Having received a gift certificate to Detailed Image for Christmas, I am going to invest in a Porter Cable 7424. My first thought was to go for the starter kit with the 6.5" pads at $199.99. But then I thought about just getting the buffer ($115) with the 4" pad kit ($35). Are there advantages/disadvantages using the one size over the other?

 

Go with the 4" pads.

You can correct imperfections in the paint easier with them. But pick up a white 6.5" pad to start with and get a feel for the machine.

Have you looked into the Flex?

 

Both sets of pads work really well and you won't be disappointed either way. The 4" pads should help you get a little more cutting power to help remove more imperfections. The 6.5" pads probably help you work a little faster with the glaze, sealant and liquid wax steps. Again overall they are very similar but those are the two main differences I note. Also with the kits you listed the 4" pad kit only comes with one of each pad. I would definitely recommend getting at least 2 of each color. The pads can get too much polish in them and become less effective during the detail. While polishing I ideally use 2 - 4 pads. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

Thanks Greg, I sent you an e-mail.

 

Yup, I use the smaller pads with the Power Gloss and sometimes IP too, but prefer the larger pads for the finishing polish and glazes. Having extra pads around is a must, sometimes you just need a fresh pad towards the end or heaven forbid you drop one on the floor like a monkey with buttered fingers like I do from time to time.