Purchasing an orbital polisher..

[Gary07110]

I'm considering purchasing my own orbital polisher and having a hard time deciding which to go with. Im realizing it will pay for itself with just one use. Can anyone recommend one? Thx!

[bucko521]

Originally Posted by Gary07110

I'm considering purchasing my own orbital polisher and having a hard time deciding which to go with. Im realizing it will pay for itself with just one use. Can anyone recommend one? Thx!

Seems like a lot of folks like the Porter Cable 7424 XP Car Polisher.

I am considering buying one...but like you want some other opinions.

Hope some other options arise, as I can't find that model sold locally.

[Kgolf31]

Anything detailing wise you're not going to find locally. The polishes and pads are a definite no-no on trying to locate locally.

Personally, the PC w/ M105 and M205 is a hard combo to beat right now. You'd have to buy a couple more pads...but nothing can really beat it's cutting and finishing power out of a 2 step polish

http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Pack...dro-Pads-P425/

There are other models out there like Meguiars and Groits models...but the PC is exactly the same, and cheaper

[bucko521]

Well, I did a lot of ready over the past few weeks, and today after being reminded with this thread I pulled the trigger. I just bought the Porter Cable 7424XP Orbital Polisher. Hope it comes soon (online from eShine).

[sabbanick]

flex 3401

http://detailersdomain.com/mm5/merch...e=FlexXC3401VR

[Shipkiller]

I get 99% of all my detailing stuff from Autogeek.net. I can order on Monday with normal shipping and it be on my door Wed afternoon... and the site has very good tutorials/videos on how to use the stuff...

I have had my PC 7424 for the last three years. I has paid for itself many time. There are other types and some are way more expensive but I love the PC...

Be warned, once you go down this path, you will start spending way more money on car cleaning/detailing supplies than you thought possible....

One tip, keep all your pads (hand use pads also) in zip lock bags. This keeps them clean and dust free......

[a_riddler]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

Be warned, once you go down this path, you will start spending way more money on car cleaning/detailing supplies than you thought possible.....

+1 million

Don't make the mistake of thinking you are buying your own polisher to save money on detailing. If you feel you will do a better job, do it more frequently, also do your wife's car (bonus points), then getting your own equipment and supplies is a no-brainer.

[Kgolf31]

+2

I'm a couple thousand $$$ into detailing. I own about 8 different polishes; 50+ Pads; 3 different sealants, and 4 different waxes. Not to mention the other misc. stuff everyone needs.

I also stepped from a PC to a Makita Rotary...best decision I've ever made

[Shipkiller]

I have two five gallon bucket pad cleaners. One for orbital polishers/pads and one for rotary polishers/pads. They do make cleaning the pads easier but they do take up space in the garage...

[krnnerdboy]

just get the PC and the surbuff pads and call it a day...I have a couple thousand into detailing as well, but mostly from trial and error...and I'm too tired to get out there and detail my cars unless I have motivation such as mfest or bimmerfest

[bucko521]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

One tip, keep all your pads (hand use pads also) in zip lock bags. This keeps them clean and dust free......

Great tip...never thought of that before!

[Gary07110]

Hey thanks guys, some really good info. here. And I thought I was going to save some money by detailing myself huh? Lol. Honestly it's not just about the money. No one can wash or detail your car as well as you can. Thx again!

[boydgti]

Get the flex 3401 u wont be disappointed

[Shipkiller]

No, it's not about money.

I find that washing and detailing are a form of therapy. It's the only time I can allow my mind to go blank.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by boydgti

Get the flex 3401 u wont be disappointed

Flex is overpriced and not worth it.

I have a PC and a Makita 9227c and both combined cost less than a Flex; and I can achieve more correction as well.

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

No, it's not about money.

I find that washing and detailing are a form of therapy. It's the only time I can allow my mind to go blank.

+930482309480394

Seriously; I love washing my car. It's extremely relaxing

[Z4Murder]

i dont enjoy washing my car at all haha. i consider it a chore. well, actually its not so bad when the weather is alright, but usually i find myself mad that it's too hott or too cold out.

[Shipkiller]

I never wash in the sun. Then I pull it into the garage to dry it off. If doing a full detail, then I start then. If not, a quick coat of wax or use a quick detailer to recharge the existing wax.

If I am going to put a sealer on (Wolfgone DGPS) it has to be applied and sit for approx. 12 hours then the wax goes on.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

If I am going to put a sealer on (Wolfgone DGPS) it has to be applied and sit for approx. 12 hours then the wax goes on.

Just to clarify.

When you use Wolfgang DGPS; you apply. The Dry time is 1 hour. You can remove then.

Cure time is 24 hours. After that you can apply wax

[Shipkiller]

Yes, you are correct on the dry time.

The bottle says this about cure time:

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 is a water-based, oxygen activated paint sealant. After buffing off the sealant, the remaining coating needs to cure for 12 hours in dry conditions to fully bond to the paint. Exposure to moisture during this time will drown the polymers. For the best results, allow 12 hours of curing time.

[007MCoupe]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

No, it's not about money.

I find that washing and detailing are a form of therapy. It's the only time I can allow my mind to go blank.

SO true!

Plus it's a good shoulder workout, at least for me.

I've got a PC polisher and paid for itself the first time I used it. I went all out, 2 sets of each pad, polish, sealant, carnuba, microfiber towels, cleaner for this, cleaner for that.......but man the first time i used it it took me a good 4+ hours to fully detail the OUTside.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

SO true!

Plus it's a good shoulder workout, at least for me.

I've got a PC polisher and paid for itself the first time I used it. I went all out, 2 sets of each pad, polish, sealant, carnuba, microfiber towels, cleaner for this, cleaner for that.......but man the first time i used it it took me a good 4+ hours to fully detail the OUTside.

On my E46 I spent around 40 hours in Paint Correction Along...I wanted it flawless and I got it flawless.

I plan on doing the same on this car

[007MCoupe]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

On my E46 I spent around 40 hours in Paint Correction Along...I wanted it flawless and I got it flawless.

I plan on doing the same on this car

I did the best I could on my spring clean in march. took the weekend broken up into chunks since the wind was blwoing dust all around. but yeah I washed, clayed, polished, and put 3 coats of wax/sealant on and have since applied 2 more coats, claying the bugs off the front and polishing where needed. I don't think I'd EVER get that in depth without the buffer. If I had to do it all by hand, it would be VERY quickly/poorly done, if at all.


Yes, I'm lazy! lol