looking to get a polisher

[grantmm]

I remember seeing a PC on it's own listed for 79 or 89 dollars somewhere last year. Really good price for someone looking to piece together their own kit. Great prices are out there, you just need to search for a few hours

[grantmm]

I guess I should add one more bit of positive to the Festool. The whole unit including cord weights in at 4.9 without handle and 5.1 lbs with handle. For comparisons sake, the Flex 3401 is 5.8 lbs, the Flex 3403L is 5lbs, the Flex PE-14 is 5.6 lbs, the Makita 9227 is 6.6 lbs, the Dewalt is chunky 8.0 lbs and the Porter Cable 7424xp comes in at 5.4 lbs.

So I guess a downside could be that you're not getting a big workout when polishing doors :/

[turbo test]

aahhh alright i'll search around. so far the best deal i've found is at $114.99+free shipping on amazon.

my only concern is ordering the right pads/bonnet thing and backing plate.

[grantmm]

For the trunk and front bumper you'll want 4 inch pads, but for everything else you want to get the 5.5 pads. A 7424xp is powerful enough to spin the 6 inch pads, but it isn't powerful to spin them fast enough for any worthwhile correction power. Yellow pads are useless and so are greens for the majority of the work you'll be doing. Lately the only thing I use the green pads for are moderate correction (meaning something not worthy of 105 + orange) with M205. If you're going with the pick 6 option, I'd go for 2 orange pads, 2 white pads, a black pad and a blue pad.

As for buffer pricing, Ebay can be helpful if you can find a best offer auction for a new one. Autopia and detailers domain should both have "deal" sections where people can post up discounts they find online, the discounted PCs show up in there sometimes. Just keep your eyes open and you'll stumble across them. You won't find them typically listed on car polishing related retailers for those prices. Good luck

[rfinkle2]

Originally Posted by grantmm After reading all of the reviews of the big name rotory + random orbital polishers or strictly rotary, I just kept hearing Festool pop up. The icing on the cake before I tried one in person was Kevin Brown saying it was his go to polisher regardless of what he needs to do. I can't find that exact post, but here's what a quick Google search got me: http://www.autopia.org/forum/machine...ml#post1416052 Once I got my hands on one the difference between a makita and dewalt in rotary mode and vs the PC in random orbital mode was amazing. In rotary mode, the machine was very controllable and didn't want to pull my arms off to keep it moving in the patterns I asked it to. When it was in RO mode, the lack of vibration of the Festool made me question whether the machine was really even on. That means I can come in after 4-6 hours of detailing and actually hold a fork and a glass of water. The ergonomics are top notch and you can tell that a lot of money was spent during research and design to get the best materials and curves to fit your hands. There is a grippy rubber material where your control hand goes. The location of the transition switch to go between fixed and random mode is in the perfect spot for your control hand's thumb to make the transition from correction mode to finishing mode. The only thing I wish were changed is a different location is the speed dial. For easy transport and storage, the cord is removable and a universal style to fit other Festool machines. That also means you can get longer or shorter cords for different jobs. An easy, quick change pad mechanism means I can go from wool pad to foam pad in under 10 seconds. A press of a button and a quarter twist of the pad while in fixed rotation mode is all it takes to remove and install. Long story short: Slightly expensive, but 3 year warranty and incredible ergonomics = comfortable, trouble free detailing ahead Edit: It's also the polisher that Bob aka autoconcierge reaches for: http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...ead-coupe.html

I have seen great work (top notch from both Kevin and Auto Concierge), and Kevin Brown seems to be a particularly helpful and nice guy, but Bob @ Autoconcierge comes off like a douche, imo.

That isn't to take away from the quality of work he does, nor the ridiculously high end cars he works on, but I have interacted with him personally, and hope he shoves his festool in his asshole (I believe he knows I feel that way).

He posts almost all of his details on the forum I'm on most, and well, / end rant.

Kevin Brown, on the other hand, is helpul insightful, and him using the festool is of interest.

[ms6zoey]

Originally Posted by grantmm I tossed out my wolfgang polishes. Megs 105+205 followed up with Menz 085rd = win. I'll occasionally use GTechniq P1 + wool in place of 105 + surbuf. The Wolfgang system took too long and was really only good on soft paints. I'll never really trust a system that recommends following their main polish up with a glaze. MS6Zoey, how is that Ardex stuff holding up? I've never heard of that brand before. Is it a true nano coating or more like a 3-4 month sealant? Invest in a Festool Rotex 150-FEQ and you'll ditch every one of your polishers except for your 3-4 inch pad machine for the odd bumper.

Originally Posted by turbo test ms6zoey i just read through this thread, it has a whole lot of useful information especially for someone like myself who has very little knowledge regarding auto detailing. If at all possible can you put together a list (links?) of the items you purchased. i.e polisher, type/size of pads, etc I'm sure it will help out a lot of people including me get on the right track and thanks goes out to rfinkle2 and any others who also shared their opinions. oh and rfinkle2 you still have that link

Sorry for late response, I was in India for the past month. Im just now getting a chance to catch up on real life.

grantmm The ardex stuff is not bad so far. I need to do a quick wash on the car and I should be able to give you a more detail review of it. I only of the product because the dealership I work at uses it.

turbo test I got your PM. I didnt get a chance after work to look for the link. I should be able to today I have day off from work and just have class till 1:00pm. I know I got an entire set with pads, bonnets and the PC from autogeek.net. Ill try to find the exact one I got. I need to find the link for the waxes but most of the websites had the same prices for the wax.

[turbo test]

cool thanks a lot man, appreciate the help.

if anything just reply here; that way if another guy like myself finds this thread (and is in the same situation as you) they can also get a list of items needed or at least a better understanding of products needed

...just a thought.

[jiveturkey]

Didn't read through the last pages. But on ebay, or where ever, the porter cable 7336 is the exact same model as the 7424. The only difference is that it has a slightly heavier counterweight. I've got the 7424XP that I use for final sealant applications, and it behaves, polishes, does everything the same, except aesthetically it has minor cosmetic upgrades.

If you are starting out, do not be afraid of the 7424 as it is oscillating as others mentioned, so there is no risk of burning paint. Grab yourself a lake country orange smart pad, and some M-105 and don't be afraid to practice.

**edit**

And when I say M-105 I mean meguires M-105. Most people use this because it can be as effective as Menzerna PO85, and the meguires M205 glaze is a nice followup as opposed to the menzerna 106FF.

[SKiZ0TT]

Originally Posted by chimmike Scott, check out autogeek.net they're a forum sponsor and have 10% off for forum members (discount code forum10) tons of info on there, and they sell pads and compounds/glazes/sealants, plus they're right over in WPB so shipping is fast (but expensive :/)

Been awhile and it looks like they're not a forum sponsor anymore... That's too bad, was hoping for that 10% to cover shipping. Oh well I'll see what savings I can get just by shopping on Amazon.

rfinkle2

You have any recent pictures of your car - other than the avatar? Can I have your detailing supplies now that your are vinyl wrapped?

Also what did you use for your tails lights?

You mentioned Lake Country flat pads - what's the difference in use for the flat pads vs. the CCS pads?

I have some minor / medium paint defects, so I don't know if compounding is needed - swirls & etching. I'm looking at these to use as a two step process to level the imperfections:
Menzerna Final Polish PO 85U
Menzerna Intensive Polish PO 91E

I've mainly used store bought waxes and the Meguiars Gold Class hasn't been too bad, but would like to try boutique waxes. Giving Dodo Juice waxes a try, going to pick up Dodo Juice Blue Velvet PRO Hard Wax & Dodo Juice Purple Haze Soft Wax to use together and see what the results are like.

[rfinkle2]

Originally Posted by SKiZ0TT Been awhile and it looks like they're not a forum sponsor anymore... That's too bad, was hoping for that 10% to cover shipping. Oh well I'll see what savings I can get just by shopping on Amazon. rfinkle2 You have any recent pictures of your car - other than the avatar? Can I have your detailing supplies now that your are vinyl wrapped? Also what did you use for your tails lights? You mentioned Lake Country flat pads - what's the difference in use for the flat pads vs. the CCS pads? I have some minor / medium paint defects, so I don't know if compounding is needed - swirls & etching. I'm looking at these to use as a two step process to level the imperfections: Menzerna Final Polish PO 85U Menzerna Intensive Polish PO 91E I've mainly used store bought waxes and the Meguiars Gold Class hasn't been too bad, but would like to try boutique waxes. Giving Dodo Juice waxes a try, going to pick up Dodo Juice Blue Velvet PRO Hard Wax & Dodo Juice Purple Haze Soft Wax to use together and see what the results are like.

If you are going to use a dual action orbital, I would use 2 types of pads and 2 polishes to level just about any defect on Mazda paint.

The more aggressive pads are the surbuf pads. You may actually be able to level all of the defects in your paint with a surbuf pad and a finishing polish, but the surbuf pad will leave some hazing.

For finishing the paint, I highly recommend Menzerna po106fa. It is THE best finishing polish available, imo.

As for the DODO waxes, they are nice, but as you said, they are boutique in terms of price.
I'd skip the actual waxes and pick up their tropical red mist sealant (maybe the best spray sealant I own)

What color is your paint?


TL, DR:

-swirl correction
1) surbuf pads (initial correction)
2) microfiber bonnet over a stiff pad (an actual microfiber bonnet, not a microfiber cutting pad)
-a: cutting polish - menzerna powerfinish or Meguiars 105
-b: finishing polish - menzerna po106fa


-sealant
depending on the color, I highly really like certain sealants over others so LMK your car color

-dark cars:
Optimum opti-seal
Black fire (name escapes me but Blackfire's equivalent to opti-seal)
Optimum Car wax (spray) - good on all colors

-light colors
Mothers california gold spray wax (just for looks, not durability)
Menzerna powerlock

[SKiZ0TT]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 If you are going to use a dual action orbital, I would use 2 types of pads and 2 polishes to level just about any defect on Mazda paint. The more aggressive pads are the surbuf pads. You may actually be able to level all of the defects in your paint with a surbuf pad and a finishing polish, but the surbuf pad will leave some hazing. For finishing the paint, I highly recommend Menzerna po106fa. It is THE best finishing polish available, imo. As for the DODO waxes, they are nice, but as you said, they are boutique in terms of price. I'd skip the actual waxes and pick up their tropical red mist sealant (maybe the best spray sealant I own) What color is your paint? TL, DR: -swirl correction 1) surbuf pads (initial correction) 2) microfiber bonnet over a stiff pad (an actual microfiber bonnet, not a microfiber cutting pad) -a: cutting polish - menzerna powerfinish or Meguiars 105 -b: finishing polish - menzerna po106fa -sealant depending on the color, I highly really like certain sealants over others so LMK your car color -dark cars: Optimum opti-seal Black fire (name escapes me but Blackfire's equivalent to opti-seal) Optimum Car wax (spray) - good on all colors -light colors Mothers california gold spray wax (just for looks, not durability) Menzerna powerlock

I have a Black Mica - that's for the reason for the darker Dodo waxes. I will take your advice and get the po106fa and surbuf pads. I've never used a sealant before..

[rfinkle2]

Did you see you can get a "test tube" of the Dodo waxes if you are looking to try more than 1?

[dpolseno41]

rfinkle2, what's the best way to go about protecting red paint? A month ago I clayed it good and waxed it but there's still so much shit that likes to really really really stick to my car when washed.

[SKiZ0TT]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 Did you see you can get a "test tube" of the Dodo waxes if you are looking to try more than 1?

Yea two small containers for 25.99 - seemed like a good deal to give something a try..

If I don't like it, I'll probably go to P21S - I've heard good things from people that use that wax.

[rfinkle2]

Originally Posted by SKiZ0TT Yea two small containers for 25.99 - seemed like a good deal to give something a try.. If I don't like it, I'll probably go to P21S - I've heard good things from people that use that wax.

Both the concurs and 100% carnuba are excellent, imo. Very easy to use and look great on all colors.

[Travis]

Flex 3401 VRG > rotary buffers

The flex is a complete game changer in how the whole industry corrects paint. Now instead of doing heavy correction with a rotary you will do it with a DA because it finishes better and faster than a rotary would. On the flip side it's been proven that rotarys paired with a non abrasive pad and fine polishes jewel the paint much better and easier.

Between the flex, Surbuf pads, LC CCS pads, and the meg micro fiber system the game has completely changed.

Always have to stay on top of the game or you'll be left behind doing Mobile car washes with a sock. Lol

[aviator79]

I have read of this thread a few times to figure out what pads I needed to get. Missed the 15% off autogeek last week but buffers and pads are on sale right now so figure I better get some stuff.

I have little prior experience with properly detailing. My past cars I washed with dish soap as I didnt know better. Both were black and I lived in FL. Both ended up having white hoods and roofs. So with the purchase of the MS6 I decided to learn something about keeping it looking nice.

I started with using Zaino. I think it worked OK... I did like the zaino clabar better but have so much of the pinnacle left I have to use that first. Will try the Mothers next time.

Anyways, now I have a porter cable 7274 I picked up used on here a couple of years ago and it came with some pads and Pinnacle XMT polishes and 3 different packing plates.

I now have:
XMT 1,2,3,4, 360, pad cleaner, pad conditioner
Pinnacle, bodywork shampoo, spray wax, Ultra Poly Clay, claybar lube, Paintwork Cleansing Lotion, Crystal Mist Carnauba Detail Spray, Pinnacle Signature Series II Wax
squeegy thing
Klasse All-In-One Polish
Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze
Wolfgang black diamond tire gel
bunch of good microfiber towels and of course pinnacle microfiber towel laundry detergent


I was able to get the cars (Red MS6 and Dark Blue CX-7) looking decent this year, but I did not have the proper pads to remove all the scratches. I think the XMT4 compound will get everything out with the proper pads.

Also, both hoods look really bad due to all the chipped paint. Not sure how to fix this without a repaint. I also have some deep scratches that I haven’t completely gotten out of the CX-7 from when the backside of a carpet the was on the roof fell off because I did not strap it down well on the way to the dump and scratched the side, but I think with the 4" yellow pad and the XMT4 I can get them out.


So for pads I purchased:
Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads
2 orange pads
2 white pads
1 black
1 blue
$31.99

2 - Lake county 6" microfiber bonnets:
$7.99

Lake Country 4 Inch CCS Pads
1 yellow
2 orange
2 white
1 blue
$24.99

2 - Lake county 4" microfiber bonnets:
$5.99

The Grit Guard Insert (for 5 gal buket):
$7.99

Porter Cable 7424 Flat Wrench (lost mine):
3.99

Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad:
$5.99

2 Lake Country Foam Car Wash Sponge:
$5.99x2= $12.89

$100.91
ago=free shipping w/$95+ purchase or use amazon10 for 10% off...



I will have to wait to try the other products mentoned in here as I did not want to spend $200 and need to use the XMT stuff I already have.

Surbuf R Series 4 Inch Buffing Pads 2 Pack:
$7.99
Surbuf R Series 5.5 Inch Buffing Pads 2 Pack:
$11.99
Menzerna Super Finish (SF-4000) PO 106 FA 32 oz:
$49.99
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 32 oz:
$25.99

[Travis]

Originally Posted by aviator79 I have read of this thread a few times to figure out what pads I needed to get. Missed the 15% off autogeek last week but buffers and pads are on sale right now so figure I better get some stuff. I have little prior experience with properly detailing. My past cars I washed with dish soap as I didnt know better. Both were black and I lived in FL. Both ended up having white hoods and roofs. So with the purchase of the MS6 I decided to learn something about keeping it looking nice. I started with using Zaino. I think it worked OK... I did like the zaino clabar better but have so much of the pinnacle left I have to use that first. Will try the Mothers next time. Anyways, now I have a porter cable 7274 I picked up used on here a couple of years ago and it came with some pads and Pinnacle XMT polishes and 3 different packing plates. I now have: XMT 1,2,3,4, 360, pad cleaner, pad conditioner Pinnacle, bodywork shampoo, spray wax, Ultra Poly Clay, claybar lube, Paintwork Cleansing Lotion, Crystal Mist Carnauba Detail Spray, Pinnacle Signature Series II Wax squeegy thing Klasse All-In-One Polish Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze Wolfgang black diamond tire gel bunch of good microfiber towels and of course pinnacle microfiber towel laundry detergent I was able to get the cars (Red MS6 and Dark Blue CX-7) looking decent this year, but I did not have the proper pads to remove all the scratches. I think the XMT4 compound will get everything out with the proper pads. Also, both hoods look really bad due to all the chipped paint. Not sure how to fix this without a repaint. I also have some deep scratches that I haven’t completely gotten out of the CX-7 from when the backside of a carpet the was on the roof fell off because I did not strap it down well on the way to the dump and scratched the side, but I think with the 4" yellow pad and the XMT4 I can get them out. So for pads I purchased: Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads 2 orange pads 2 white pads 1 black 1 blue $31.99 2 - Lake county 6" microfiber bonnets: $7.99 Lake Country 4 Inch CCS Pads 1 yellow 2 orange 2 white 1 blue $24.99 2 - Lake county 4" microfiber bonnets: $5.99 The Grit Guard Insert (for 5 gal buket): $7.99 Porter Cable 7424 Flat Wrench (lost mine): 3.99 Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad: $5.99 2 Lake Country Foam Car Wash Sponge: $5.99x2= $12.89 $100.91 ago=free shipping w/$95+ purchase or use amazon10 for 10% off... I will have to wait to try the other products mentoned in here as I did not want to spend $200 and need to use the XMT stuff I already have. Surbuf R Series 4 Inch Buffing Pads 2 Pack: $7.99 Surbuf R Series 5.5 Inch Buffing Pads 2 Pack: $11.99 Menzerna Super Finish (SF-4000) PO 106 FA 32 oz: $49.99 Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 32 oz: $25.99

If I where you id give the meguiars or lake country microfiber pad system a try. They will correct like no other and they finish very well. You can use a high cut compound like meg105 or your xmt cut and it will finish it down to where you can just go over one more time with your menz 106 or menz 85rd. I just bought the lake country mf pads and so far im loving them.

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