell you want to match the counterweight size to the backing plate size. Is this correct? Do most pads require a 6" backing plate? Because it appears that some people are buying the 7424 and then getting the 6" counterweight... so would I be better off just getting the 7336 which comes with the 6" counterweight? It looks like it might come with a 6" backing plate too. Does anyone know for sure? And if so, are these backing plates the correct ones to use or should I get one of the flexible urethane backing plates? Then I can get just a pad kit from somewhere else.

I've read a lot of the online articles and searched the forum, but this is all a little unclear still. Thanks in advance.

-Doug

Ubetit

The 7336 is what you want. It has the 6" counterweight. You'd then need to order the velcro backing plate that will work with the foam pads. The plate that comes with it will not work.

If you order the 7424 from a car detailing site and get the pad kit, it will usually come with the extra 6" counterweight and the new backing plate.

I bought the 7336 from Lowe's on sale or with a discount card so it was much cheaper in the long run.

s2ksimon

S2KBobby

I purchased mine from Costal Tools and it came with a white application pad and counterweight. It also had a 6" velcro plate and counterweight included. The counterweights are great for making the unit vibration free and are worth the expense if required.

usace

Thank for the replies. I'm curious about the 7424 model. One big difference btwn the 7336 and 7424 seems to be that the counterweight on the 7336 is for a 6" backing plate, while the counterweight for the 7424 is for a 5" backing plate. (Hopefully I've got that info straight) Are polishing/compounding/finishing pads made for a specific size backing plate? If all pads fit both a 5" and 6" plate then both models would work fine... I would just need to purchase the appropriate size backing plate according to which PC I purchase.

I'm definitely leaning towards the 7336 from lowes though. I think I have a coupon around that would make it less than $90. Then I'll just purchase a 6" backing plate and pads.

GrimReaper

Both the 5" & 6" will work with most any of the pads sold for the polisher. However, I actually prefer using the 5" backing plate with the 6" pads. I used to use a 6" backing plate, but then the backing plate goes all the way to the edge of the pad and I didn't like that. The 6" plate also seemed like it bogged the machine easier (could be my imagination, though). I don't think you can go wrong really with either a 5" or 6"...just make sure that you match the counterweight to the backing plate. It really reduces the vibration.

-sam

E White

Coastal Tools offers a bonus kit with the purchase of a 7424.

For $120 you get the standard 7424 plus:

6" hook and loop contour pad
6" counter weight
6" foam polishing pad

They also have a link on their site that provides the "skinny" on the 7424 and 7636 and use of counter weights.