looking to get a polisher

[ms6zoey]

So the buffer I have now I have been told sucks! So I need to get another polisher.

I work at a dealership and the detail team was helping me with what I should get. I pretty much got all the wax and cleaning supplies they told me to but I need to get the machine polisher. The detail manager recommended to get a Dewalt dw849. I have been looking around it seems like the cheapest so far is around $150-$170. Does anyone know where I can get a polisher or something like it for cheaper?

[JLee1469]

You sound like a detail noob, you need a orbital polisher which can never damage paint. PC7424 is the way to go.

[zatara]

Porter Cable 7424 Car Buffer, 7424 Polisher

people really seem to like that one.

[ms6zoey]

Originally Posted by JLee1469 You sound like a detail noob, you need a orbital polisher which can never damage paint. PC7424 is the way to go.

yup detailing newb. ill look into it thanks!

[ms6zoey]

whats the difference between the dw849 and the PC7424?

[ms6zoey]

Porter Cable Car Buffer Dual Action Polisher 7424XP

This is the cheapest I have found. Once you add it the cart it shows $117.99. Is that a good price?

[Meder]

seems like a fair price.

there are often many package deals sold on detailing sites you may want to check out. The pc has been a great polisher for me.

http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html


You'll need pads and a backing plate as well.

[ms6zoey]

Originally Posted by Meder seems like a fair price. there are often many package deals sold on detailing sites you may want to check out. The pc has been a great polisher for me. Dual Action Orbital Polishers and pads: Porter Cable 7424 : Porter Cable 7424XP: Lake Country Buffing Foam Pads You'll need pads and a backing plate as well.

I can get pads from the detail suppliers here at the dealership. What is a blacking plate?

Ill look into the packages thanks!

Nevermind I found out what the backing plate is!

[Hectik1]

I've seen the PC and the Griots in action. Can't go wrong with either, but apparently the Griots has a lifetime warranty. Don't know about the PC.

[ms6zoey]

Porter Cable 7424 & Foam Pad Kit - Car Buffer

$199.99

I found this package deal
polisher
microfiber towels
backing plate
and 5 foams.

good deal?

[rfinkle2]

All of the above advice is great.

The only advantage to the Griots model is the lifetime warranty, although the handle configuration is something to consider.

The griots has a bale handle, and the pc has a traditional angle grinder style handle.

A "backing plate" is just the support for the pad that you'll be using. It attaches to the polisher with a threaded stud, and holds the pad on the polisher with velcro.

[Meder]

Seems like a decent deal although I havent used those products before


edit- what are your goals, what do you want to do with the pc? Are you just working on your own car and how are the paint defects? I am sure someone here can help you pick out a kit that would fit you well. Seems like a fair deal either way.

[karl-hungus]

does it have an adapter for the wife?

[ms6zoey]

Originally Posted by Meder Seems like a decent deal although I havent used those products before edit- what are your goals, what do you want to do with the pc? Are you just working on your own car and how are the paint defects? I am sure someone here can help you pick out a kit that would fit you well. Seems like a fair deal either way.

I've got previous marks from a buffer that someone, a "professional" I paid to detail the car. He made the car look really bad in sun, the car looks terrible. I tried washing the car like 15 times and the marks are still there. I want to get rid of those.

I also would like to remove the spider marks or swirl marks. And I would like to remove the some slight scratches from the paint as well.

The detail manager at my dealership taught me how to wetsand to remove the slight scratches. But he said I need to get a polisher to finish the job well and remove all the above stated items.

[Meder]

I wouldnt jump to sanding the car just yet. Its very possible the right polish will fix your issues.

Do you have pictures of the car? You may want to look into finding a good detailer if this is your first time with any sort of polishing machine. Get some pictures of the paint so we can see what type of stuff you are trying to fix and we can help more.

rfinkle2 seems to be have a lot more experience than me on this subject. hopefully he can help direct you to the right products to fix your paint. Really need those pictures though

[ms6zoey]

I will work on those pictures but its hard to see those marks the previous detailer made in pictures. I will try my best to get them. I can get pictures of the spider marks easily just got to wait for the sun to come out, its been raining here for past few days. It should be clearing up soon so I will take pics and post them!


Thanks for all the help!

[jfspeed6]

Originally Posted by ms6zoey whats the difference between the dw849 and the PC7424?

The difference is that the dw849 is a rotary polisher (forced rotation) and the PC7424 is a dual action polisher (free spinning). The forced rotation created more heat than the dual action so it takes a shorter time to remove defects. If you are not familiar with the rotary, you can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

The PC7424 or equivelent would be your best bet if you are new to detailing. I have both and the PC does a great job if you are not in a rush. Which in detailing, you shouldn't be in a rush anyway.

[rfinkle2]

Originally Posted by ms6zoey I will work on those pictures but its hard to see those marks the previous detailer made in pictures. I will try my best to get them. I can get pictures of the spider marks easily just got to wait for the sun to come out, its been raining here for past few days. It should be clearing up soon so I will take pics and post them! Thanks for all the help!

There is a 99% probability that you can remove those marks without wetsanding.

IMO, wetsanding is a last resort, and should be practiced and perfected on a junk panel.

I've seen guys pick up a black hood or fender from a junk yard in order to practice wetsanding on.

OK, the above being said, you can remove those swirls.

I would get your self a good polisher, 2 polishes, 4 pads and a 2 microfiber bonnets.

Start with Meguiars m105, on an orange pad. You will want to use m105 to level the defects, but M105 will leave a slight hazing or micrommaring.

After 105, put a microfiber bonnet over the orange pad, and use Menzerna Superfinish (aka po106fa) and spritz the pad with water.

Keep the pads and microfiber bonnet misted with water throughout the process, and you should have crystal clear factory fresh paint when finished.

[ms6zoey]

Ok so I was wrong seems like its easier to see the swirls that the buffer made than the spider marks. The car is dirty so that is probably why I cant get a good picture of the spider marks, but trust me they are there lol.



This picture you really cant see the marks at all. Maybe if the car was clean you would be able to see it. In person you can see them. Its hard to take pictures of them.


You can see the swirl marks from the buffer pretty well here.

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 There is a 99% probability that you can remove those marks without wetsanding. IMO, wetsanding is a last resort, and should be practiced and perfected on a junk panel. I've seen guys pick up a black hood or fender from a junk yard in order to practice wetsanding on. OK, the above being said, you can remove those swirls. I would get your self a good polisher, 2 polishes, 4 pads and a 2 microfiber bonnets. Start with Meguiars m105, on an orange pad. You will want to use m105 to level the defects, but M105 will leave a slight hazing or micrommaring. After 105, put a microfiber bonnet over the orange pad, and use Menzerna Superfinish (aka po106fa) and spritz the pad with water. Keep the pads and microfiber bonnet misted with water throughout the process, and you should have crystal clear factory fresh paint when finished.

I wanted to wet sand to remove small scratches. I was not planning on wet sanding the entire car. I do not feel confident enough to do that.

[rfinkle2]

The pics you posted are "holograms" from a wool pad.

You would be able to cut those out with a good finishing polish and a random orbit (aka dual action) polisher.

[ms6zoey]

Is that what they are called. Well it looks like shit. I took a picture of the spider marks you could see them better here.




Whats the process to remove the Holograms and marks from the buffer. I was told to follow this procedure.

1. Hand wash 2 bucket method.
2. Clay bar car if needed full car.
3. Wash car after clay.
4. Use special swirl remover wax (the detailer at work gave me something called seal b ill post the picture) and use the machine polisher like the dewalt dw849 or porter cable.
5. Use a liquid wax to finish the car using the polisher again with another foam applicator.

Does that sound about right, to remove the spider marks and the 'Holograms."

Here's a picture of what he gave me.

[rfinkle2]

The deeper marks are swirls.

The more uniform cloud like swirling is holograms.

That looks like some type of a 1 step glaze / polish to me that will only correct the swirls some, and then the remainder will wash off after the first rain.

As for the process I would recommend please see above post (after claying).

[ms6zoey]

ok So im thinking about doing this deal here

If you’re in the market for a dual action polisher, look no further than the Porter Cable 7424!

Meguiars Ultra Cut Compound #105 (32 oz), Meguiars M10532 : Meguiars Compound : Polishing Compounds : Detailing.com Detailing Supplies

Menzerna Nano Polish PO 106 FA, Menzerna Final Polish, Nano abrasives, finishing polish, professional polish

[rfinkle2]

Wow. It even includes 2 microfiber bonnets.

I know that will get you crystal clear paint.

Be sure to post in this thread if you have any q's.

Some guys will say you can finish without the microfiber bonnets, but for your first time polishing the car, those bonnets will make things very easy with the finishing polish you will be using.

BTW, don't be afraid to put some pressure on the polisher when you get it.

Putting a moderate amount of pressure on the polisher is the key to using the porter cable.

[jfspeed6]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 Wow. It even includes 2 microfiber bonnets. I know that will get you crystal clear paint. Be sure to post in this thread if you have any q's. Some guys will say you can finish without the microfiber bonnets, but for your first time polishing the car, those bonnets will make things very easy with the finishing polish you will be using. BTW, don't be afraid to put some pressure on the polisher when you get it. Putting a moderate amount of pressure on the polisher is the key to using the porter cable.

Along with this^^^^ with the applied pressure and the pc it will be hard to burn the paint. Unlike the use of a rotary.

[Meder]

What finkle said seems like good advice. Your cars isn't as bad as I thought it would be.

[ms6zoey]

I think the cars exterior is worse in person. The pictures dont really show the real condition.

The interior is another story, it is in great shape. I have shampoo'd the carpet and conditioned the leather. Ive even gone as far as removing the seats to clean under them. And a lot more.

Exterior was never my strong suit.

I should learn quickly though. Thanks everyone for all the help!! If I have any questions I will most definitely post in this thread!

Im going to work on getting all my supplies together and ill post some before and after pictures as well!

[jfspeed6]

Originally Posted by ms6zoey I think the cars exterior is worse in person. The pictures dont really show the real condition. The interior is another story, it is in great shape. I have shampoo'd the carpet and conditioned the leather. Ive even gone as far as removing the seats to clean under them. And a lot more. Exterior was never my strong suit. I should learn quickly though. Thanks everyone for all the help!! If I have any questions I will most definitely post in this thread! Im going to work on getting all my supplies together and ill post some before and after pictures as well!

Once you wash it and clay it, you will find out what is really there to correct.

[Travis]

^^ nothing more to add lol. rfinkle knows his shit. just be patient and keep a constant 5 to 10lbs of pressure on the polisher. you have dark paint so it will come off relatively fast.

[grantmm]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 Wow. It even includes 2 microfiber bonnets. I know that will get you crystal clear paint. Be sure to post in this thread if you have any q's. Some guys will say you can finish without the microfiber bonnets, but for your first time polishing the car, those bonnets will make things very easy with the finishing polish you will be using. BTW, don't be afraid to put some pressure on the polisher when you get it. Putting a moderate amount of pressure on the polisher is the key to using the porter cable.

Did you notice that they were 6.5 bonnets and the kit includes 5.5 pads? Def buy the 5.5 pad kit instead of the 6.5 one. The 6.5s are next to useless with the PC. I ditched those as fast as I could and picked up the 5 inch backing plate. Also invest in a set of 4 inch pads w/ backing plate. The bumpers require the 4 inch pads to follow the curves of the panels.

[rfinkle2]

Originally Posted by Travis ^^ nothing more to add lol. rfinkle knows his shit. just be patient and keep a constant 5 to 10lbs of pressure on the polisher. you have dark paint so it will come off relatively fast.

I had better know something by now. Look what the detailing sickness has done to me! LOL

tbh, this pic is even the beginning of a long time addiction to detailing.

[ms6zoey]

Originally Posted by grantmm Did you notice that they were 6.5 bonnets and the kit includes 5.5 pads? Def buy the 5.5 pad kit instead of the 6.5 one. The 6.5s are next to useless with the PC. I ditched those as fast as I could and picked up the 5 inch backing plate. Also invest in a set of 4 inch pads w/ backing plate. The bumpers require the 4 inch pads to follow the curves of the panels.

I emailed them and asked if they can replace a the 6.5" bonnet with 5.5." Just waiting on reply. ill look into the 4"pads and backing plate see where I can get a good deal on it.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 I had better know something by now. Look what the detailing sickness has done to me! LOL tbh, this pic is even the beginning of a long time addiction to detailing.

Thats awesome man! i know the feeling. people see my stash and they always ask "why the fuck do you need all that!" lol but every single polish/wax has its specific purpose in life lol

[ms6zoey]

One I will be on your level. Hahaha

sent using tapatalk

[rfinkle2]

I don't know if I can post the link here, but I am on a detailing forum occasionally, and have a link to a PC for pretty cheap if anyone is interested.

Hit me with a PM.

[ms6zoey]

My polisher is coming in on wednesday! Cant wait to get this going!

[Erich]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 Putting a moderate amount of pressure on the polisher is the key to using the porter cable.

I have an old style Griot's polisher (I guess they changed their design like 3 years ago) that seriously bogs with even moderate pressure. Is this normal with the griot's polisher? The polisher seems to do quite a bit with very little pressure, but I have always kind of wondered about that (bought it used.)

[rfinkle2]

Originally Posted by Erich I have an old style Griot's polisher (I guess they changed their design like 3 years ago) that seriously bogs with even moderate pressure. Is this normal with the griot's polisher? The polisher seems to do quite a bit with very little pressure, but I have always kind of wondered about that (bought it used.)

I don't know if older model variants had less power than the newer models, but the newer models are very hard to bog.

There is another polisher that griots makes that is a smaller version and considered the 3" version.

I've heard that one if grossly underpowered.

Dual action polishers have improved pretty drastically in the last 5 years, imo.

[Erich]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 I don't know if older model variants had less power than the newer models, but the newer models are very hard to bog. There is another polisher that griots makes that is a smaller version and considered the 3" version. I've heard that one if grossly underpowered. Dual action polishers have improved pretty drastically in the last 5 years, imo.

Maybe it is time to pick up the porter then. Is the one linked over and over in this thread the one you recommend?

[rfinkle2]

Originally Posted by Erich Maybe it is time to pick up the porter then. Is the one linked over and over in this thread the one you recommend?

The new porter cable (I think it denoted with an XP @ the end) is excellent as well as the Griots.

The difference between the 2 is the warranty (Griots has a lifetime warranty) and the style of the handle.

The Griots has a bale style handle, vs. a traditional angle grinder handle that the pc has.

IMO, either one would knock out any of the defects on your paint with the right pad and polish combination.

You cannot go wrong with either polisher, and tbh, I have not seen many instances of dual action polishers failing, so a warranty may not be an issue.

It really comes down to the style of handle that you like to use, because imo, they are both plenty powerful, especially in comparison to the previous generation models.

I have the Griots, but that is only because I wanted to try something different after having had the first generation Porter Cable.