random orbital polisher users?

[Flyin-Ryan]

Is there anyone on here that use a random orbital polisher? Im sure there are lots but if you could let me know who you are I have a couple of questions for you.

Thanks

Ryan

[rackey]

Christmas brought me a porter cable. Works very well and I am still wondering why did I ever wait so long.

[JimHare]

I've used a PC 7336 since about early April - they have two main benefits:

1) it's damn near impossible to ruin your finish with them - they do not generate the speed (e.g. heat) necessary to boil off your clearcoat

2) Once you get a feel for how to use them with the different pads and materials (polish, sealant, wax, etc) they save a tremendous amount of time.

The regular rotarys demand a professional approach, and you must be more careful with them. The PCs are an excellent tool for the "DIY" amateur (although pros use them too).

And for <$100 you can't beat them with a stick.

[Flyin-Ryan]

Well I too got one for Christmas and Ive never used one. Im a bit nervous. My car is black. Got any pointers for me?

[Flyin-Ryan]

What kind of pads do I use to apply and what do I use to remove?

Do I use regular liquid wax?

[Superior Detailing]

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/

More specifically; http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...chemicals.html and http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...erfection.html

[OffThaHorseCEO]

thanks superior and flyin ryan, im lookin at a black car right now, and i might need to hit it up with my pc 7336

[rackey]

I agree with every response and would add this link about using the porter cable as well. http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...-polisher.html

I have been using the liquid Klasse products for some time and with the porter cable I have had no problems at all. It saves time and does a better job using the porter cable. I have been through 3 cars now with the Klasse all in one and am very pleased with the results.

[Flyin-Ryan]

Id like to start trying to make some money detailing cars in the future and I know you cant if your not using orbital polishers or high speed buffers. So this will be good to help me get started. Too bad Im starting on my Cadillac. What great links too, thank you!

[turbomangt]

Ryan, if you are looking to detail for money, I STRONGLY suggest you get my DVD available here www.perfectautofinish.com I also helped publish a book on how to start a detail business, do a amazon search for "how to start an automotive detail business" . I own 4 buffing machines in my shop each have their own purpose. My favorite hands down is the DeWalt DW443, its a DA machine. Practice on some old fenders, and if y ou need a source for professional grade products, contact me here gary@perfectautofinish.com I can set you up, Gary

[Flyin-Ryan]

Hey thanks Gary, I'll check this out. I saw online a DVD that was 299.99 dollars. Yours is far less. I'll be sending you the money soon. I got a 10" DA for Christmas but I heard 6 is the way to go. I will try to use the 10 for now. I guess it will be good for the hood roof etc

[JimHare]

Originally Posted by Flyin-Ryan

What kind of pads do I use to apply and what do I use to remove?

Do I use regular liquid wax?

This is the most confusing part about getting proficient with the PC - browsing the detailing forums (and Autopia is one of the best overall), you see all the references to "orange pads" and "blue pads" and so on, and it takes a while to realise that the various pad manufacturers don't all color their pads following the same dictum. Sonus, Edge, Lake Country, all appear to be different.

Basically, think of the pads by their USE, not their COLOR (and Gary or anyone else, correct me if I'm wrong)

A CUTTING pad is used with mild-to-strong abrasive swirl removing products to REMOVE a teeny tiny amount of clear coat (and thus the scratches and swirls in it). Not needed unless you're doing actual swirl or defect removal, and the damage is NOT severe enough to need a DeWalt. I used a Sonus SFX orange swirl-removal pad as the first step on my Eldo back in the spring when I first attacked it.

A POLISHING pad is used with a milder abrasive to remove the micromarring that may have occured (by design) with the CUTTING pad above, and polish the finish.

A BUFFING pad (sometimes just a MF bonnet) is used to apply and/or remove wax (not the same pad).

I got the Sonus SFX set, and immediately marked the backs of the pads so I'd remember which was which..

I originally applied and remove my last-step-product (LSP) by hand, but a few weeks ago when I did the winter protection set for the Cars (Collinite 845) I used a pad to apply and a pad with a MF bonnet to buff off - two full coats of 845 on both cars, and the recent snow and sleet gunk just rinses right off.

You can use pretty much any liquid wax, just use a bit LESS than you think you would - the pad spreads it out pretty well, and you're better off with two thin coats rather than one thick one - with almost any automotive finish product I've seen, LESS is better.

And, Klasse AIO rules!

Here's my work with black, back in the spring:

http://www.jmhare.com/Spring2006Detail.htm

[turbomangt]

Jim, good description on the pads, now all I have to do is convince you that my stuff is much better than what you are using now........

[JimHare]

Originally Posted by turbomangt

Jim, good description on the pads, now all I have to do is convince you that my stuff is much better than what you are using now........

Tell ya what - come the spring, I'll strip down the Eldo and use your stuff exclusively, and we'll see how things go - I'll buy your full range, you give me the exact method of prep and application, and if it's anything at all like it seems to be, I'l lbe trumpeting your products like Al Hirt at Mardi Gras!

They'll have to be pretty good though - it's hard to beat 845 as a wax, and Aquawax as my touch-up spray...Looking forward to it...

[turbomangt]

as they say in deal or no deal..........................DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!