Tractor Detail

[tguil]

OK --- If there are laughs and cute remarks, let's have them now and then get on with what I need to do.

Yes, Mike and Tim it's "rotary time". My ankle is finally healed enough that I have been on my John Deere taking care of some major weed and brush shredding. In the process of doing so, I put some minor scratches in the finish. (This tractor really isn't a beater. It's a pretty darned expensive 40 HP toy. A most of the time "garage queen" that has been waxed regularly with Meg's cleaner/wax.) The paint is rather soft and of course is not clear coat.

I have my brand new Makita 9227, every kind of 6 and 6.5 foam pad available and both #83 and #82. The areas that need to be buffed are fairly good sized flat panels. I know that I need to do some masking (over some decals, etc.). I've watched the Meguiar's tape a couple of times. Now what? Remember single stage oven dried implement paint.

Tom

p.s. This no more strange than polishing an aluminum fishing boat.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Tom,

Polishing a tractor????? Yeah, that is worse than polishing an aluminum fishing boat!! At least with the boat, I can use it as a giant fishing lure to attract the fish!! (And, to have the reflection really annoy the neighbors at sunrise!!)

OK, I will get serious!! Therapy will be needed.

Now, since this is SS paint, and probably soft, be real gentle. Do a test spot and see how the paint responds. I would suggest using the #82 Swirl Free Polish with a W-9006 Finishing Pad. Prime the pad with some #34 Final Inspection or Quik Detailer. Using the buffer, apply the product with a cross-hatch pattern. Use the rotary at about 1300 rpm.

One little trick, since this will be your first time using a rotary, is to spray a little #34 Final Inspection on the panel to be buffed. This will yield significantly more sling, but it will make controlling the rotary a little easier until you get the hang of it.

Oh....one more thing, ColorX works great when polishing a pressure washer!!! Do not ask me how I know!!!

Good luck and post some pictures when complete!!

Tim
ps. Great news about the ankle!!!

[tguil]

Tim,

Thanks.

I notice that you frequently recommend using a finishing pad rather than a polishing pad when there is polishing to be done. I thought that the finishing pad was used to apply the just final product (wax or sealant) and that the finishing pad will load up when used with polish.

I for sure will take my time. I won't be able to do it for couple of days. There is still more messy work to be done with the tractor. Probably more scratches too.

My excuse for being home on and messing on the computer on a Saturday night is that I'm an old guy who needs his rest. What's yours?

Tom

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Tom,

My excuse?? I do not have one! I guess I am just a dedicated fool!

I usually suggest the W-9006 Finishing Pad for light polishing and a W-8006 Polishing pad for heavier polishing duties. I would not use a rotary to apply a Last Step Product, though I will use it to apply a glaze like #3 Machine Glaze.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Tim