Porter Cable 7424XP Random Orbital Buffer Product Reviews

In the tradition of Porter Cable, this a solid, quality-built tool. Easy controls, plenty of power. My first experience turned out mixed results. But I eventually learned that the right pad/polish combination is important, along with the correct TECHNIQUE......Use dime-size dabs of polish and make sure to apply pressure on the tool when polishing!.

Now it's easy to to produce awesome polished finishes. By the way, with a good cutting polish like Meguiars M105, this tool with an LC yellow pad makes short work of removing haze/cloudiness from headlights. Finish with a blue pad and M205, and headlights look brand-spanking-new in 20 minutes, no fuss, no muss.


Totally satisfied with this quality tool.

Excellent product. Bought it based upon recomendations here at DI and on the web.
Safe to use (even for people new to machine buffing/polishing) since it is a 'random' orbital buffer and not a rotary. Almost impossible to mess up your paint with this machine (compared to a rotary which requires a high degree of skill and experience).
Easy to use. Fits nice in the hands (I use it without the included handle, though some might like the handle). Variable speed control gives you a lot of options when buffing (slow vs fast). The right amount of power for the average car owner to deal with just about every situation they might encounter. Produces excellent results (on paint that is in pretty good shape, or paint that has defects) that cannot be duplicated using one's hands alone (think electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush). For example: I had some nasty water spots that had etched into the paint that I could not remove by hand - using this buffer they were gone in a couple of minutes.
I use the 5.5" Lake Country pads with the 5" backing plate which was a nice size for me. Can also swap out backing plates so I could use the 4" backing plate or 6" backing plate as well. I use the LC Orange pad for defect work, LC White for polishing and LC Black or Blue for sealants.
This product is amust have for anyone serious about how their car looks.
Higly recommended.

I actually sold my original PC to move up to the Flex. I got the Flex but missed the ability to use all my 4 inch pads. The capacity for this machine to use the 4 inch pads is why I bought 7424 XP. It is powerful enough and very easy to manage. Does the job. When I bought mine the threads on the handle were too short. Porter Cable sent me another which works fine. I find I actually use this more than my flex on my familie's five black vehicles. A must have, in my opinion.

My new favorite toy, I can't believe I didn't buy one sooner makes applying sealant and wax a breeze.

If you don't have a good buffer you are not getting the results you could be. This is the #1 purchase I have made to help maintain my car's finish.

I've never used a buffer before and as scared to try it on my car. Needless to say, everything turned out great. The only issue i have is that it vibrates quite a lot, however, since i've never used a buffer, this could just be regular...its annoying but it works!

Having used just about every buffer out there, including the original PC, I can say that this buffer should be at the top of everyone's list. With Porter Cable's reputation for reliability and craftsmanship, there's no question they know how to build a quality piece of machinery. Compared to the original 7424, this new machine has much more power. Perfect for the weekend warrior or the professional. And for the price, there's no a better value out there than the 7424xp. I give this new machine 2 thumbs up!

The buffer is everything it says. I like the veriable speeds,very powerful, well balanced and did a great job.