So, tonight was my first night using the PC. I've got the six inch counterweight in there, the six inch backing plate, and a 6.5" pad. When I hit 5-6 speed, the vibration in the handle is unbearable. What might not be right?

ps. I also have a five inch cw and bp that I can swap in. still, only 6.5" pads.

You'll get use to it.

Try using it with the handle off, and holding the head of the PC. I find that having the handle on just makes the shaking worse.

You shouldn't use speed 6.

I have a relatied question kind of, does the motor on everyones PCs get pretty hot after using them for a bit?

The PC will get warm to the touch around the head area especially after long use. Thats normal.

Speed 6 can accomplish some heavy duty defect removal with the right pad and product. Such as, a brand new blue Aviator (less than 2k miles) sideswiped the rear door, fender, and bumper against a parked Expedition with moderate scratching and I came to the rescue. 2 hours later, it was perfect except for the chips of paint missing on the fender lip which were filled in well with touch up. Not deep enough to need sanding out however speed 6 was called to bat. Remember the rule, the least aggressive product necessary to due the job.

Until you've learned to use the PC better, don't go past speed 4. This will give you a better feel for the products your using in addition to the PC, so speed 5 will enable you to work even faster once you're familiar with the tools.

Sunny

You shouldn't use speed 6.

I have a relatied question kind of, does the motor on everyones PCs get pretty hot after using them for a bit?

I use speed 6 all the time.

turn down the speed. i recommend 3.5 or 4, no higher.

pelos

turn down the speed. i recommend 3.5 or 4, no higher.

pelos
If your using diminishing abrasive polishes, at lower speeds you'll spend twice as long breaking down polishes if they even do break down before drying out. I do use lower speeds for waxing or spreading product.

once the pad contacts the paint the vibration will subside. And I wouldnt go higher than 5

Welp, last night I used nothing but 6 on the hood, and it was smonoth as glass. When applying pressure, six was smoother than any other speed. great results.

Try the counter weight for the 5 inch pad. If it works better for you, use it.

I strongly disagree with those who say to avoid or not use 6. I have extensive experience, and I use 6 all the time. It breaks down polishes faster, and makes a very time consuming job go faster. When I first started using my PC the vibration got to me. I thought people who said to use it without the handle were nuts - but thats the only way I will use it now. Place one hand on the head and another near the back. Mine runs more smoothly at 6 than it does at 4.

At the Mequires class we were told 5 for Polishing/removing wax, 3 for applying wax....